Long-running ice cream business announces shock closure

Egremont: It’s a real bummer to hear that Hartley’s Ice Cream, a cherished spot for nearly a century, has closed its doors. The news hit hard for many in the community.

They had shops in Egremont and St Bees, and even supplied ice cream to places all over Cumbria and the Lake District. But now, it’s all come to an end.

The owners mentioned that the weird summer weather and rising costs were just too much to handle. It’s tough when you rely on sunny days to keep the business going.

Mark Richardson, who ran the Egremont shop, shared the sad news on social media. He said it was a hard choice but felt it was necessary given the circumstances.

People had already started to wonder when the St Bees shop closed for a few days. The announcement confirmed their fears, and it’s left many feeling nostalgic.

In their heartfelt message, they thanked all their loyal customers, saying it meant the world to them. They even offered to help with any unused gift vouchers.

Hartley’s Ice Cream started back in 1931 when Grayson Hartley decided to switch from running a sawmill to making ice cream. Who knew that would lead to such a beloved local brand?

Over the years, the business changed hands but kept that same spirit. The sound of their ice cream van was a sweet melody for many families in the area.

Mark and his wife, Shirley, were at the helm when the closure happened, and it’s clear this decision weighed heavily on them.