The Pier Cafe Bar

Waterhead Cottage Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier, A591, Waterhead, Ambleside LA22 0EY, United Kingdom
+44 15394 32225
$$$ Cafe
(59 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you find yourself wandering the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, The Pier Cafe Bar is a delightful stop that offers not just a meal, but an experience steeped in warmth and charm. Nestled at Waterhead Cottage Ambleside, this cafe provides a scenic view of Lake Windermere, allowing you to sip on your coffee while soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.

The menu at The Pier Cafe Bar reflects a commitment to delicious, hearty meals that cater to a variety of tastes. If you’re craving a classic, their Full English Breakfast is a must-try, boasting a delicious array of two rashers of crispy bacon, a fluffy fried egg, and a crunchy hash brown, all beautifully presented alongside fresh tomatoes and baked beans – the perfect comfort food to kickstart your day for just £12.95. For those leaning towards a vegetarian delight, the Veggie Breakfast is equally enticing, featuring Quorn sausages and similarly satisfying sides that promise a good morning start.

But breakfast isn't the only star here; The Pier Cafe Bar is famous for its freshly made sandwiches and baguettes, which come in a delightful range of fillings. Whether you choose a classic bacon sandwich or a vegetarian option served on soft white or wholemeal bread, you’re in for a treat at prices starting from just £4.50. Each comes with a handful of crisps, ensuring you leave satisfied.

And let’s talk about dessert! The cafe’s assortment of homemade tray bakes and locally sourced cakes will tantalize your sweet tooth. Don’t miss out on the homemade cherry and sultana scone, served warm with strawberry jam and butter for a charming afternoon indulgence priced at £3.95. Each treat reflects the cafe’s commitment to quality and taste, with vegan and gluten-free options also available, ensuring that everyone finds something delightful to enjoy.

The atmosphere at The Pier Cafe Bar is just as inviting as the food. With a bright, nautical theme, the cafe is adorned with views that draw in both locals and tourists alike. The friendly staff create an inviting environment that encourages you to linger just a little bit longer over your cup of coffee, often going out of their way to ensure patrons feel at home. Customers can't help but rave about the attentive service, often highlighting the kindness of the staff who make every visit memorable. For instance, a recent visitor recounted how a lovely staff member helped make their day extra special, even inspiring them to purchase souvenirs to remember their visit.

In particular, if you’re accompanied by a furry friend, you’ll be pleased to know that The Pier Cafe Bar is dog-friendly, making it an ideal pit stop for those exploring the nearby trails with your canine companion. Add to this the cafe’s exceptional cleanliness and inviting ambiance, and it's little wonder why many vow to return after their first experience.

Whether you're stopping for a quick coffee and cake, a full breakfast, or even just to soak in the stunning views of Lake Windermere, make The Pier Cafe Bar your go-to destination in Ambleside. You’ll leave not just with a satisfied palate but also with a happy heart, enriched by the kindness and hospitality that define this gem of a cafe.

Visit them at Waterhead Cottage Ambleside, or call +44 15394 32225 for more details. It’s a journey worth taking!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Has live performances
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Openings Hours

Monday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Tuesday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Wednesday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Thursday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Friday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Saturday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Sunday

9:15 AM - 5:15 PM

59 Reviews
Nu things

28 Aug 2025

The woman at the counter seemed to have truly amazing magic! She was so incredibly kind that we ended up buying souvenirs here. The ice cream was among the best I’ve had in the UK. Thank you so much!

Jennifer Warner

12 Aug 2025

Lovely cafe with great views and dog friendly. Staff were so kind and friendly, and gave our little dog lots of attention. The place is very clean, I’ve never seen a cafe so spotless. We will be back!

Rudresh Kumar

07 Aug 2025

A very good place in Lake District. It’s very enjoyable nd fantastic view of lake Windermere. It’s also an inspirational for many authors across Europe.

charu gupta

08 Jul 2025

Super amazing breakfast with a lovely view! We were served by an old lady who was very warm and nice. We ordered an English breakfast, a veg breakfast, toasts with jam and butter, soup of the day and coffee. Everything was awesome. We loved the baked beans, hash browns, omelette, the coffee. I would definitely recommend it

a qureshi

15 Jun 2025

Great freshly made food including sandwiches, baguettes hot or cold. We had hot tuna a cheese baguettes with coffee. Awesome food served with little pots of fresh salad. Highly recommended.

Charlotte Teece

14 Jun 2025

Jolly little place, good selection for a cafe, including gluten free, and great views! We were waiting for the boat back to Windermere and decided to get a snack. It's a nice place, not too crowded, nautical themed and bright with great views. I asked about their gluten free options and they gave me a dedicated menu which was great. But the cakes are the usual kind you find, pre packaged, which I've had a million times so I passed on that. Ordered the chips cheese and beans and specified to the server gluten free but he didn't write it down so I hope he handed it over to the chef. Either way I had no I'll effects from it so thumbs up from me And when it says it's 1 portion but it's enough for 2 people, believe it! They are very generous. Dished out nicely with condiments on hand. Dog friendly. My son loved his milkshake made with real ice cream and even though the hot chocolate came out of a machine it was actually really nice! Tasted like actual creamy chocolate! Loved it!!

H S

13 Jun 2025

We stumbled upon this gem of an ice cream spot while exploring the Lake District, we got off the boat at Ambleside and saw a sign saying award winning ice cream. I chose mint and raspberry. The ice cream was incredibly authentic rich, creamy, and clearly made with love. But what truly set this place apart was the kindness of the staff. My husband and I had just gotten married and they showed so much love and interest. While we were sitting outside enjoying our treats one of the staff member came out and offered completely unprompted to take a photo of us so we could capture the moment. It was such a thoughtful gesture that meant the world to us. Highly recommend not just for the delicious ice cream, but for the warmth and heart of the people who run it

Deborah Rackstraw

28 May 2025

Really lovely staff, great hot drinks, good views of the lake, and gluten free options. A happy find for us. And reasonable prices!

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