Hazelmere Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in England

I've been a loyal customer of Hazelmere for years, but after our visit yesterday, I’m left questioning why I keep coming back. Sadly, this isn't an isolated incident — it's part of a steady decline that's hard to ignore.

First and foremost: it was freezing inside. Absolutely unacceptable. Yes, we all know energy prices are high — but that’s not the customer's problem. If you're charging premium prices, the very least you can offer is a warm, comfortable environment. We, along with several other customers we spoke to, sat shivering with our coats on throughout our meal. Frankly, it felt more like eating in a draughty train station than a reputable café.

As for the food? Decidedly average. Nothing wrong, but nothing particularly right, or memorable — and certainly nothing to justify the eye-watering prices. Hazelmere has never been cheap, but in the past, it was worth it for good quality, pleasant surroundings, and service to match. Now? The only thing that’s consistent is the staff — who were lovely, to be fair, and attentive despite everything else falling short.

But let’s get real: My tiny bowl of soup and dry, uninspired sandwich seemed significantly overpriced. Bordering on outrageous. When I’m paying those prices, I expect food that feels like it’s been made with care — not something that could be knocked up in five minutes at home.

To put it in perspective: we recently dined at The Inn at Whitewell — a top-tier restaurant known for quality. Their famous Whitewell Fish Pie? £17.50. A beautifully made, generous dish in stunning surroundings. So why is Hazelmere, a tea room, charging nearly as much for what feels like a limp, café-standard lunch? It doesn’t add up.

If you’re popping in for tea and cake, Hazelmere still delivers — but for a meal? Save your money and go elsewhere. Until management sorts out the basics — heat, quality, and value — this once-loved spot is coasting on its...

Went for breakfast and if it wasn't so funny, I'd have only given it one star. My wife and I along with two children ordered a breakfast platter to share (basically two full English breakfasts but on one plate) a pain au chocolate for one of the kids and scramble eggs on toast for the other. We also ordered two cups of breakfast tea, a cafetierre of coffee and another herbal type of tea. What happened over the next 15 minutes was like a scene out of Faulty Towers, there were breakfasts, teas, plates, saucers, cutlery, staff everywhere, I've never heard so many apologies in such a short space of time. It appeared that the problem was one of communication. The guy who took the order can only be described as Manuel. After he'd taken the order, I said to the wife that I thought he'd mis understood us oh boy was I right. The confusion rippled through the staff which seemed to make the situation worse. Fortunately, all was sorted in the end. I think that it was fortunate that we were quite chilled about it, a less tolerant customer may have caused far more problems. I'm sure Manuel is a lovely guy but I'd suggest the he maybe shouldn't take orders just yet. The food was...

A rather nice bakery and cafe on a decent terrace of shops down near the station at Grange-over-Sands. It's the end nearest the roundabout.

I recall this business, or one very similar, being here for many years since we first came up to the South Lakes area. Then I particularly liked the bakery. Now both are good. We popped in to both on a first visit in a long while.

First off, it was busy, which is always a good sign. We'd already eaten lunch, regretfully, otherwise I'd have enjoyed eating here, so just had tea, a cafetierre of Rift Valley coffee and a simple cake or pastry each. As there were no Yorkshire Curd Tarts in today, it had to be an Eccles Cake, for want of something else.

Well, the best cup of coffee I've had in a good while. Good service. Good pastry.....though I prefer something savoury... All in all we both enjoyed what we had and I would use this cafe again any time.

The bakery deserves regular use, as their products look excellent!!

Try one or preferably both, you won't be disappointed!! A good four stars, definitely. I hovered over giving five but would have to eat...