Pizza
International
Take-out
Cafe at Skelwith Bridge turned vegetarian Easter 2016. Serves vegan pizzas, mains, pastries as well as salad options. Also has a gift shop on site (non-food). Open Mon-Sun 09:00-16:00.
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Skelwith Bridge, Near Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, England, LA22 9NJ
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 14 May 2024 by BeeSmith
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Added by VeganLauraL on 03 Aug 2016
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102 Reviews
First Review by VeganLauraL
VictoriaGreenhalgh
Points +55
Always good food - Edit
Chesters always has amazing food and yummy cakes and scones. All their food is vegan or can easily be made vegan (and has been for a few years)
Read moreI particularly like their fresh flatbreads, hearty salads, cakes and blueberry scone! Always visit every time I’m in the Lakes.
Would give five stars if they got rid of the one dairy pizza and dairy milk for drinks!
Updated from previous review on 2022-02-18
Pros: All the menu is vegan or can be made vegan, Vegan scones (sweet and savoury), Eat in by the river, or takeaway
Cons: Long queues, but worth it
Guest
Fattyted
Points +4220
Queues too long but vegan takeaway options great - Edit
We wanted to eat-in but it was a busy time so in the end we gave up and bought take-away to eat outside in the cold January weather. The vegan options were great. Salads expensive but delicious. Pastries extremely nice.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Beautiful setting, Delicious vegan food
Cons: Overpriced, Too small so never enough indoor seating
Guest
Veganolive1
Points +4837
Vegan Options Are Scrumptious - Edit
Visited Chesters with friends for lunch after a long walk. Had to wait but the food is definitely worth it.
Read moreThe menu is 99% vegan with just two pizzas with dairy cheese which can be swapped for vegan cheese. Ordered a roast parsnip & miso pizza, smoked chimichurri cauliflower pizza, sweet potato & lentil stew, mac n cheese and two portions of chips. We ordered various drinks including an oat hot chocolate which was to die for according to our friend.
The food was fantastic, the sourdough pizza base was top notch and my cauliflower pizza with a garlic tahini cream, almonds and chilli was amazing I demolished every morsel.
I love Chesters the food is scrumptious and that's why it's always so busy so there is always a wait. Highly recommended.
Updated from previous review on 2022-01-23
Pros: Vegan options, Vegan cakes, Vegan wines
Guest
Rridley81
Points +174
The BEST! - Edit
We went to the take away cafe and everything is vegan; sausage rolls, doughnuts, scones - everything!! They have an amazing choice of snacks and drinks and the staff were lovely. I cannot recommend this place enough, even if there is a queue it is worth the wait. Even our non-vegan friends loved it!!!!
Read morePros: Todo vegano
Guest
BelBurn
Points +20
High quality take away - delicious - Edit
Chesters has a fabulous take-away which is all vegan (you can ask for non vegan butter with your scone). It has pies, focaccia, cakes, croissants, loaves of bread to buy, freshly made scones even doughnuts. The choice for this vegan is always a challenge as it is so rare. Seating outside - with hot and cold drinks available. Long queues at peak lunch time but it is always worth the wait.
Read morePros: Range of vegan food, Quality of food , Great location
Cons: Have to wait at busy times , Not the cheapest
Guest
MattRooke
Points +503
Pies! - Edit
The takeaway is fully vegan. So great to find a selection of vegan pies, and a huge cake range. Tend to buy a lot when I go!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2021-07-29
Guest
J&J
Points +84
A nice surprise - Edit
We went here not knowing it was fully vegan, so we’re very excited when the menu came to our table. Everything we had was really nice, the chips especially. The service was slightly chaotic but we went at a busy time so it was understandable. The staff were friendly but seemed to not like each other which was a bit uncomfortable. Despite all that I would definitely go again because the food is so good!
Read moreWe went in June 2021 and we’re told it had only recently gone fully vegan and I’m not sure the website had been updated at that time. As I said we were surprised to find out it was all vegan.
We were too full for dessert but took home a vegan brownie and bakewell slice, both were really good (and huge!)
Pros: Amazing food , Lots of options inc ‘junk food’ and lighter bits , Amazing cakes
Cons: A bit chaotic at peak time
Guest
Saldowning
Points +31
Fabulous Food - Edit
Great healthy menu, 95% of options are vegan. Highly recommend. The Chesters take-away next door is great for cakes, their vegan donuts are amazing. Absolutely loved Chesters!!
Read moreGuest
VelillaDeOswestry
Points +3576
Limited breakfast menu - Edit
The location was nice but we were a bit disappointed with the breakfast menu. They only had sweet things and most of them pastries were pastries. Also we thought the staff were a bit disorganized.
Read moreGuest
livingtheveggielife
Points +1944
Such a good lunch!!! - Edit
Had a vegan hot dog here with all the trimmings in a wood fired sourdough roll and chips. It was amazing. Granted we had to queue for an hour but it was worth it. The cafe is pretty much vegan but dairy is served on pizzas (which you can make vegan) and I think they have cow's milk if you have omnis in your group. Kind of pricey but for a treat it's okay. It's in a popular tourist area.
Read moreAlso a takeaway attached with pastries and cakes.
Pros: Mostly vegan, Quirky menu, Friendly staff
Cons: Slightly pricey, mains £10-13
Guest
HayleyBee
Points +436
Amazing food and setting - Edit
Chesters is in a gorgeous location right by the river and with the sounds of running water. The food was delicious and so many vegan options. All the cakes are vegan too. Good prices and lovely decor inside and out. Would recommend!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Good Covid safety , Delicious food
Guest
Pennylite
Points +297
Outstanding location & food - Edit
Loved the tables by the riverside. What a setting! The salads were all vegan. The salad plate was more than plenty for 2 sharing. The date slice was delicious . There was also a take-away section with tables & chairs. Plus a beautiful riverside walk. Exceptional
Read morePros: Fabulous riverside setting, Lots of vegan food options , Beautiful waterfall walk
Cons: Toilets needed more cleaning at peak times, No other cons
Guest
Turnip2Turnup
Points +20
What a treat - Edit
Beautiful surroundings, delicious food, friendly staff, cannot fault it - and tonnes of vegan deliciousnous, A perfect example of how easy everything can be vegan and not a single song and dance has been made about it. Simple, how it should be, and everything’s scrumptious
Read morePros: Loads of vegan options , Bangin tasty beyond meat burger, Everyone’s smiley
Cons: None
Guest
Zahria93
Points +125
5 stars - Edit
Everything was amazing. We’ve come here a lot and I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal. We had mac n cheese, curry, beyond burger and some cakes and it was hard to fault. The only thing was my burger was slipping and sliding everywhere and I have a very small mouth so it was a struggle to eat but it was delicious!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Friendly staff , Inexpensive
Guest
oatmilkflatwhite
Points +16
Best Vegan Cakes Ever!!! - Edit
Was so shocked to find out everything in the takeaway section was vegan! So many pastries and amazing looking food! Went with my non-vegan family and they said they were some of the best cakes they’ve ever eaten. Highly recommend💚
Read moreGuest
KirstieWielandt
Points +90
Best plantbased food in the North - Edit
Enjoyed the best Buddha Bowl I’ve ever had at Chesters, and my partner absolutely loved his vegan chorizo pizza. The Lakes are lucky to have a restaurant of this quality on their doorstep. Can’t wait for our next visit.
Read morePros: Wonderful food, Great service , Beautiful surroundings
Cons: Can get noisy if there are too many families
Guest
BillyTeabag
Points +35
Outstanding - Edit
Superb cafe/restaurant. Had pizzas and salads. Absolutely brilliant. The place was packed inside and out but staff are really professional and everything was run very smoothly. Will definitely come here again
Read morePros: All veggie with loads of vegan dishes , Pizza!, Great cakes
Cons: Nothing
Guest
rubyjones13
Points +56
Heaven - Edit
Aside from some of their cafe menu, all of their takeaway options are vegan. All cakes, pastys, salads, pastries and croissants are vegan. I was amazed!! The coffee is incredible and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. Also tried the vegan bacon sandwich and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Lovely home wares shop too with loads of cookbooks, blankets and gifts. Highly recommend after a walk from Ambleside or from Elterwater.
Read morePros: All vegan, Friendly staff , Well priced
Guest
KathrynLamb
Points +311
Gorgeous - Edit
Beautiful setting and excellent food - I think all of the mains were vegan, and there are reports that the cakes are too now, but poorly labelled, so would be worth asking (on the day we went they were having a huge problem with wasps, so the cakes weren't very appetising). I had an incredible dahl with garlic naan, raita and massive onion bhaji and my partner had homemade cauliflower "cheese" soup with bread - really great food. Lovely setting on the river with lots of outdoor seating, and a great place to aim for if you fancy a couple of hours walking from Ambleside with the promise of food at the end!
Read moreGuest
BenDavis
Points +113
Delicious - Edit
Lots of vegan options (the majority of the menu). Delicious scrambled tofu on toast - best I’ve ever had. Terrible tap water.
Read morePros: Loads of vegan options, Delicious food, Bright and friendly restaurant
Cons: Order at bar, Get your own tap water
Guest
Feetinclouds
Points +30
Beautiful setting beautiful menu - Edit
This is always a family favourite when we travel to the lakes. The setting is perfect with a fast flowing river beside and terraces to sit out.
Read moreThe menu was fabulous and as we have all gone vegan and vegetarian a menu with only these options a was great to see. I think this has been a recent change, but not sure.
We went twice this year. Once for lunch which was so good. Fresh salads, Buddha bowls with tahini style dressings and sweet potato bhajis. The cake selection is always so tempting!
We also had breakfast before leaving. Smokey beans, guacamole and hash browns and banana buckwheat pancakes were delicious.
Coupled with a shop with lovely books, recipe books and home things and jewellery not to be missed. Will always be our favourite.
Pros: Lots of vegan options , Healthy , Lots do flavours
Guest
theobjective
Points +50
Holy crap!!!! This place is heaven - Edit
Wowow! This place is heavenly! Nearly all vegan (all the takeaway options vegan and cafe nearly all vegan) with incredibly tasty options both healthy and decadent! Attached to a beautiful scandi lifestyle store and on the river! Can’t wait to go back! Even as a GF vegan I got cake! Noms
Read moreGuest
PeteDurrant
Points +93
Lovely spot for lunch! - Edit
Really good food, nice views, loads of dogs, plenty of parking on surrounding roads, bike locking facilities, excellent coffee (oat milk!) and nice outside seating area
Read morePros: Mostly vegan menu, Dog friendly, Good coffee!
Guest
Mikee157
Points +34
Amazing find - Edit
Couldn’t believe my luck when someone told my mum about this. Vegetarian in the lakes ! Best food I’ve had visiting may family back home in Cumbria
Read moreAmazing salads and pizza, lots of vegan choices. Lots of vegan cakes too,
Friendly and helpful staff.
It’s busy so arrive early or have to queue but worth it.
Lovely outside seating area with view of the river.
Definitely return.
Pros: Loads of vegan options, Great coffee , Excellent cakes
Cons: None
Guest
FredWard
Points +241
Worth every penny - Edit
Delicious takeaway food, all vegan. The salads are huge and cheap, puddings very sugary (!)
Read moreMassive queues and waits for restaurant at times, but queue for takeaway moves v quickly and ample seating for take away food.
Pros: It's all good.
Cons: Lack of parking, not many loos.
Guest
Alisonc
Points +784
Delicious vegan food - Edit
Great location and mostly vegan menu. Had chorizo pizza, nice and spicy, and husband had the Dahl with onion bhaji. Followed by tiffin and chocolate cake. All delicious. Highly recommended
Read morePros: Mostly vegan , Quality ingredients , Location and staff
Guest
ruthyroo31
Points +83
Always a treat - Edit
We LOVE Chesters. The staff are great, the food is brilliant, nearly all vegan and the cakes are scrummy. Gorgeous location overlooking the river.
Read moreGuest
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