Mae's Tea Room & Gallery
+44 16973 71369+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
10:30 - 16:30
Mon
10:30 - 16:30
Tue
10:30 - 16:30
Wed
10:30 - 16:30
Thu
10:30 - 16:30
Fri
10:30 - 16:30
Sat
10:30 - 16:30
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.
Details
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PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £20.00
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for dinner?
Details
About
With everything from teas, coffees, snacks, crafts and evening meals, to wines, beers, gifts and delicious Sunday lunch, this restored Victorian School is must for visitors to the Lake District
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £20.00
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Table Service
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4.5
264 reviews
Excellent
214
Very good
33
Average
7
Poor
6
Terrible
4
John Oxley
Doncaster3 contributions
May 2021 • family
As my wife I were staying in nearby Ireby we were keen to try the full English breakfast on offer at the tearooms.
It was a beautiful warm sunny morning on arrival and having 3 dogs in tow we chose an elevated platform to the left side of the tearooms with fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Busy as it was our breakfasts arrived in a timely manner and did not disappoint, with the arrival of our breakfasts Mark the owner came running out with a generous portion of cold sausages for the dogs.
I think is was safe to say the dogs enjoyed their breakfast too.
So with full bellies washed down with a couple of cups of coffee and a quick look around the inside of the tea-rooms which sells all manner of beautiful things from local jams to pieces of art - we went on our way to the coast to exercise the dogs and walk off our breakfasts.
Well worth a visit if your in the area.
Written 3 July 2021
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.
Angela S
6 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Visited the tearoom during our first staycation since lockdown. A beautiful building, lovingly restored with a pleasant ambience. Premises clean and hygienic - very reassuring. We asked for some sandwiches to take on a picnic and these were freshly made for us. Whilst waiting we admired the paintings, arts and crafts on display and for sale on the premises.
The sandwiches were delicious - generous helpings of gammon, mustard and salad, nice granary bread.
A warm welcome and good service. Well worth a visit.
Written 16 July 2021
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.
oliverodaw
London9 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
I stopped with friends and family at Mae's Tea Rooms during a charity cycle. The food was fantastic and the cake exceptional. I couldn't believe that when I ordered a lemon drizzle cake two slices came out on my plate!
Written 21 August 2020
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.
Cumbrianlass
Scotland38 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Fantastic tea room off the beaten track. We arrived not long after it opened, the staff were absolutely lovely. There was a blackboard of daily specials and a extensive menu.
I went for the cake and tea option and had the mist amazing lemon meringue pie, the tea was made with real tea, no tea bags here and an extra pot kf water.
My friend has the soup and scone, and a lovely tasting fruit tea.
The gallery jz lovely lits kf things I really wanted to buy!!
As if dog friendly, and not to far from his we will definitely be back
Written 18 May 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.
Christine T
Wellington4 contributions
May 2024 • friends
After waiting for an hour to be served I was given lukewarm soup that tasted dreadful and a crust of white sliced bread. I sent it back but didn't order anything else This tearoom used to be excellent.
My friends fared no better with their food.
Written 1 May 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.
MandyF
Whitstable60 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
We visited Mae's Tea Roomfor afternoon tea as a party of five. We had two vegetarians and a nut allergy sufferer in our party, so we called ahead and they reserved a table or us. They were very busy when we arrived...15 minutes early, but they were so welcoming and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. The afternoon tea was delicious and very generous portions! Believe me when I say my family can pack away their food, despite all their problems, but we left with enough food to feed my student daughter and her boyfriend for days! We went on a Sunday afternoon and they were also doing Sunday lunch that looked very good too! We will definitely return with empty tummies!
We also all enjoyed the artwork around the place that is all for sale!
Written 8 March 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.
km90nw
Carlisle32 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
We have been visiting Mae's for around 8 years now on our way to and from the lakes. We always receive great service and enjoy the food. So when we were looking for a small venue for our wedding reception we were delighted that Mae's could host it. It was absolutely perfect for us and our guests (around 50 people) Mae's provided a buffet style reception however they offered us a range of food styles and choices. The food was delicious and the service by Mark and his team was excellent.
The traditional school house building and quintessential lakeland backdrop was perfect for our wedding photographs.
All our guests enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the lake district surroundings.
Would definitely recommend Mae's for an intimate Lake District wedding.
Written 10 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.
debcox
1149 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
We absolutely loved this charming and fascinating tea room with its old village history. It has been lovingly restored and will resonate with many of the older generation which we are. The staff were wonderful and welcoming and the food delicious, a fire burning in the hearth and many local crafts available as well. A truly great find.
Written 23 November 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.
Navigator813909
Penrith1 contribution
Dec 2024 • solo
I was so disappointed that the quality of this tearoom’s food has deteriorated so badly. I have visited often, but on this occasion particularly I waited an inordinately long time for soup and a cheese scone, to receive soup which was watery and over seasoned with pepper, to compensate perhaps for the lack of ingredients in the pea and ham soup. The scone was so heavy and of an undeterminable flavour, I was unable to chew it, so abandoned it! I planned to follow with coffee and cake, which in the past has been delicious, but I paid and left. I won’t be calling in again. What a shame.
Written 8 December 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.
Paul W
Nelson5 contributions
Jan 2025 • solo
An excellent piping hot Binsey Breakfast, an English breakfast served with toast, sausages, bacon, fried eggs, mushrooms and beans.
It was followed with a fresh fruit scone, butter jam and cream. All drank with a pot of tea.
Service from the staff was friendly, timely and helpful when I asked for help.
Written 1 January 2025
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.
Kate L
20 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
My husband and I visited the tearoom during a gorgeous holiday in the North Lakes, a place known for outstanding friendliness and welcome. It was a surprise then to receive a rather more cold reception here. The waitress was very rude to my husband and we were asked to clear the dirty table we were sitting at ourselves because they were busy. (It was dirty from previous customers). There were only three tables in the whole tearoom being used! The whole experience was quite uncomfortable and not at all in keeping with what we are accustomed to in this beautiful part of the country. Very disappointing.
Written 11 August 2021
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.
987flix
Cumbria257 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
Lunch with friend wow amazing, doesn’t really look much from the outside (old school house/dreary winter weather) but OMG how wrong once you step inside it’s amazing, bright and airy but cozy warm even with the high ceilings, the specials on offer…. 2 soups (2 of my favs,so will have to go back) ! Panini, chilli (roast on a Sunday) veg/vegan options, along with usual menu, I also came with hubby 2wks ago for coffee and cake, delish 😍, anyway while with friend today we both had a panini tea and cake, the cake was homemade yet again and delish, again 2 cakes I couldn’t decide on, so might have to get hubby to take my for morning coffee and cake tomorrow, not sure who Mae is but the staff are lovely and friendly, honestly couldn’t recommend enough & totally embarrassed I’ve drove past the sign for last 5yrs!!
Written 10 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.
Janet M
15 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We were ashamed to realise that we hadn't been to Mae's since Covid!
We took some French friends who had never been to the UK before and were delighted to find that it is as lovely as ever.
We had a delicious light lunch of sandwiches which were freshly made and tasty and filling
What a great example of beautiful British cooking with a great warm welcome.
Written 1 November 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.
Paul W
Nelson5 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
I would like thank Mae’s Tearoom for hosting our wedding reception with around 50 Guests.
The food, hospitality and staff were first class, making it a perfect venue for small events.
We manage to get some beautiful wedding photos against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Fells from Mae’s seating platform.
I would recommend their food and I would not hesitate returning with future events.
Written 5 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.
Sourdough Starter
Carlisle17 contributions
May 2024 • friends
Visited again on a very busy Thursday but could not fault the staff and homemade food. One table seemed to think it was the local MacDonalds and were kicking off after waiting about 2 mins to be served!!
This place really is a hidden gem and is bright, relaxing and calm. We all had different things from the menu and everything was perfect.
Will be back soon. Thank you
Written 25 May 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.
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