In August and November 2007 the company commissioned independent retail research organisation CACI to undertake comprehensive market research with regard to the local market, its needs, preferences and aspirations in terms of eating out.

John Drummond, Kendal Riverside Ltd Project Director, said: "It would be very easy for us to simply select a number of cafes and restaurants which we think would fit the K Village profile and just sign them up.

However, we are very conscious that every population, both local and visiting, has its own likes and dislikes, its own requirements and level of willingness to try new things. For this reason we have taken the rather unusual step of thoroughly researching the market before we proceed any further with this specific aspect of the letting."

Mr Drummond continues, "Following research we reviewed the results and decided further information was required. The results are now being analysed and will critically inform the type of restaurants and cafes that we now approach to join K Village."