The historic market town of Penrith in Cumbria is one of the county’s best-known foodie destinations. Served by a wide range of pubs, restaurants and tearooms both within the town and in neighbouring villages, it offers all sorts of culinary delights from breakfast until dinner. Particularly popular are the town’s cafés, which tempt in shoppers, walkers and explorers with thickly-cut sandwiches, slices of homemade cakes and piping hot cups of tea and coffee.
To inspire your tastebuds, we’ve curated a list of the top cafés in Penrith for you to try.
The Top Cafés in Penrith
Chapter 12 Coffee Rooms & Bistro, Penrith
For breakfasts and lunches in Penrith, Chapter 12 Coffee Rooms and Bistro is a real crowd pleaser. From the hearty full English breakfast to toasted sandwiches and salad to the fluffiest scones, you can let your eyes trip over an indulgent menu full of favourites. With quality and provenance being the two main ingredients here, each dish is made-to-order and crafted with locally sourced produce.
The Narrowbar Café, Penrith
Take a seat at the Narrowbar Café in Penrith to enjoy delicious all-day breakfasts, light lunches, big lunches, baked goodness and more. With a superb array of meals served from Monday to Saturday – not to mention hot and cold drinks – you are to find something that’ll hit the right spot. In winter, the café's coffees are particularly satisfying, while in summer all eyes turn to their delicious milkshakes.
The Lemon Tree Café, Penrith
A hidden gem in the Devonshire Arcade in Penrith, the Lemon Tree Café beckons for breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty in between. Whether you can’t wait to sit back with a glass of wine or savour something filling, you can anticipate a warm welcome and friendly service to go with your treat of choice. In case you’re struggling, the café’s signature pulled beef sandwiches are particularly popular here.
The Three Crowns Tea Shop, Penrith
For cakes, brews and delectable lunches, the Three Cowns Tea Shop in Penrith is the place to go. Situated in a picturesque, honey-hued brick building with indoor and outdoor seating, this family-friendly café provides a welcome break throughout the year. Choose from a range of seasonal specials and a set menu, alongside an ever-changing carousel of cakes and home-baked treats and traybakes.
Simple Goodness Vegetarian Takeaway Bistro, Penrith
One of the best cafés in the area, Simple Goodness serves up delicious vegetarian meals. Wholesome, filling and sustainable, these plant-based offerings come in the form of soups, fresh salads, flavourful meals and home-made cakes for an experience that is full on flavour and low on guilt. To take some goodness home with you, you can also make use of their takeaway service too.
Garden Tea Room, Penrith
Residing in the centre of Penrith, The Garden Tea Room and ice cream parlour is a welcoming haven. Full of character, it overlooks the town’s bandstand and enjoys its own dog-friendly garden, where soothing blends and foodie delights can be savoured in the sunshine. Peruse the menu of homemade soups, sandwiches and paninis for light lunches to enjoy at your leisure. For a heavenly sweet treat, pay particular attention to the tearoom’s offering of fresh cakes, traybakes, scones and ice creams.
Granny Dowbekin's, Pooley Bridge
Situated just fifteen minutes from Penrith, Granny Dowbekin’s tearoom takes pride of place at the head of Ullswater lake. One of the most beloved cafés in the region, this family and dog-friendly café has been serving guests with cream teas and treats in its riverside setting since 1904. Look forward to scones, cakes, quiches and pies baked fresh every day with locally-sourced Cumbrian ingredients, all served alongside lovely views of the River Eamont and Ullswater.
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