JOHN Watt and Son, home of freshly roasted coffee and blending tea in Carlisle for over 155 years, is providing a new hand-delivery to their customers throughout North Cumbria and South West Scotland to speed up their service.

Previously the company, owned by Peter and Carol Johnston had used the Royal Mail to deliver on-line and telephone orders - however, customers had to wait longer than expected.

Peter explained: "Too often we had parcels taking far longer than the anticipated 2-3 days as detailed by Royal Mail in their 2nd class parcel rates. This was leading to dissatisfied customers unable to enjoy their freshly roasted coffee, and we were having to send out additional parcels and inconveniencing our customers.

"We already had the John Watt delivery van which we used to deliver wholesale orders to North, West and East Cumbria, along with South West Scotland. It made perfect sense to use this to hand-deliver customers parcels throughout this area as well – especially during lockdown 2.0.

"Hand-delivering ourselves ensures our customers receive their orders within two days of placing them."

In addition to the teas and coffees already on the website, a Christmas Shop is now up and running to enable customers to buy items they would normally purchase in Bank Street. This includes regulars such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate hampers, Turkish Delight, confectionary and once again the ever-popular Steven Brown designed tins of biscuits.

And John Watt & Son also offer their customer s a subscription service so they never have to run out of coffees or teas again.

Carol said: "With our cafés now closed due to Lockdown 2.0, there is no better time to subscribe to John Watt's coffee subscription service so that you can get your freshly roasted goods delivered directly to your door. You choose which coffee, which grind, how many bags and the frequency of delivery and we'll take care of the rest. Never again will you need to worry about your coffee supply running low!

"And, until December 31, when you sign up for our coffee subscription service you will receive a free cafetière to add to your coffee experience that noticeable touch of flair.

"By joining the John Watt Coffee Club you'll enjoy 250 grams of single-origin 100% Arabica coffee from around the globe delivered straight to your door each month. In addition, you will get an extra 250g bag of coffee as a Christmas gift from us in your December pack!

"And when you subscribe to our newsletter and use code NEW at checkout to get 25% off your first order."

While the company's cafes in Bank Street and Tullie House in Carlisle and the Rum Story in Whitehaven are closed their Blackfriars Street shop in Carlisle is open during Lockdown 2.0, providing a click and collect service, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Customers who wish to place their orders over the phone or have queries can call 01228 521545.