Herdwicks café — a whitewashed gable with slate pillars, the Coniston fells rising behind it

Coniston village · Lake District

Proper food, at the foot of the Old Man.

Family-run café & bistro. Herdwick lamb and beef from Yew Tree Farm, coffee roasted down the road, cakes baked this morning. Muddy boots and wet dogs welcome.

yan — one, in shepherd's count

From the fell to your fork

Jon and Jo of Yew Tree Farm standing on the fell with their Herdwick flock
Jon & Jo with the Herdwick flock at Yew Tree Farm.

The lamb on your plate grazed the fells you can see from your table.

Our award-winning Herdwick lamb and beef come from Yew Tree Farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter and still working the same Coniston ground. Head chef Spencer turns it into breakfasts, bistro plates and a specials board that changes with the seasons, while Gemma keeps the room humming and local artist Jo McGrath's work fills the walls.

The coffee never travels far either — it's roasted by Red Bank Coffee Roasters here in Coniston — and the scones, teacakes and traybakes are baked fresh for the counter every morning.

Gemma and Spencer, who run Herdwicks, smiling outside the café
Gemma & Spencer — your hosts.

tyan — two

What's cooking

Breakfast served 9am – 11.30am · lunch all day · cakes till we run out

tethera — three

Word from the fell walkers

4.7 out of 5 from 580+ Tripadvisor reviews — #3 of 15 places to eat in Coniston.

“You can really taste the quality of the locally sourced ingredients in every bite.”

Catherine S · May 2026

“Coffee is amazing, food is fantastic — especially the breakfasts. Such good value.”

Sally H · February 2026

“Friendly staff, amazing food and dog friendly. Staff will do their best to ensure dietary needs are met.”

Rebecca T · June 2025

“Even in the midst of a busy Bluebird Festival the staff remained friendly and welcoming, and the food as ever very tasty.”

Simon H · May 2026

methera — four

Bring the dog. Obviously.

Two golden retrievers waiting patiently inside Herdwicks
Regulars.

Half of Coniston walks past our door with a dog on the lead — plenty come in.

There's water down, a warm room, Scoops pup cups in the freezer, and a Dog Wall of Fame inside for the best boys and girls. Picnic benches sit out under the fell for sunny days. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets are all catered for; just ask at the counter. We do events and parties too — a venue for any occasion.

Have a look around

pimp — five

Come and find us

Where

Herdwicks, Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8DU

On Yewdale Road in Coniston village — two minutes' walk from the bridge, with the Old Man behind us.

Directions & hours

When

Open every day, 9am – 5pm

Breakfast served 9am – 11.30am. Please order at the counter — thank you!

Call 015394 41141