I did a couple of articles back in the spring about Café Culture in Lancaster (Part One and Part Two) so now I’m widening the net, to look at some of the lovely cafes in the surrounding area. This is in no way exhaustive, it’s just a selection of ones that I have visited and enjoyed, and I will be continuing this list with many more little cafes that I frequent in my local area!

Blossom Bird in Silverdale

Blossom Bird is a lovely little café in the centre of Silverdale, and has been the topic of my weekly recommendation before because I am a HUGE fan of their blueberry and lemon cake. Genuinely one of the best cakes I’ve ever tasted, and it’s made in house by the lady who runs it. Dogs are welcome to sit in the courtyard outside the front of the café, and I imagine the only reason they’re discouraged (not banned) from inside because it’s a little bit tight for space! There’s also a long chatty table in the window, which is a lovely idea if people who are on their own or in small groups don’t mind talking to other patrons and having a bit of a chat.

The Striped Apple in Scorton

The Striped Apple is a large café/restaurant just outside of Scorton, in the grounds of Wyresdale Park, surrounded by forest and wildlife. Whenever I go up there, I love standing and just listening to the birds singing in the trees, even if it’s relatively busy, it sort of fades away into the sounds of the park. The café itself in a large greenhouse structure, with grapes growing across the roof. It’s very popular with walkers, and with those who come to paddleboard on the nearby lake. There’s often an array of specials on the menu, but I’m a big fan of the small breakfast that you can optimise to your own taste. They also offer lovely afternoon tea options (or afternoon… champagne?).

The café is dog friendly, and there is a large outside area to sit in the summer, as well as a small children’s play area. There are also a handful on independent shops behind the café that are open Thur-Sun, including a gin maker, an independent jeweller, and an upcycled outerwear shop (that will soon be offering repair services for outdoor wear).

The Old Bakehouse in Arnside

The Bakehouse in Arnside is a takeaway bakery and coffeeshop, with a small number of tables inside for those quick enough to get one! Their sausage rolls are delicious, and I’m a big fan of the takeaway pies for either dinner later that day, or to freeze for a later day. Sometimes I like to take a coffee to go and take a wander along the front, or up the pier to sit and watch the tide roll in or out.

Have you visited any of these places? Which is your favourite?