From London to the Lakes: Couple’s Oxenholme Coffee Venture Takes Off

A small Cumbrian coffee business based inside a converted Smart car at Oxenholme station is preparing to expand after seeing strong demand just months after opening on the railway platform.

Ramble and Roast, launched by Daniel Smith and Hannah Zussman, has become an increasingly familiar sight for passengers travelling through the station, serving speciality coffee and sweet treats from its compact set-up on platform one. The business is now planning to recruit more staff and increase trading hours following steady growth since arriving at the station earlier this year.

The couple secured a permanent pitch at the station in January 2026 after being invited by Avanti West Coast to join the site as part of the operator’s efforts to support small and medium-sized businesses along its network.

Their busiest day so far came during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend when around 200 cups of coffee were sold. The success marks a significant step forward for the Carlisle-based business, which Dan and Hannah created nearly two years ago after relocating from London.

Frequent trips to the Lake District helped inspire the venture, with the pair combining their enthusiasm for walking with a passion for coffee. The idea evolved into Ramble and Roast, initially operating as a weekend business serving drinks at locations around the Lakes before eventually becoming a full-time operation.

The Oxenholme location, often regarded as a gateway to the Lake District, currently employs one member of staff and also supports another local company through a partnership with Kendal-based Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel, which supplies baked products for customers alongside the coffee offering.

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.”

Image: Avanti West Coast