THE CONISTON Hotel has stepped in to help the residents of its rural community with the launch of a food and drink delivery service.

And, ‘Coniston at Home’ has been kept very much in the family by partnering up with ‘byRuby’ - a frozen food brand founded by the granddaughter of Michael Bannister, owner of the hotel, country estate and spa in Coniston Cold.

The hotel says its aim is to offer the local community something ‘special yet simple’ to enjoy in the current, testing coronavirus lockdown.

Milly Bagot, co-founder of byRuby, says the business prides itself on all natural, restaurant quality, freshly frozen meals and shares many of the same company values as The Coniston such as using local, fresh produce.

People can order a variety of dinner packages, including cottage pie and lasagne as well as beef bourguignon and Thai sweet potato soup.

Milly said: “I have such fond memories of growing up in Yorkshire. From a young age I was found in an oversized apron, standing on a wobbly stool helping my granny stirring at the big Aga in her kitchen – it’s where my love of cooking first started; so I’m delighted that I can go back to my roots and bring byRuby and our honest, home cooked food to the Yorkshire Dales.”

Michael Bannister, owner and chairman of The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa said:“Community is at the heart of everything we do, even more so now, which is why we are proud to support our wonderful area by ensuring they receive high quality, healthy meals delivered to their door. We are so lucky to live in a fantastic part of the country, however acknowledge that our rural location may pose problematic for some getting their food essentials – which is why it was so important for us to be there and help at this time.”

Order online at www.theconistonhotel.com or call 07872443006, between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week. NHS workers receive a 10 per cent discount.

Deliveries are within 15 miles of the hotel, £5 delivery charge, minimum spend £20, free delivery for orders over £50.