The Brownie Barn by Love Brownies — Restaurant in England

We’re staying next door at Howgill campsite, and popped over for a bit of brekkie, a brownie and a coffee on Monday morning.

Only 1 other table in there at 10:30am, a couple were finishing up their brek. We looked at the menu and found no vegan options on the breakfast menu, so were resigned to having a couple of crumpets with jam. Whilst looking, we were told they don’t do food on Monday or Tuesdays at all. We looked at the table who had just finished eating, then around at the empty restaurant, then at each other in bewilderment. Clearly they did serve food on a Monday but I guess just not to us. Just coffees then.

Whilst waiting for coffees we noticed they do a few good vegan brownies and the mint one took my fancy. I was told by the staff member that they aren’t vegan. Again, bewildered, I pointed to the menu that had the vegan brownies. ‘Oh no’ said the staff, ‘sometimes we don’t make them vegan’. My partner said to me, just get a honeycomb one instead, but at this point I cut my losses, not wanting to give this joke of an establishment any more of my money. The coffee wasn’t very nice either.

Honestly, how people with this kind of ‘no we don’t do this’ business model manage to stay afloat, when many good businesses are closing down so often, I don’t know. We and our group of 14 avoided for the rest of the week.

Edit* I’ve read the reply and whilst I find it unlikely that someone would be eating a sweet pastry with jams and butter wrappers on large plates and used knives and forks, I concede it’s possible.

The first rule of any food business is to make sure that everything on your menu is available. We love supporting small businesses and would always choose something independent over a chain. It is difficult when they put up barriers like Love Brownies. Next time, in an empty restaurant on the chef’s day off, ask your servers if they can manage a...

Having visited previously and really enjoyed their afternoon tea, when we found out Brownie Barn now do Sunday roasts, we couldn't wait to give it a try.

We were lucky enough to get a parking space (free) at Barden bridge and did the very scenic walk along the Dales way to the Brownie Barn. Thoroughly recommend this easy path along the river. A good way to work up a well needed appetite, although unsuitable for wheelchairs / pushchairs.

We arrived just after 12:30 and were warned they were a bit behind due to an unexpectedly busy morning (first back post Xmas I think). But we sat at a table near the fire and had a drink while we waited. The owner was very apologetic about the wait and made sure we were well looked after.

The food was absolutely worth waiting for! Massive plate with 3 big pieces of good beef. Several roast potatoes which were beautifully crispy on the outside, yet buttery soft inside. 2 small but perfectly formed Yorkshire puddings, lots of perfectly cooked veg (full of flavour) and a huge side dish of creamy cauliflower cheese. All tied together with a jug of homemade meaty gravy.

Overall an amazing meal with lovely food and service. The cost was comparable to other places that do Sunday lunch but there was definitely more food here. We left feeling thoroughly looked after, excited for the walk back to help our full bellies!

It's a lovely location, but be aware, it's truly in the middle of the countryside. Parking nearby (to walk there) can be a problem. So if you don't have a plan, make sure you ask for a parking space when booking. They're limited but they will reserve one for you.

Will be back...

Had an amazing visit up to the brownie barn today. We called them on the way up asking for directions to which they replied with " up a cobbled street" have to say it was more of a dirt track but they mentioned they were in the process of applying to have it tarmaced. On arrival I was incredibly please with the views. In the summer I dont think you will get another cafe with a better view. We were served by a man named josh who was so fantastically mannered and helped us while making our final decision on what to get( even allowing me to sample their hot chocolate) we left with the most amazing box of brownies, the best Americano, an incredible hot chocolate and a fancy packet of hot chocolate bombs so was extremely happy one thing I would say was that- considering that they are takeaway only at the moment it would have been goid if they had some form of bin outdoors for all waste so that is something I would suggest but in general, incredibly nice service, incredibly nice brownies and incredibly nice views so very very happy. Definitely going to be going back in the summer. Would...