national vegetarian week is here...

Whether vegetarian or not- most of us will sometimes be tempted by some of the delicious vegetarian options on offer while some may think vegetarian options are limited.

Vegetarianism is a life choice affecting 2% of the population with this figure being more female than male. A balanced vegetarian diet is one of the healthiest diets around and is packed with a variety of fruit, nuts and veg just like medical professionals recommend. Research shows that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Fruit and veg are a good source of vitamins and should make up just over one third of food we eat each day. Base meals on bread, rice, pasta, or starchy carbohydrates. Starchy food should make up just one third of food we eat, always use brown or wholegrain varieties where possible and leave skin on potatoes. Make sure you eat some dairy or dairy alternatives but stick to the reduced fat or lower sugar varieties. Milk, cheese and yoghurt are a good source of protein and an important source of calcium for healthy bones. Pulses such as beans, peas and lentils are good meat alternatives as they are lower in fat and higher in fibre and protein. A good way to get all your nutrients is a bowl of freshly prepared homemade soup which you will find is always vegetarian every day at Abbey mill.

This week for national vegetarian week we have featured all our vegetarian options on our specials board so pop in and enjoy a veggi brunch, burger, panini, baguette, sandwich, salad  or a healthy bowl of homemade soup. And when you order your hot chocolate, don’t forget to ask us to substitute your marshmallows for a chocolate flake! 

Our VIP Guest!

Our vip guest!

When you receive a 7am table reservation telling you to wear your best bib and tucker and don’t leave your curlers in you just know It going to be an interesting day. Most of you will probably recognise Jason Watkins from the fabulous supermarket comedy programme Trollied,  amongst other things. Jason was a guest of Chris Bethell (Barrow Police), and stayed at Abbey house hotel last night before coming to Abbey Mill for lunch. Asking  Jason what he thought of our stunning furness abbey in the beautiful sunshine today he said he thought it was definitely the tallest Abbey he had visited,  but seemed more intrigued by the amphitheatre hill. I asked Jason why he was visiting Barrow and he replied “i've been in the cells”. Chris is helping Jason with some research and gave him a tour of Barrow police station. It was great to meet Jason and welcome him to Abbey Mill but I do hope Chris had time to show Jason the stunning scenery of furness before he left for his journey home.

But who knows, maybe he will be back. what a great guy!

New year...New you?

You won’t be surprised to hear that most of our customers at Abbey mill take health and fitness seriously. Because of our location, lots of our customers are walking, cycling or even running and the Roose to Furness Abbey greenway and Abbots wood can be rather busy even on some of the worst weather days.Some of the staff at Abbey Mill, like most of you, have decided their resolution for the new year is to be more health conscious and take in more fresh air and exercise.If you too have added the usual to your Christmas list this year, trainers, garmins, juicers, fitbits etc, then you wont be alone in enjoying  great outdoors for a healthy start to the new year. Whether you are walking with friends before the school run, enjoying family time with the kids, meandering round the lanes on your bicycle (says one of our regular customers) or walking the dog, at Abbey mill we try our best to help as our 120z latte (the most popular drink on our menu) is only 90 calories, so why not treat yourself...guilt free!! 

And don’t forget, our homemade soup is the healthiest option on our menu, a  bowl of fresh, healthy vegetables, no cream, no gluten, no fat. Just vegetables, stock and herbs. We will also be adding Jacket potatoes to our menu for January 2016 with delicious fillings and  a healthy salad. So why not make us your half way lunch stop and let us wish you a happy healthy new year from Abbey Mill!

Are we spooked by halloween?

In 2009, our first year at Abbey mill, a little gift appeared. On a rusty nail at the back of the café hangs a cross with a ring attached. The pretty, old purple ring had been well worn and appeared unexpectedly on a quiet day. Confused by this ring staff and friends at Abbey Mill searched for the owner or an explanation for several years with no outcome. 

Could this be something to do with the Ghost of Abbey Mill?

In 1996, when firemen arrived to put out the fire at Custodian cottage (Abbey Mill) their first priority was to rescue the lady at the upstairs window. Except when they entered the building the lady they saw at the window had vanished!

A similar story comes from previous residents of Custodian cottage who’s family as far back as 1890 says “grandma used to talk about the lady at the upstairs window”.

So are they connected?

Our ring is kept in a safe place as several customers suggested it may have been left as a blessing to bring us good luck. And after 7 years in business it hasn’t done too bad so far.

And  the lady at the upstairs window? Well she must be a friendly ghost because she hasn’t done us any harm either.

Share your ghost stories with us this half term if you pop in for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, we’d love to hear them . Our kids boxes now contain hot food with a biscuit and drink for the winter and are served until 2.30pm.