Grasmere Gingerbread® is unique. A spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, it was invented in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson at her Church Cottage home – now the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Grasmere Gingerbread® is still only made to her original secret recipe at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. In 2023, Grasmere Gingerbread® opened a second shop in Hawkshead which also stocks the full product range of ginger-flavoured and ginger-themed foodstuffs and gifts, mostly all handmade and home-made in Cumbria. At the Hawkshead Shop, Grasmere Gingerbread® works with a local coffee roaster and sells freshly roasted takeaway artisan coffee. Both shops ooze the ambience of bygone days and friendly staff wear traditional Victorian dress.