Many of us will have missed catching up with family and friends during lockdown, so this week we’ve been asking readers: where’s the best place to go for a coffee and a chat in North and West Cumbria?

The lockdown has affected many things, not least a casual catch-up over a cuppa and cake.

There are many great cafes where people could meet up – and with things slowly getting back to normal we know there are many readers who are keen to help local businesses get back on their feet over the coming months.

So here in no particular order, are some of the best places in the county to get a coffee.

1 CROSS’S CAFE, WHITEHAVEN

Situated on 59A Roper Street, this lovely cafe in Whitehaven has the “best toasties anywhere,” said Diane Aspinall. She continued: “Lovely hot coffee and amazing cakes.”

Kurt Henney expressed his love for the place: “A lovely traditional cafe with real nice coffee. The real gem here is the home baked cakes which are to die for. I highly recommend folk to visit this place.”

2 HARTLEY’S BEACH SHOP AND CAFE, ST. BEES

Along the seaside, this cafe is well known for its ice creams on a hot, sunny day. Adrian Strand explained: “It is the best to visit after a walk on the beach.”

Gary Clark called it “the finest beach cafe in all Cumbria.”

He added: “Impressive food and warm staff. Ideal location for a summer drink.”

Quinn Spencer wrote that the “staff work so hard; excellent quality to the food and good value for money too.”

3 PUDDING LANE, SEASCALE

A personal favourite for many readers, this cafe is also near a long stretch of beach with an outside area for dogs. Luke Greggain called it “The friendliest place around, always smiling and has wonderful food to offer.”

Richard Yeary said: “Cosy, friendly little cafe, fabulous cake and coffee – even though I usually go for a bacon sandwich!”

Harriet Thompson gave a thumbs up when she said: “I miss this cafe so much. Lovely and friendly staff; very clean.”

4 CAFE WEST, WHITEHAVEN

Another one for Whitehaven readers who delight in this cafe near the harbour. Harry Parker said: “I always used to get some chips here on my way back from work – miss it.”

Nichola Myers wrote in and said: “The cafe ground floor is spacious, wheelchair-friendly and seats 32 people. Brilliant ambience.”

Lynn Sherwood agreed. She said: “Beautiful little cafe, serving home-made food served by lovely staff.”

Tim Horsley joked: “I just want cafes to open already!”

5 DEJA BREW, CLEATOR MOOR

Last but not least and sporting the funniest name for our Copeland cafe list is Deja Brew on 47 High Street in Cleator Moor. Many readers chose this one.

Ann Sanderson said: “A lovely gem of a place. Staff are friendly and everything is so clean. I love the Ramen they do.”

She continued: “Definitely worth a visit if you haven’t done already.”