Over the last decade or so, Lancaster has developed a wonderful independent coffeeshop scene, giving any punter a lot of options to choose from when seeking out an excellent cup of coffee, or a good ol’ brew. In this blog I’ll be exploring some of my favourite places to have a coffee, a spot of breakfast or lunch, or just to chill and relax in Lancaster for an hour or two. This list does not include any big brand coffee shops, not for any particularly hipster reasons, but because I believe that they get enough exposure as it is!

A note on pricing: I have used £-£££ to mark out whether I think a place is towards the cheaper (£) or more expensive (£££) end of the pricing points. I hasten to add this is subjective and only based roughly around a particular scale.

• Where you can get a drink and a meal for around £10, I have marked it as £.
•  Where a drink and meal will cost between £15-20, I have marked it as ££.
• For places where it will cost £25+pp by the time you’ve finished up brunch/lunch, I’ve marked it as £££.

In all of these places there are options that will be cheaper or more expensive, and these pricing marks are just a general guide.

Brew

Features: Dog Friendly, Excellent for Brunch

Price: ££

Address: 18A Brock Street, Lancaster

I go to Brew a lot. A little café found next to Sultan’s on Brock St.. Seating is limited and often involves having to queue for a little while outside in order to get a seat (the fact that there is often a queue highlights just how popular it is!).

The shop itself only has tables that seat up to four, and you can’t book. It’s ideal for intimate groups and a chin wag with friends, rather than for large groups. There’s also a small courtyard area which is lovely in the spring and summer, but the café also provides blankets in the autumn and winter – so if you’re feeling brave, the space is open all year round! The café itself is small and there is no step free access. The toilets are also up a steep set of stairs. This is the downside of being in a little old building, and through no fault of the business itself, but it is something to bear in mind if accessibility is a priority for your party.

The menu changes regularly, but Brew’s particular speciality is their French Toast, which changes flavour weekly. My personal favourite is the fruit-based options – when it’s summer fruits with vanilla mascarpone in June, or Apple and cinnamon in the Autumn… I am all over that. Just recently I had the Red Velvet French Toast that was the speciality for Valentine’s Day, and that was also delicious, without being overly sweet (surprisingly), whilst a friend of mine had Vegetarian Pho from the specials board. Well worth a visit for a coffee and chill – as I post this, I’m sitting in Brew enjoying a latte!

Whale Tail

Features: Vegetarian/Vegan, Child-Friendly Space.

Price: £

Address: Unit 1, 78A Penny Street, Lancaster

The Whale Tail has been in business in Lancaster for over twenty-five years and has recently undergone a full renovation. There is a large indoor café area, as well as ample seating outside which is found just across the road from the Sir Richard Owen pub. The café has a Vegetarian and Vegan menu, but with plenty of diverse options therein; I’m a particular fan of the vegetarian breakfast (despite not being vegetarian), it’s extremely filling and definitely sets you up for the day ahead.

There is an exhibition space for local artists, and there are also activities for children in a child friendly space. The café is above a Vegan Wholefood Co-operatively owned shop called Single Step where a sustainable shopper can be ethically sourced produce and provisions such as soap, sanitary products, and household goods.

Stonewell Spring (Quarterhouse)

Features: Deli-style, Licensed Premises, Later Opening

Price: £££

Address: 5 Stonewell, Lancaster

The newest option on this first list, the Stonewell Spring is a lovely deli with a collection of outdoor and indoor seating, just down the street from The Dukes Independent Cinema & Theatre, as well as The Grand Theatre (I used to pop down here to get a lovely coffee before the matinee performances of the pantomime in 2024!). The deli does take-out coffee and cakes, as well sit down options. The deli also offers a wine and cheese tasting platters and are open until 8pm at the weekend. They also run their own Cheese Club, where for a monthly subscription fee you can get a selection of cheeses and accompaniments.

Stay tuned for Café Culture in Lancaster: Part Two!