Welcome to Cakes & Ale
Cakes & Ale, nestled behind Bookends bookstore in Carlisle, is a delightful café and culinary haven renowned for its homemade offerings. Whether you crave a sumptuous panini or delectable gluten-free options, this café delivers generous portions with a warm atmosphere. The charming décor, combined with an inviting garden, creates a serene escape from the bustling world outside. Not only is it a dog-friendly spot, but it also caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan selections. Patrons rave about the exceptional service and the perfect blend of comfort food and cozy surroundings, making Cakes & Ale a must-visit destination for food lovers and bookworms alike.
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17-19 Castle St, Carlisle CA3 8SY, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 7434 668081
Welcome to Cakes & Ale, a charming café located at 17-19 Castle St, Carlisle, UK. Nestled behind the Bookends bookstore, this delightful eatery is a perfect sanctuary for those seeking comfort food, a warm atmosphere, and a good read. As soon as you step through its doors, you’re greeted by the inviting aromas of freshly baked goods and brewed beverages.
With a variety of seating options, from cozy tables for two to a spacious sofa accommodating six, Cakes & Ale caters to every group size. The highlight here is undoubtedly the lovely garden at the back, adorned with a book theme, where guests can enjoy their meals al fresco during pleasant weather. The serene setting creates an escape from the bustling world outside, making it the ideal spot for both solo visitors and close-knit gatherings.
On the menu, you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted dishes like homemade sandwiches, salads, and mouth-watering cakes, including vegan options. One of the standout reviews mentioned a local ham and smoked cheese panini paired with a cheese scone and soothing Earl Grey tea—a combination sure to delight anyone's palate. Many patrons rave about the generous portions, ensuring that nobody leaves feeling unsatisfied.
Notably, the café is dog-friendly and gluten-free options are available, making it accessible for a diverse clientele. The welcoming staff adds to the warm ambiance, often going above and beyond to ensure a delightful visit, even during busy periods like weekends when local attractions draw in crowds.
Cakes & Ale isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The eclectic decor, infused with quirky touches, creates a relaxed vibe where you can sip your drink and lose yourself in a good book from the adjoining bookstore. On days when you may want to unwind and cocoon yourself from the worries of the world, this café becomes your go-to oasis.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cup of coffee or indulging in their delectable afternoon tea, Cakes & Ale promises not just a meal, but a moment of pure bliss. Next time you’re in Carlisle, make sure to seek out this hidden gem—you won’t regret it!
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 arrangements are available from tables and chairs for 2 to the sofa and coffee table for 6. When the weather allows, there are beautiful gardens with a book theme to the rear with various seating arrangements. Food is fabulous, made on site, with generous portions. I opted for the local ham and smoked cheese panini, cheese scone, and Earl Grey tea. The staff were very welcoming and particularly ran off their feet on my Sunday visit. This was probably due to the suggestions of staff at the Castle at their national lottery free entry weekend. I was advised by staff that they run the cafe at the Castle during the traditional tourist season. There was an all-purpose toilet facility within the cafe, lots of interesting heritage information on the walls, and plenty of book reading encouragement. It's definitely worth the visit, and if you have to wait for a table, it's worth it.
Great cafe, lovely people and fab food. Whilst the name suggests it’s well cake and ale, it have a really nice menu for breakfast and lunch. We had lunch here. It’s both gluten free and dog friendly which is a plus. Really nice atmosphere and decor, down a little alley (Long Lane) and connected to a bookshop!! What more could you want on a damp afternoon in Carlisle?
Lovely little cafe with, most importantly, plenty of vegan options, so I wasn’t bored while my husband spent ages in the bookshop!
Discover this little oasis down the narrow Long Lane or through the back of the Bookcase bookshop. Cakes and Ale serves wholesome, homemade sandwiches, salads, other savouries, cakes, scones, etc. together with tea, coffee and a small selection of bottled ales. It's all good, but what really sets this place apart is that it's a quiet oasis of calm with an enclosed garden, if weather permits, all looked over by lovely staff. Somewhere to sit with the books you've bought in the bookshop above, or to find sustenance if you're browsing is taking longer than expected!
My absolute favourite place to escape the world. Armed with a book, hot beverage (or alcoholic one) and something yummy to eat (just look at the scale of that coffee cake in the photo). Im able to cocoon myself from anything knowing I will be left alone to enjoy
Lovely cafe inside bookends bookstore. Definitely worth a visit when in Carlisle. Delicious cakes and scones, great atmosphere and when the weather is good their garden is fantastic for coffee and lunch.
Probably the nicest place in Carlisle. Bright, comfortable and spacious inside seating area. Intresting and quirky decor throughout. Relaxing courtyard seating area full of flowers. Tasty range of cakes including vegan options. Attached to amazing old bookstore. Both worth visiting if passing through carlisle (you have to pass cathedral to get there and castle is a 2 minute walk away)
Have been for afternoon tea today with my work colleagues. There was 8 of us which included one vegan. They catered well for all of us. Everything was delicious and we got to take home all that we couldn't fit in I have to say it was very good value for money at 17 or 20 to include a large glass of prosecco. We were well looked after and got refills of tea as needed. I'd never been here before but will definitely be back.