The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery

Went for a late lunch after a hike. Firstly very overpriced for the quality of the food. The apple pie was fairly bland and gummy texture. The hot chocolates were absolutely disgusting had very little chocolate taste and definitely made with water. £3.30 and I couldn’t even drink it that’s how bad it tasted. My partner drank it for me as he didn’t want to waste the money. Chips were £4.25 for enough to feed a child! The breakfast butty had one bacon, sausage and hash brown in a roll tasted below average and not worth over £8!!!

Delicious food, cracking service. Nice and speedy. Loved the general vibe of the place. Didn’t choose anything sweet to eat this time around, but would visit again to try!

I had been here before about 2 years or so ago and was disappointed with their slapped on 5% service charge (tip) that you had to ask to be removed. I just thought it was cheeky and put the customer in a bit of an awkward position especially as the place isn’t cheap. The apple pie however is very nice.

The process of standing outside to wait to be seated is still a bit… odd. Due to us having 2 dogs, the lady that came out to us said there was already a dog in the cafe and she needed to ask the owners if it was friendly or we wouldn’t be allowed in. Not sure how it’s our fault if someone else had a reactive/aggressive dog. However the dog was fine so in we went.

I went for the breakfast and they appear to have changed the layout and ordering process. You now go to the counter to order instead of them coming to your table. Although they are still a bit cheeky putting a ‘tip’ request on the card reader (10%, 15%, and 20% I might add), you can now select ‘no tip’ without a fuss or judgement.

I had a Full English which was delicious however its an extra £2 for bacon? What’s that about? Never known a full English where bacon is optional. There are also no swaps of items. My partner had the American pancakes which she said were very nice.

For drinks I requested a breakfast tea which is usually a small tea pot with a mug, instead I got a small mug with a tea bag in it and that was it. My partner had a hot chocolate which was very nice and well presented.

2 breakfasts and 2 drinks came to just short of £30 so it’s not a cheap place.

Staff again seem a bit split. Some are very polite and can’t do enough for you whilst others are cold and unwelcoming.

This place seems to take 2 steps forward and one step back, however it seems to be (slowly) going in the right direction.

Maybe I’ll return in another 2 years 🤣

Great venue where the food is excellent.
Be careful as some staff tell you card only and yet as all places they can and do take cash. Even after paying cash 5 minutes after ordering additional food another member of staff categorically told me card only and argued the fact. Another helpful member of staff came and sorted it by accepting cash no problem.
Shame some people are obstructive rather than helpful and spoil a business.
Still a great asset to Ambleside though.

Visited the cafe today with my twins in a double pram on my own. I could not have been made to feel more welcome. The staff were lovely! I had a coffee and a delicious scone and really enjoyed my time here. I’ll definitely be returning soon. Thank you!