A popular local business in the heart of Whitehaven has been going above and beyond to please customers for over twenty five years.

Richardson's in Whitehaven offers a unique customer experience that has set a legacy of quality to those who go through its doors.

Offering a range of fine wines, coffee and other alcoholic beverages amazing produce is sure to be guaranteed.

Gerard Richardson, owner of the store, said: "We're a wine merchants and coffee roasters but we also work with the town council to organise traders markets.

"We were established in 1995; we roast our own coffee in store as well as selling luxury hampers of alcoholic drinks.

"We put a lot of time and effort into the community but we definitely get a lot out of it."

The traders markets are often held in St Nicholas' Gardens across the street from the shops premises.

Giving local traders a chance to sell their amazing food and work to residents of the community and tourists.

Over the years Richardson's have also been involved with organising the iconic maritime festival which ran for a number of years on Whitehaven Harbour.

The annual events proved to be so popular that documentaries were made about Richardson's involvement with them.

Local television covered the event but one programme was even broadcast on the national Channel 4.

Highlighting the impact the shop and Gerard Richardson's work has had on the local community and visitors to the area.

Gerard explains that business at the shop has been slow at the moment most likely due to the Covid pandemic.

However, he said that they had been very lucky with customers because many people like to buy high end of the market goods.

The business is family owned with two full time members of staff and two part time.

In one section of the store worker Louise Savage has developed Lu Lu's Door Art.

A unique feature of the store where flower pots can be bought that are made out of unusual antiques.

This idea replaced the guest trader feature that used to be held on a Saturday where independent sellers could come in and sell their goods from the store.

Mr Richardson added: "We are grateful to locals who have supported us through Covid.

"We are as pleased as any local store would be.

"It's harder to develop a shop than to lose it."