Slow service, and overpriced food! Had to wait 15 minutes to be seated (waited outside sat inside!) Order at the counter was happy with the price until food arrived, small portions… after hearing about this place for years maybe our expectations were higher! £6.10 for apple pie and custard!
JediMasterDarmar
The Cumberland sausage hot dog wash delicious, and the sweet and sour sauce went well with it. The cheesecake base was gooey where as I prefer a more crumbly biscuity base. Staff were friendly, but didn’t fully engage with the customers, and I was shocked by the prices, when I could get a good meal for what I paid for this, and co side ring the queue while you waited to be seated, they weren’t short of customers on a warm January afternoon on a Saturday. Good food, but definitely not value for money which is a shame with such a charming place and front shop fascia.
395sarahs
Service was amazing, the staff were very friendly and helpful, especially when myself and my girls were waiting absolutely soaked in the queue after walking from Rydal to Grasmere and my husband was trying to find somewhere to park, they were brilliant in helping us find the warmest place possible to sit on a very busy day! We went for their famous apple pie and it did not disappoint! Our girls enjoyed some very festive cakes.
Doreen H
I enjoyed a slightly different tasting brownie following our lunch next door, only to realise that after eating it, it was made with beetroot and other healthier substitute’s. A great variety of cakes and we enjoyed them all but perhaps one to let the customers know :)
Iggy350
We've been coming here for over 30 years but lately its not been anywhere near as special as it used to be. The service was friendly and efficient so that was great but the eclairs just aren't what they used to be so we gave them a miss. I ordered a curried parsnip and garlic soup which sounded amazing but when it came I was disappointed. I couldn't taste any garlic and although there was some curry and parsnip flavour it was weak. I like strongly seasoned meals but couldn't help but think that this was playing it way too safe. We also ordered toasted bath buns which are always superb. However we were told that they could not be toasted because "the toaster had been turned off". There was 10 minutes at least to closing time which I know it cutting it fine but nevertheless we were disappointed. As it happened when the bath buns arrived they were in fact toasted, but only mildly so. Finally we found the background music appalling. There was a happy clappy gospel type tune which was irritating on the first listen. However there seemed to be a problem with the music player which meant it stopped playing after the first track - thank goodness! But then the staff would restart it from the beginning - I think that's what they did. At the fourth run through of the same song ended we left, only to hear the fifth playing of it commence as we went through the door. There was no escape in the toilets either as the same "Can I call you Dad please father" lyrics were piped into there. This is still one of our favourite places to eat in Ambleside and we will return so I hope the criticism is viewed as constructive as we really wouldn't want to see this cafe struggle.
Gill G
A great name for a tea rooms so we thought we would call in, hoping for a nice piece of apple pie. Keen bakers ourselves we were disappointed to be served with a square slice of pie with what appeared to be tinned apple pie filling. Fruit scone and pot of tea was very nice. Card only for payment, which you either love or hate.
Brian1235
I have been coming here for many years, since the late 70s when in first opened. It has slowly lost its way in the last decade or so. The quality of the food is still good. But there is no service to speak of. What was once a family business now feels quite cold, and the place has lost its ambience. A good example is that you now order food at a counter. You pay at that point and are invited to pay more for the service, which is ludicrous at this point. No doubt it is now much more commercially successful, but there are a number of much better alternatives in Ambleside.
Climber52
The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is an essential part of any visit to Ambleside. The staff in both the Cafe and the Bakery shop are friendly and helpful . After breakfast in the cafe we went to the shop to buy apple pie slices for afternoon tea .
iansA4864CU
So much to choose from but eventually took the bath buns. Having been to bath and had theirs, I think these were even better. So light and soft. A follow up visit for our homeward journey is a must.
kerry martin
Popped into this cafe whilst on holiday for a spot of lunch, there was a queue which normally would put us off but so glad we did. OMG it was one of the best lunches ever had!!!! How can a simple toastie and salad taste sooooo good, and then there was the apple pie, it was like christmas in your mouth!! If in ambleside you MUST visit the cafe for your lunch, you wont regret it!! Yum yum ?
The staff at the Apple Pie Café are lovely - friendly, helpful and welcoming both to me and my soggy labrador. Having been several times in the past I have always found it to be fairly consistent but I was really disappointed this time. I ordered a pot of tea and scone - at just under £8 it was quite a lot more than I usually pay at home so my expectations were high. The scone looked quite nice but it really failed to deliver - slightly dry, very little fruit, More style than substance. The jam 0 bit of a misnomer - paste would have been more accurate - a sugary, sticky, claggy mixture that didn't have any discernable fruit in it. It was a real shame and unfortunately such a poor experience I doubt very much whether I would visit again - far too expensive for something so mediocre.
Richard Coleman
Great bakery and cafe located at Ambleside. One of the first spots next to the main carpark within the town and one of the best. The bakery is fantastic plenty of choice. The cafe is lovely but can get busy, you might have to queue up to get seating as it can get very busy being so popular. A lot of fresh homemade items for sale. Seating outside has heating to keep you warm. Filled with walkers so I didn't feel out of place in my walking gear.Nearby activities: Plenty to do within and around Ambleside, lots of walks and shops to visitWalkability: Short walk from every car park within AmblesideFood & drinks: Plenty of food and drink to choose from. Lots of freshly made itemsNoteworthy details: Bakery within the cafe
wendyp280
We called for an early lunch. Husband had the Cumberland sandwich it was excellent I had the steak sandwich which was good (steak a little bit chewy). We will definitely go vack and maybe try the breakfast
hcragg650502
We would like to thank the wonderful staff who were working on Sunday 29th October 23. Unfortunately while I was at the counter my younger daughter became unwell and fainted. The hardworking staff could not have reacted quicker. They were wonderful. My daughter was soon ok again after being given a flapjack and water by the staff. We went back yesterday to buy lots of flapjacks, pasties and more of the fabulous apple pie. We can highly recommend all of the fabulous food we bought and look forward to returning every time we visit the lakes.
Eloïse Bennigsen
Took my friend here, the food was excellent and we loved it. The interiors were also really cosy. However, through no fault of his own the waiter serving us accidentally knocked a hot drink over the table which unfortunately really scalded my friend. The staff were all highly apologetic and cleaned up quickly. They also gave my friend burn solution and a bandage and offered us free dessert. We were thankful for their apologies! Hopefully we will be back with no accidents in future.
Slow service, and overpriced food! Had to wait 15 minutes to be seated (waited outside sat inside!) Order at the counter was happy with the price until food arrived, small portions… after hearing about this place for years maybe our expectations were higher! £6.10 for apple pie and custard!
The Cumberland sausage hot dog wash delicious, and the sweet and sour sauce went well with it. The cheesecake base was gooey where as I prefer a more crumbly biscuity base. Staff were friendly, but didn’t fully engage with the customers, and I was shocked by the prices, when I could get a good meal for what I paid for this, and co side ring the queue while you waited to be seated, they weren’t short of customers on a warm January afternoon on a Saturday. Good food, but definitely not value for money which is a shame with such a charming place and front shop fascia.
Service was amazing, the staff were very friendly and helpful, especially when myself and my girls were waiting absolutely soaked in the queue after walking from Rydal to Grasmere and my husband was trying to find somewhere to park, they were brilliant in helping us find the warmest place possible to sit on a very busy day! We went for their famous apple pie and it did not disappoint! Our girls enjoyed some very festive cakes.
I enjoyed a slightly different tasting brownie following our lunch next door, only to realise that after eating it, it was made with beetroot and other healthier substitute’s. A great variety of cakes and we enjoyed them all but perhaps one to let the customers know :)
We've been coming here for over 30 years but lately its not been anywhere near as special as it used to be. The service was friendly and efficient so that was great but the eclairs just aren't what they used to be so we gave them a miss. I ordered a curried parsnip and garlic soup which sounded amazing but when it came I was disappointed. I couldn't taste any garlic and although there was some curry and parsnip flavour it was weak. I like strongly seasoned meals but couldn't help but think that this was playing it way too safe. We also ordered toasted bath buns which are always superb. However we were told that they could not be toasted because "the toaster had been turned off". There was 10 minutes at least to closing time which I know it cutting it fine but nevertheless we were disappointed. As it happened when the bath buns arrived they were in fact toasted, but only mildly so. Finally we found the background music appalling. There was a happy clappy gospel type tune which was irritating on the first listen. However there seemed to be a problem with the music player which meant it stopped playing after the first track - thank goodness! But then the staff would restart it from the beginning - I think that's what they did. At the fourth run through of the same song ended we left, only to hear the fifth playing of it commence as we went through the door. There was no escape in the toilets either as the same "Can I call you Dad please father" lyrics were piped into there. This is still one of our favourite places to eat in Ambleside and we will return so I hope the criticism is viewed as constructive as we really wouldn't want to see this cafe struggle.
A great name for a tea rooms so we thought we would call in, hoping for a nice piece of apple pie. Keen bakers ourselves we were disappointed to be served with a square slice of pie with what appeared to be tinned apple pie filling. Fruit scone and pot of tea was very nice. Card only for payment, which you either love or hate.
I have been coming here for many years, since the late 70s when in first opened. It has slowly lost its way in the last decade or so. The quality of the food is still good. But there is no service to speak of. What was once a family business now feels quite cold, and the place has lost its ambience. A good example is that you now order food at a counter. You pay at that point and are invited to pay more for the service, which is ludicrous at this point. No doubt it is now much more commercially successful, but there are a number of much better alternatives in Ambleside.
The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is an essential part of any visit to Ambleside. The staff in both the Cafe and the Bakery shop are friendly and helpful . After breakfast in the cafe we went to the shop to buy apple pie slices for afternoon tea .
So much to choose from but eventually took the bath buns. Having been to bath and had theirs, I think these were even better. So light and soft. A follow up visit for our homeward journey is a must.
Popped into this cafe whilst on holiday for a spot of lunch, there was a queue which normally would put us off but so glad we did. OMG it was one of the best lunches ever had!!!! How can a simple toastie and salad taste sooooo good, and then there was the apple pie, it was like christmas in your mouth!! If in ambleside you MUST visit the cafe for your lunch, you wont regret it!! Yum yum ?
Restaurantji Recommends
The staff at the Apple Pie Café are lovely - friendly, helpful and welcoming both to me and my soggy labrador. Having been several times in the past I have always found it to be fairly consistent but I was really disappointed this time. I ordered a pot of tea and scone - at just under £8 it was quite a lot more than I usually pay at home so my expectations were high. The scone looked quite nice but it really failed to deliver - slightly dry, very little fruit, More style than substance. The jam 0 bit of a misnomer - paste would have been more accurate - a sugary, sticky, claggy mixture that didn't have any discernable fruit in it. It was a real shame and unfortunately such a poor experience I doubt very much whether I would visit again - far too expensive for something so mediocre.
Great bakery and cafe located at Ambleside. One of the first spots next to the main carpark within the town and one of the best. The bakery is fantastic plenty of choice. The cafe is lovely but can get busy, you might have to queue up to get seating as it can get very busy being so popular. A lot of fresh homemade items for sale. Seating outside has heating to keep you warm. Filled with walkers so I didn't feel out of place in my walking gear.Nearby activities: Plenty to do within and around Ambleside, lots of walks and shops to visitWalkability: Short walk from every car park within AmblesideFood & drinks: Plenty of food and drink to choose from. Lots of freshly made itemsNoteworthy details: Bakery within the cafe
We called for an early lunch. Husband had the Cumberland sandwich it was excellent I had the steak sandwich which was good (steak a little bit chewy). We will definitely go vack and maybe try the breakfast
We would like to thank the wonderful staff who were working on Sunday 29th October 23. Unfortunately while I was at the counter my younger daughter became unwell and fainted. The hardworking staff could not have reacted quicker. They were wonderful. My daughter was soon ok again after being given a flapjack and water by the staff. We went back yesterday to buy lots of flapjacks, pasties and more of the fabulous apple pie. We can highly recommend all of the fabulous food we bought and look forward to returning every time we visit the lakes.
Took my friend here, the food was excellent and we loved it. The interiors were also really cosy. However, through no fault of his own the waiter serving us accidentally knocked a hot drink over the table which unfortunately really scalded my friend. The staff were all highly apologetic and cleaned up quickly. They also gave my friend burn solution and a bandage and offered us free dessert. We were thankful for their apologies! Hopefully we will be back with no accidents in future.