THROUGHOUT the year, we have bid farewell to many businesses after unprecedented challenges have proved difficult for companies large and small. However, we have also welcomed several new businesses in and around Whitehaven.

Many Cumbrian locals have decided to open up shop in and around town. Here's a rundown of the new businesses of 2023.

Angry Boba

The shop which sells drinks. ice cream, Japanese miso and ramen soups, rice and protein noodles, special cakes and mochi, opened in September.

The colourful shop was launched by the mind behind King's Corner on King Street who also operate the escape rooms there.

Rodeos

Rodeos which is based in the former betting shop in Whitehaven Market Place, opened November 24 from 7pm.

The pink, cowboy themed bar has been open throughout the festive period.

West Coast Dance 

Opened by Olivia Wood who was 19 at the time, the dance school welcomed students in February. 

West Coast Dance is based at Sneckyeat Industrial Estate, and lessons will be for ages ranging from 18 months and above.

Emma's Bakes

Based in Egremont, Emma's Bakes opened at the end of July.  The café had queues out the door and down the street, on opening day and continues to be a success. 

Stanaway's

Stanaway's, owned by Pete Stanaway, is a home distillery operating out of a house at Hensingham in Whitehaven. It opened for business in November.

Stanaway's sells a variety of alcohol including whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum in a range of different flavours. 

The Three Tuns

The pub reopened in November under Jordan Atkinson of JA Roofing.  The Three Tuns had been a popular pub in Whitehaven for decades and unfortunately closed its doors during Covid, much to the dismay of its regulars. 

The pub was given a new lease of life under Jordan along with his team and has welcomed punters old and new back through the doors. 

The Ribton

The bar opened in August and is located where the Lowther Arms used to be on Ribton Moorside, the beer bar serves a wide range of draft pints, specialty wines, and cocktails.

Howling Wolf

Located underneath the Beacon on the harbour, the new cafe/bakery opened in May. The most popular items continue to be their cinnamon rolls and coffees. The coffee is roasted locally in Cumbria and imported from a small family business in Brazil.

Paw Prints 3D

Paw Prints 3D specialises in bespoke pet ornaments which includes 3D printed, hand-painted models of customers' pets, digital portraits and other pet-themed gifts. The shop which opened in September, is located in Whitehaven Market Place.

Rest and Play

Rest and Play is located in Cleator Moor and opened in October. Owner, Charmaine transformed a seven-year derelict property into the new soft play, offering fresh coffees, cakes, toasties, soups, kid’s boxes and snacks

Rainbow City Play Area

The business is a mini role-play street for kids based in Whitehaven, the play centre opened in November.

Let's Go Walkies and Daycare 

Let’s Go Walkies and Daycare opened at Ennerdale Mill in Egremont just a few weeks ago in December.

The day care centre features soft play sets, a ball pool, a mini trampoline, and a play castle with a mini slide. There are cosy sofas and armchairs for the dogs to snuggle on as well as wooden dog pens, a teepee pen and a puppy pen.

Barnardo's

The charity shop opened in October.  Barnardo’s is based on King Street in the former M&Co clothing store. It sells a range of preloved items, including clothing and accessories, homeware, furniture, books and more.