Explore Lancaster on foot – and by cup!
Lancaster is home to a charming selection of cafés, from cozy coffee shops to bustling spots offering local treats. Our Lancaster cafés guide helps locals and visitors alike discover the best places to enjoy a cup of coffee, relax with friends, or sample delicious pastries. Whether you’re looking for artisan coffee, a quiet corner to work, or a family-friendly café, Lancaster has something to suit every taste.
Here’s our handpicked guide to Lancaster’s finest independent cafés, perfect for walkers, visitors, and locals alike.
Regular cafés
Tuck
📍 11-15a Meeting House Lane
Our favourite in Lancaster. A café and bakery. Stylish and relaxed, Tuck offers fresh pastries, light meals, and great coffee — ideal for a light lunch on the go or a midday recharge. It’s often an art gallery showcasing artists with a local connection. https://instagram.com/tuck.lcr
Journey Social
📍 28 New Street
A clean, modern coffee house serving artisan brews and brunch favourites. Great stop-off before heading to Lancaster Castle or Market Square. https://journeysocial.co.uk
18a formerly Brew
📍 18a Brock Street
Cosy, quirky, and full of flavour. Known for great coffee and friendly vibes — and perfectly placed for exploring nearby historic alleys.
Holm
📍 King Street
Minimalist, Nordic-inspired space serving seasonal food, home baking, and great coffee. Calm and design-led — a stylish spot near the city centre.
Café Dolce
📍 10-12 Market Street
Warm and welcoming Italian-style café near the Priory and Castle. Known for its cakes, breakfasts, and friendly service.
J. Atkinsons Coffee Roasters
Atkinsons have been roasting coffee in Lancaster since 1837. Started by a family of Quakers no doubt trying to wean the population away from the sins of alcohol. Today, as well as their shop at 12 China Street they have three cafés in the City.
The Hall
📍 10 China Street
Lancaster’s original coffee roaster is next door to this repurposed parish hall. Cakes and sandwiches complement the coffee available as espresso, cold brew, batch brew, syphon and chemex
The Castle
📍 Castle Courtyard
Built into the old kitchens of the Castle, with a wonderful sunny terrace. Good spot for coffee and cake after a tour of the Castle.
The Music Room Café
📍 Sun Square
An elegant spot in a beautiful 18th century building.
Enjoy coffee and cake indoors or in the quiet cobbled square.
A peaceful gem just steps from Market Street.
Plant-Based & Vegetarian Favourites
The Old Gun Shop formerly The Herbarium
📍5-7 Great John Street
A vegetarian café and wellbeing space offering creative plant-based dishes, smoothies, and community events. Friendly and inspiring.
Pure Vegan
📍22 Thurnham Street
Pure Vegan is an all vegan cafe, providing homemade vegan cakes, coffee, tea and Vegan food.
Whale Tail Café
📍 Penny Street (via alleyway)
A Lancaster institution for vegetarian food, hearty lunches, and homemade cakes. Tucked away, but worth seeking out.
And for desert….
Mio Gelato
📍 26 New Street
An award-winning ice cream produced in Morecambe, now has an outlet in the centre of Lancaster. Our favourite? Belgium chocolate and pistachio!
Final sip
With so many unique options, Lancaster’s cafés offer more than just coffee — they provide a taste of the city’s character and culture. Use our Lancaster cafés guide to plan your visits, explore new favorites, and enjoy the local food scene. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems that make Lancaster such a delightful place to explore.
Discover Lancaster
Enjoy its independent café culture either before or after a walk with us.
