Joey's Cafe

Welcome to Joey's Cafe, a charming haven nestled within the scenic grounds of Wray Castle in Ambleside, United Kingdom. This cafe redefines the concept of plant-based dining, offering a delightful array of vegetarian and virtually vegan options that even the most skeptical carnivores have raved about. As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere complete with cozy corners perfect for savoring a well-crafted cup of coffee or indulging in an exquisite slice of cake.

Joey's Cafe has carved a niche for itself with a menu that regularly features a vibrant selection of soups, sandwiches, and scrumptious pastries. The culinary team excels at creating dishes that surprise and delight, such as the Bam Bam toast, which features a harmonious blend of peanut butter, cacao, and coconut flakes topped with maple syrup. This delightfully unexpected addition ensures that every visit feels like a new adventure for your taste buds.

Many customers have noted their favorite dishes, including:

  • No-steak pasty - A plant-based twist that leaves you questioning whether it's really vegan.
  • Cinnamon buns - A must-try treat that captures hearts with its fluffy texture and delightful sweetness.
  • Chocolate caramel slice - Rich and indulgent, this treat has garnered rave reviews from visitors.
  • Loaded nachos - Perfect for sharing and bursting with flavor, they make for a satisfying snack.

Across various reviews, patrons have expressed appreciation for the friendly and accommodating staff. Whether you're inquiring about allergens or simply enjoying a chat, the team at Joey's Cafe is dedicated to ensuring a pleasant experience for all. Plus, the cafe is dog-friendly, making it a perfect stop for a post-walk treat after exploring the beautiful Lakes.

While it’s true that some have commented on the pricing being slightly higher than your average cafe, it is essential to recognize the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the happiness they bring to diners. Each dish is crafted with care, resulting in flavors that resonate long after your visit.

For coffee enthusiasts, Joey's offers a well-curated selection, including the classic Flat White and a robust Long Black, ensuring there’s something for everyone, including options for those who prefer dairy.

If you're looking for a quirky, vibrant cafe that embraces a plant-focused philosophy without sacrificing flavor or variety, Joey's Cafe is not to be missed. It's not just a meal; it's an experience filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable tastes. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to pay this gem a visit—you won't regret it!

Menu

Location

Address: Joey's Cafe, Ambleside, Low Wray, Ambleside LA22 0JA, United Kingdom

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
WED 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
THU 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
FRI 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
SAT 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
SUN 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
    Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
    Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Serves Great Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Great Dessert
    Yes
  • Great Tea Selection
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Healthy Options
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Vegan Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Vegetarian Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Breakfast
    Yes
  • Serves Brunch
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Catering
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Restroom
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cozy
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • High Chairs Available
    Yes
  • Paid Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Usually Plenty Of Parking
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed Inside
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed Outside
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Michael Jones

    14 May 2025

    Amazing food!! I didn't realise it was a veggie cafe until I was chatting to the lovely barista. Had an incredible brownie and a no-steak pasty; both were incredible and honestly wouldn't have known they were plant based if I hadn't asked. Lovely staff, who were very accommodating for allergies. Love the cafe and look forward to trying out some other branches in the area.

  • Author: Tim J

    03 May 2025

    We were surprised to find a mainly plant-based cafe here and especially one with such good cake and light bite options! Yes, the coffee and cake were slightly more expensive than most places but all the things we had were of a high quality. One cake was enough for us to share with two little ones. Dogs are very well catered for and service was really friendly and efficient, though it was a quieter winter day on our visit. Whilst they had plenty of plant-based options, cows milk coffees etc were available. The toilets are the general National Trust ones which weren't the best but this is beyond the control of the cafe I think.

  • Author: J H

    30 April 2025

    Joeys' is a vegetarian cafe (virtually vegan bar offering dairy milk) and we visit every time we visit the Lakes which is quite regularly and it would not be the same if we didn't. Its in the grounds next to Wray Castle (also worth a visit) and there is plenty of parking and outdoor space. Inside the cafe is lovely and welcoming with cosy corners to sit and a fantastic selection of vegan cakes as well as sandwiches, stews, soups, vegan ice cream and vegan products available to buy. The menu changes regularly so you never know what you'll be eating, but that's all part of the fun. We visited in November and had a golden beetroot and horseradish soup with sourdough and two chocolate caramel slices. Our last visit in December we went for brunch as they had Bam Bam toast on the menu, consisting of sourdough topped with peanut butter, chia seeds, cacao nibs, toasted coconut flakes and dessicated coconut and maple syrup. A large coffee to go with our Bam Bam toast and we were in heaven. We took two chocolate brownies away with us for later and they were divine. On a weeks stay in Bowness in February 2024 we visited both Joeys Cafe at Wray Castle and at Claife Viewing Station and both are equally as fantastic as the other. The food is vegan which seems to annoy some reviewers but good food is good food and if you don't like the huge selection of cakes they offer, I really don't know where else you could find better they are delicious. On our Wray Castle visit with friends, they had soup, vegetable stew, pasties, sausage rolls, sandwiches and a variety of plant milks. We ordered two vegetable stew, a loaded nachos, coronation chickpea sandwich and a saag aloo pasty. The food was gorgeous, delicious and very moreish and we thought good value for money and good sized portions. On our Claife Viewing Station visit we had coffee and cakes, a spicy ginger cake and a lush piece of caramel slice. The bakery team make all the cakes at Wray Castle and certainly know how to bake, I am always amazed by the selection of cakes. Do give Joey's at either location a try and I for one can't wait to revisit when next back in the Lakes.

  • Author: Megan Spragg

    26 April 2025

    Came in for lunch after a walk and was served by Jacob and another person whose name I didn’t catch. Both were absolutely lovely, made us laugh and made some of the best smoothies and chai lattes we’ve ever had! The pizza twists and steakless slices were also delicious (as was the lotus brownie for pudding!) Perfect after a day of walking round the grounds. Will be returning