Quick info
About Force Cafe & Terrace
Force Cafe & Terrace is a cafe in Ambleside, open daily, with a terrace that looks over the lake and hills and sits a short walk from Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. The brunch menu includes eggs Benedict with Mexican birria beef, and a full English breakfast is on the list for a bigger morning meal. Vegan options include avocado on toast with mushrooms and a vegan Buddha bowl. Food orders come with a wait quoted at the table. Dogs are welcome inside, so walkers can bring their own company along.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention full english breakfast, terrace views, stock ghyll force walk and vegan options.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention full english breakfast, terrace views, stock ghyll force walk and vegan options.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often come for the terrace, praising its views over the lake and hills, and several pair the visit with a short walk to Stock Ghyll Force. Brunch sits close behind, led by the Full English, with reviewers also singling out the Halloumi Stack, loaded hash browns and eggs Benedict made with Mexican birria beef. Coffee, cakes and a good selection of beer also get mentions, and reviewers describe the staff as friendly. The caveats are small. One reviewer calls the food excellent but expensive, another says the wooden outdoor seating would benefit from cushions, and a couple mention the climb up the hill to reach the cafe. Two reviewers were quoted a wait for food that arrived sooner than expected. Vegan diners highlight avocado on toast with mushrooms in place of egg, and a Buddha bowl where the feta was replaced with vegan cheese rather than simply removed.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often come for the terrace, praising its views over the lake and hills, and several pair the visit with a short walk to Stock Ghyll Force. Brunch sits close behind, led by the Full English, with reviewers also singling out the Halloumi Stack, loaded hash browns and eggs Benedict made with Mexican birria beef. Coffee, cakes and a good selection of beer also get mentions, and reviewers describe the staff as friendly. The caveats are small. One reviewer calls the food excellent but expensive, another says the wooden outdoor seating would benefit from cushions, and a couple mention the climb up the hill to reach the cafe. Two reviewers were quoted a wait for food that arrived sooner than expected. Vegan diners highlight avocado on toast with mushrooms in place of egg, and a Buddha bowl where the feta was replaced with vegan cheese rather than simply removed.
Featured reviews
- Rose Grover
“We came today for brunch and got a lovely table straight away in the sun which was great. We were told the wait for food was 30 mins which was okay but the food came out much quicker and the food was amazing! The loaded hash browns were 10000/10 would recommend! Such a lovely cafe and great food great views and friendly attentive staff!”
- Shannon Iwenofu
“Great hidden gem in Ambleside. We had a great meal here. Food was all fabulous and the coffee was great. Stunning setting and plenty of parking. The service from start to finish was great. We were welcomed by Claire who clearly loves her job and aims to make customer visits special. She was helpful throughout out visit and went the extra mile for us , someone who really knows about good service. We will definitely be back!”
- Jack Hensby
“Lovely spot for coffee and a cake after a morning of hiking up hills! Free parking for customers. Good selection of sweet treats and drinks. Friendly and polite staff. Clean and modern cafe with plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. Offers excellent views over the hills. Would happily go back again.”
- Perry Sammie Pi Brand
“I surprised my partner with lunch here while we were visiting the area, and what a fantastic find it was! They mentioned the food was a 45 min wait but it did feel shorter. The location is absolutely beautiful, and the food was worth every penny. I ordered the Full English Breakfast, while my partner had the Halloumi Stack. Both dishes were delicious, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. The service was friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. One of the best things about this café is its location. It's just a short walk from the nearby waterfall, which is well worth visiting either before or after your meal. The scenery is stunning and really adds to the overall experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will 100% be returning the next time we're in the area. Highly recommended!”
- Grant Roberts
“Travelled to Ambleside from the US. Force Cafe is a must visit, especially before a long hike. Brunch was excellent, views were spectacular, and the vibes were great. Dogs allowed!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A place where great food, warm hospitality, and the stunning surroundings of Ambleside come together. Inspired by the beauty of Stock Ghyll Force waterfalls, we’re more than just a café - we’re a space to refuel, relax, and connect. Whether you're a hiker fresh off the fells, a local popping in for a coffee, or a visitor exploring the Lakes, our doors are open. With seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, an ever-changing selection of cakes and bakes, and our famous terrace with panoramic views, there’s something for everyone. We champion sustainability, local suppliers, and a welcoming atmosphere - for friends, families, and four-legged adventurers alike.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Cafes near Force Cafe & Terrace
- Copper Pot4.86370.4 mi
burger and chips, syrup waffles, fresh breakfast
- The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery4.62,9490.4 miOutdoor seatingVegetarian optionsVegan options
apple pie with custard, warm scone with clotted cream, sausage roll
- Chesters By The River4.42,4892.5 mi
vegan pastries and cakes, samosa and onion bhaji, bakewell slice
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force Cafe & Terrace | 4.6664 | — | full english breakfast, terrace views, stock ghyll force walk |
| Copper Pot | 4.8637 | 0.4 mi | burger and chips, syrup waffles, fresh breakfast |
| The Apple Pie Cafe and BakeryOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Vegan options | 4.62,949 | 0.4 mi | apple pie with custard, warm scone with clotted cream, sausage roll |
| Chesters By The River | 4.42,489 | 2.5 mi | vegan pastries and cakes, samosa and onion bhaji, bakewell slice |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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