Cumbrian coffee bar brewing up expansion after success at Oxenholme station

• Mobile coffee business, Ramble and Roast’s spot at Cumbrian station thrives
• Coffee bar welcomes busiest day since opening at station, as it plans to expand
• Set-up at Oxenholme supports Avanti West Coast’s commitment to work with local small businesses

A Cumbrian coffee business is planning to expand less than six months after Avanti West Coast welcomed it onto the platform at Oxenholme station.

Ramble and Roast, owned by Daniel Smith and Hannah Zussman, is looking to recruit and extend its opening hours as its small business continues to thrive.

Operating out of a converted Smart car, which is parked neatly into a spot on platform 1, the location serves a range of coffee and sweet treats to those making journeys by rail.

The unique coffee bar opened in January 2026 after the couple were offered a permanent spot at the station, which is managed by Avanti West Coast - supporting the train operator’s commitment to work with small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) local to its route.

Business has grown steadily over the last five months, and on the Early May Bank Holiday the new location had its busiest day serving 200 cups of coffee.

Based in Carlisle, the mobile coffee company was set up by Dan and Hannah nearly two years ago after moving to the area from London.

The couple often visited the Lake District where they combined their love of walking with a cup of coffee.

Their shared passion grew into a business idea, inspiring the name Ramble and Roast, where they spent weekends serving hot drinks at locations around the Lakes. After a few months, they decided to turn it into a full-time venture.  

This latest set-up at Oxenholme, which is the gateway to the Lake District, sees the couple employ one member of staff and work with Kendal-based Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel, who supplies bakes to go along with the coffee.

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Oxenholme, said: “Ramble and Roast has become a firm favourite with customers and locals. The set up creates a gentle buzz about the station. We regularly see people sipping on a coffee and enjoying a chat before catching the train.

“As the gateway to the Lake District, the station is an ideal place to showcase what the region has to offer. We’re proud to serve Oxenholme and support the wider community by working with local businesses such as Ramble and Roast. It’s great to offer something different to the thousands of people who travel through the station every year.”

Hannah, co-owner of Ramble and Roast, said: “Oxenholme felt like the perfect location for Ramble and Roast from the beginning. It brings together commuters, locals and visitors alike – exactly the kind of community we wanted to bring an elevated railway station coffee experience to. Since opening in January, the response has been incredible and we’re proud of how quickly the concept has grown.

“Our focus has always been on redefining grab-and-go coffee, serving speciality coffee from B-Corp roasters, Dark Woods Coffee, alongside artisan products and premium ingredients. We serve handcrafted sweet treats created by Martin, an ex-Michelin star chef, as well as rich hot chocolate made using real grated chocolate – bringing a level of quality and craftmanship rarely found in a station setting.

“We’re excited to continue growing Ramble and Roast, creating more local opportunities, and bringing a more refined coffee experience to Cumbria.” 

ENDS