Fantastic little Cafe. Recommended by the visitor centre as “very dog friendly“, and that’s no exaggeration. The most dog friendly cafe I’ve ever been to with half a cold sausage and treats for our little girl on arrival. Humans are well catered for as well with great coffee and a good breakfast. Lovely atmosphere with locals mixing with us visitors and everyone friendly.
Overview
The White Hare Cafe is a charming little gem nestled in the heart of Kirkby Stephen, a picturesque market town in Cumbria, England. Located at 40 Market St, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4QW, United Kingdom, this cozy café is a local favorite for both its inviting atmosphere and its delicious homemade food. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or settling in for a relaxed meal, The White Hare Cafe offers a warm and friendly setting perfect for any occasion.
One of the first things you’ll notice about The White Hare Cafe is its rustic yet modern interior. The décor is simple but thoughtfully designed, with a mix of contemporary furnishings and vintage touches that give the space a cozy, welcoming feel. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, sipping your drink or enjoying a meal, and not feel rushed. The staff is always friendly and attentive, making sure you feel right at home.
The menu at The White Hare Cafe is a delightful mix of classic British comfort food and contemporary dishes with a twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying afternoon tea, there's something for everyone. The café takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it’s clear in the quality of the dishes. From their rich, creamy scrambled eggs served on freshly baked toast to their indulgent homemade cakes and pastries, everything is crafted with care and attention to detail.
For breakfast, the café serves up a range of options that will satisfy all types of cravings. The full English breakfast is a popular choice, packed with sausage, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, and toast - a hearty way to start the day. If you’re after something a little lighter, their avocado toast topped with poached eggs is always a hit. It’s fresh, flavorful, and the perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighter, healthier option to kick off their morning.
The lunch menu at The White Hare Cafe is just as impressive. They offer a range of freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and soups, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. The roasted vegetable and hummus wrap is a standout, offering a delicious combination of flavors with the smoky, roasted vegetables complemented perfectly by the creamy hummus. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, their homemade pies are a must-try. Served with a side of buttery mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, they’re the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
One of the standout features of The White Hare Cafe is its commitment to catering to different dietary preferences. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options to choose from, and there are also gluten-free choices available. The café’s staff is always happy to accommodate any specific dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromise.
Beyond the food, The White Hare Cafe is also known for its excellent coffee. Whether you’re a fan of a strong espresso, a creamy latte, or a frothy cappuccino, they’ve got you covered. The café uses high-quality beans and brews each cup to perfection, making it a great spot for coffee lovers to relax and unwind. They also offer a selection of loose-leaf teas, which is perfect for anyone looking for a more traditional drink option.
If you happen to be in the area and craving something sweet, The White Hare Cafe has an array of tempting treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. From freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam to an assortment of cakes and pastries, there’s no shortage of delicious desserts to choose from. Their homemade lemon drizzle cake is a particular favorite, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tang that leaves you wanting more.
In terms of location, The White Hare Cafe is in a prime spot right in the center of Kirkby Stephen. It’s easy to find and conveniently located for anyone exploring the town or passing through. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, it’s a perfect place to take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, and watch the world go by.
The café has also earned a reputation for being a welcoming space for families, solo visitors, and groups of friends alike. The cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxed gathering, while the excellent food and service ensure that everyone leaves satisfied. The café’s popularity is evident from the positive reviews it consistently receives, with many praising its high-quality food, friendly service, and charming ambiance.
Overall, The White Hare Cafe in Kirkby Stephen is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you're looking for a delicious breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a spot to enjoy a coffee, this café has something for everyone. With its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere, it's no wonder it’s become a local favorite. So, next time you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the charm and warmth of The White Hare Cafe for yourself.
Good to know
Service options
✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Free water refills ✓ Prepared foods ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
Location
Reviews
Gorgeous little cafe!! Food was amazing... staff are even better couldn't ask for a better place to eat
What a lovely place for lunch! We would definitely go out of our way to visit again! Our dog was so welcomed and spoilt - lots of treats, including a little snack bag and lots of fresh water. Food was really good and everyone was so lovely! We even brought some delicious home made honey whilst there! Visit if you can
Brilliant cafe, that goes above and beyond for customers and any dog visitors. Our dogs received a bag of treats each, a cut up sausage and a bowl of water. The breakfast was great, and requests were not an issue. A vast selection of coffee as well.
What a wonderful place ! The couple who run this dog friendly establishment are super friendly, welcoming and helpful - They never stop! The food is fantastic, proper local food, a great Ploughman’s and other selections and what a range of coffees (although I went for a Yorkshire cup of tea) We can’t wait to visit again soon! Thank you !!
I stopped in here with my dog to get some coffee and cake to take away after a run. The cake was really good and surprisingly cheap, and they also provided a towel, water and dog treats for the dog. The place was packed with outdoorsy customers which is always a good sign.
Great decor, lovely staff, and the food looks and tastes amazing! Would highly recommend! Animal friendly, so it's welcome for all!
Stopped here about half way through my coast to coast walk back in June and honestly look back at it as one of the highlights of the whole walk. The service was amazing, as the owner came and had a chat with us about local hikes and shared stories about the coast to coast and more. Couldn’t have dreamed of a better stop to take if you’re passing through Kirkby Stephen. It was so good that I actually went out of my way to visit it recently with a friend as we were revisiting some of our favourite coast to coast spots and it was still as good as ever, with the owner again chatting with us and making us feel as though we were regulars through the whole visit, would recommend to anyone!