About Us

shop exterior

Solid foundations

Long-established in the South Cumbria area, Pastures New Healthfoods is a family-run concern with a solid reputation for friendly service, knowledgable staff and an excellent product range.


It was over 25 years ago that Jill and Richard Holmes set up a vegetarian cafe and wholefood shop and it’s a testament to their customer service ethic that many of their early regulars still shop there today.

Richard and Jill Holmes


Each member of the friendly staff strives to exceed customer expectation by offering sound advice and the utmost in courteous service.


The Holmes’ passion for holistic health has always extended to running the business in an ethical, community-minded and environmentally-sustainable manner. Their belief that good enterprise should also be a great force for social change influences everything from choosing suppliers, staff recruitment and training right through to developing the health centre as a community resource for therapy and group activities such as yoga and meditation. 

 

 

Meet the Team

Pastures New staff are highly experienced, qualified and approachable:

Lorna

Lorna: "I worked in the original shop for some time before a short break, returning in 2001, just before the move into the bigger premises we are in now. There is always something new to learn in herbal healthcare and I feel strongly - as we all do at Pastures New - that it’s important to try and help with the cause of a problem, rather than treating symptoms at face value. It is always nice to see new faces when people discover the shop for the first time, but many regular customers have become friends."


Saska

Saska: "I’ve worked at Pastures New for six years, having started out as a Saturday girl. In 2006, I went to university and in 2010 graduated with a BSc (Hons.) in Herbal Medicine. I am passionate about holism in healthcare and over the years, thanks to my academic qualifications, experience and training at Pastures New have gained much knowledge in the field of herbal medicine. As well as advising customers in store, I am also in the process of setting up my own herbal practice which will run from the shop's premises."


Lucy

Lucy: "I have worked in the shop for 12 years. As it is the family business, I've always had an interest in alternative health care. I enjoy my job and find it really rewarding. In 2000 I went to London to train as a massage therapist and did practice from the shop for a time. Although not practicing at the moment I may go back to it in the future..."