Reviews

Overall Total Score
4.3 out of 5
Impressive | 725 reviews

What leily lala doesn't like about Cakes Ale Cafe:
As a family we regularly visited cakes and ale for lunch, unfortunately since being taken over it has lost its quirky charm, a lot of the lovely staff who worked there the quality of the food has gone down considerably. The new owners have changed a lot of menu items, replacing them with obviously cheaper alternatives that just aren’t as nice it all feels very much like penny pinching, so much so that we stopped goin... View all feedback. What JezebelsMum likes about Cakes Ale Cafe:
We had a lovely lunch here out in the sunny garden today. The service was efficient and friendly and our food was great. The cafe was clearly slightly short staffed as tables weren't getting cleared quickly, but the staff were relaxed and calm and food arrived very quickly even if no one came to check on how our food was....it was lovely and we didn't need anything, but a check would have been good had we needed it.... View all feedback.

Reviews from various websites

Gastroranking-it
3.2 ★ from 50 reviews
Willow
03.09.2024 - 04:51

It is a fabulous place to grab a bite and a cuppa. Located at the rear of Bookends, there's also an entrance in the alleyway to the side. Various seating arrang...

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Penaran
03.09.2024 - 04:51

Grumpy staff. It seemed like a chore for them to seat us. Grumpy customers. No atmosphere. It felt dingy and depressing. We left before ordering.

Cosmopolitan800580
03.09.2024 - 04:51

This restaurant is a great place to relax with a slow coffee and cake after browsing through the fantastic second-hand bookshop next door. Just be aware that so...

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Ian
03.09.2024 - 04:51

Cake ale offers a unique cultural atmosphere with its adjacent bookshop and nightly events. The homemade menu items, charming layout, and beautiful gardens make...

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maureen
03.09.2024 - 04:51

Total shambles. Anyone ordering coffee and scone didn't get scone till about 20 minutes later.. came to table 3 times to ask who ordered bacon roll, 3 times the...

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A charming tea house with a cozy atmosphere and attached bookshop offering delicious homemade food. While some reviews mention slow service and small portions, the overall experience seems to be positive, with friendly staff and beautiful garden seating. The menu caters to vegans and gluten-free diners at affordable prices. The place is described as a hidden gem in Carlisle, perfect for a leisurely coffee, cake, or afternoon tea. The unique setting, with old books for sale, adds to the charm of this lovely spot for snacking, eating, and enjoying the beautiful garden.

Tripadvisor
4.1 ★ from 143 reviews
Melani
05.10.2023 - 11:52

I used to love this place, the quirkiness, the food, the service. Now the service is not as friendly and the food was terrible last time I was there. DO NOT try...

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leily
05.10.2023 - 11:52

As a family we regularly visited cakes and ale for lunch, unfortunately since being taken over it has lost its quirky charm, a lot of the lovely staff who worke...

read more
Dennis
05.10.2023 - 11:52

Stop here either before or after visiting the bookshop. Friendly staff and lots of different places to sit.

Lorie
05.10.2023 - 11:52

What a sweet little spot for lunch! We sat in the charming garden for homemade carrots ginger soup, cheese scones, various sandwiches, cookies and, of course, t...

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JezebelsMum
05.10.2023 - 11:52

We had a lovely lunch here out in the sunny garden today. The service was efficient and friendly and our food was great. The cafe was clearly slightly short sta...

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Menu
4.4 ★ from 9 reviews
Mia
07.11.2022 - 10:32

I had the most amazing jaffa cake, even in the offer were vegan folding jackets, lemon drop cake and obligatory chocolate brownie they charge 50p extra for heel...

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Jim
07.11.2022 - 10:32

Vegan flavors are more limited. soy milk without additional cost (and not) in my coffee. good coffee. hafermilch was 50p extra

Ruth
07.11.2022 - 10:32

Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff, huge salad bowl for £6, alternative milk available updated by previous review on 2021-09-23

Wendy
08.12.2022 - 05:27

Great cafe, snacking eating and a beautiful sunfall garden in the back. beloved to fruit trees that hopefully can be used to serve something chutney with the fo...

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Таисия
08.12.2022 - 05:27

My god! This place is amazing! Its a very lovely hidden gem of carlisle. The inside of the tea house is beautiful and welcoming. The staff are friendly and ther...

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Facebook
4.6 ★ from 83 reviews
Google
4.4 ★ from 117 reviews
Restaurantguru
4.4 ★ from 268 reviews
Gastroranking-uk
4.2 ★ from 237 reviews
Int Restaurants
4.5 ★ from 225 reviews
Happycow
4.0 ★ from 3 reviews

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