One of Europe’s largest outdoor activity centres, YMCA Lakeside near Newby Bridge, has a new catering partner, BaxterStorey.
BaxterStorey, is Britain’s biggest independent catering company with a growing number of Cumbrian clients including Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, Sellafield, BAE Systems in Barrow and Pirelli Carlisle.
The partnership sees new chef manager Matthew Adamson take over the responsibility of producing 25,000 nutritious meals for over 6,000 young people who visit the centre each year. His first task has been to recruit three kitchen staff and to create and plan new menus.
Watch what some of our young people thought about their first visit to the Den:
Matt, who started in post at the end of April (2025) has been getting to know his new customers. For the first time he says he will be catering for a younger audience, nine to 18-year olds.
Matt said: “It’s going to be important to find clever ways to add healthier foods like vegetables and pulses into their diet. We will also be catering for diverse tastes and different dietary requirements.
Our company ethos is to prioritise seasonal produce, cooking from scratch, and buying local to support Cumbrian food producers.
“Because Lakeside has its own kitchen, we meet two essential components of children and young people’s well-being: outdoor activity and nutritious eating. We know being outdoors can positively impact appetite so my menu planning with be about whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats to fuel their adventure,” adds Matt.
To help educate young people about healthy eating, and where their food comes from, information now features on the dining room walls.
Baxterstorey is recognised for its commitment to providing fresh, locally-sourced food, sustainability and using it’s skills and resources to benefit the wider community.
