What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Bluebird Cafe
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Cafe on the shores of Coniston Water serving hot and cold drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, ice cream, delicious hot and cold food options and a large choice of homemade cakes. Vegan, GF and dairy free diets all catered for. Lots of outside seating with a beautiful view of the lake. Screens in place inside between tables. Ordering can be done at your table via a simple app or at the counter. No table reservation required.
Features
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Dog Friendly
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Is this restaurant romantic?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 - 17:00
Monday
9:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
9:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
9:30 - 17:00
Thursday
9:30 - 17:00
Friday
9:30 - 17:00
Saturday
9:30 - 17:00
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4.4
1,728 reviews
Excellent
963
Very good
561
Average
117
Poor
49
Terrible
38
missyhall
Norwich257 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Partner enjoyed his banana milkshake a lot. Made with ice-cream and sauces.
I ordered the dairy free hot chocolate. After reviewing my receipt I realised that I'd been charged extra for oat milk despite the menu listing stating it was a dairy free hot chocolate and there was no mention of the surcharge for oat milk with the hot chocolate (unlike with coffee detailed elsewhere on menu).
I raised this query at the till. The server said it was added automatically and did give me a refund as I pointed out the surcharge is not detailed on the menu. It was a warming drink.
Good views of the lake. Pleasant café.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon W
Gloucester4 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
My hubby and I popped to this lovely cafe after we had taken a boat out on the beautiful Coniston Lake. We had already had a fantastic morning sightseeing this area and had worked up an appetite!
Wow…this cafe was the best we have visited in years. It was amazing in so many ways:
Firstly, the staff were welcoming and knowledgeable about their menu.
Secondly, the surroundings were picturesque and, more importantly, scrupulously clean.
Lastly, the food was outstanding. I honestly cannot remember having such a wonderful lunch. It was also good value for money.
I ordered a homemade tomato and red pepper soup. It was dreamy. I also had a toasted sandwich, which was, again, delicious. My meal was made even more perfect with the addition of homemade coleslaw and crisps. Altogether, I was blown away by my meal. I could not fault it.
My hubby was equally as happy with his Cumberland sausage bap, which was hearty and tasty.
To finish we shared a massive slice of coffee and walnut cake. Whoever makes the cakes needs an award. Scrumptious.
Make sure you visit this cafe; it’s a hidden gem 😍
Written 30 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph N
Huddersfield104 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
After many years of visiting the Bluebird Cafe in Coniston, it still doesn’t disappoint.
The menu, whilst simple does offer a wide range of options for all tastes. The ability to order from an app means no queueing or waiting in this popular café
Drinks and food arrived, promptly and were consumed while we had the stunning views across the lake.
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hr1000
Crawley61 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
I am a regular at the cafe and have always found it to be a great place. The staff are friendly and efficient, good atmosphere and great views. However my last visit was very disappointing. I had the hot smoked salmon salad. The salmon itself was so salty it was almost inedible and it was served on a bed of the most unimaginative salad ever. A pile of kos lettuce with rocket, sliced cucumber and a little sun dried tomato drizzled with mayo. Very uninspiring and quite tasteless. I'll be back but sadly not for food
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellerclass
Farnham1235 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
We parked up in the town and walked down to the lake to find this superb café which was very well attended. The weather was superb and the parking by the lake was vast. We called inside the café and had two small 187ml bottles of white wine costing £11 and one ginger beer at £3. We then sat outside enjoying the atmosphere and vast wildlife which lined the lake near the café. The views from this area are brilliant and we spent over 2 hours just relaxing in the sunshine. The staff at the Bluebird Café were very friendly and efficient and we did really enjoy our pitstop here.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bmcmj
Glasgow24 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
I looked online at the menu and could only see chocolate brownies as marked gluten free.
I have coeliac disease and have been made very ill in the past with cross contamination.
I sent an email asking about gluten free and I received a rude reply from someone by the name of Amy Dixon. She informed me that they do sell some gluten free food but didn't make the space on the menu to include that information and as I am not a mind reader I had to ask before travelling there. There was absolutely no need for the rude reply I received. I am confused as to why they would be so rude to a potential customer.
Written 5 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Bristol2174 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
This is a delightful location on the side of Coniston Lake, near Coniston village.
The café serves breakfast, drinks, soups, hot and cold sandwiches and cakes as well as ice cream.
There is seating inside, outside under cover and out in the open, with views of the lake and boats and launches arriving at the jetty.
We visited twice during our stay in the area and were happy with the service and food both times.
There are a few free parking spaces behind the café, otherwise there is a large pay and display car park nearby.
Be warned that the café closes surprisingly early – 4pm on a lovely sunny afternoon in September.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleanor C
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Menu was simple but with enough choice to suit everyone in our party. Service was friendly and lightning fast. Straightforward lunch dishes like toasties and soup excellently done, and with nice little touches like hand fried crisps and delicious coleslaw on the side. I’m only sorry I didn’t have room for cake, because the enormous slice delivered to the table next door made me very jealous.
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan T
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • couples
We have been coming to the bluebird cafe for over 30 years now, but unfortunately on this last occasion it was not a very good experience. We had walked to the lake and stopped at the kiosk for a latte and cappuccino, expecting it to be the same quality that is served inside. This was not the case. My latte was made with water and not milk and tasted very weak. My husbands cappuccino was also tasteless. My husband went into the cafe and mentioned to the gentleman that had served us that the coffees were terrible and not what we had come to expect. His reply was that they are good value for what you get and flounced off!
What a very bad attitude to have. Unfortunately this experience has put us off ever going here again as I can make better at home.
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SouthYorks
Barnsley391 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
We had lunch at The Bluebird Cafe twice during our stay in Coniston, and enjoyed it on both occasions.
The cafe has a good choice of savoury and sweet options and nothing is hugely expensive.
The cafe has great views over Coniston Water and service is friendly and very efficient.
Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DawnyL79
Selsey55 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Excellent. Brilliant ordering system enabling you to scan and order at your table (you could queue if you wanted), really quick service, very reasonable prices considering the stunning location, and really good food.
The selection was perfect, we had the deli hot dog with pulled pork which was delicious. The milkshakes and thick and lovely and the iced latte with whipped cream was the best we’ve had.
We liked it so much we went back after our boat trip for tea and cake!
Fully recommend.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bev006
14 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
Having been a regular visitor to Coniston but never having visited this cafe before, we were really looking forward to visiting for breakfast today. It was very disappointing. Eggs could only be served fried because ‘the kitchen can’t cope’, the bacon and sausage were poor quality and obviously reheated, hash browns out of a packet, coffee poor- and at £44 for 4 breakfasts, one of which ended up being just one mushroom and half a tomato due to staff being unwilling to offer any other sort of egg- not cheap either!
What a shame- this place could be wonderful but obviously the management just want to maximise profit at the expense of service and quality.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anthony
Devon68 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
Had 2 special chicken wrap consisting of horrible tasting bits of breast and slaw and salmon salad consisting of iceberg lettuce and cucumber and some broke up up salmon. Worst much I have had. Milkshake was ice bits and not great. Service was good. Would avoid in future.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan
Oxford5 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
The nicest and most attentive staff I have experienced in a cafe in the area! The cafe was closing and we had a lot of food and drink left. The staff member was extremely helpful and offered to bring out a plethora of takeaway cups and boxes for us to take our food away with us! Would highly recommend the food as well, it is always top notch and we’ve been coming here for years! 10/10
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JillB105
Richmond24 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Great spot on the lake at Coniston.
Clean, no shortage of staff, tasty hot food.
Clever windows in the outside seating area that can be adjusted according to weather.
The staff were friendly and went the extra mile.
After accidentally knocking over a large glass of Latte it was cleared up with no fuss.
We had moved tables, a word of sympathy from a member of staff and a replacement coffee was brought to me.
As a result I felt staff cared and the coffee brought a smile to my face.
Not to mention this welcome customer service was witnessed by those around and word will spread.
I’d come back and rate it as the highest cafe in Coniston for offer and service.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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