Birchwood Cafe Shap

Birchwood House, Main St, Shap, Penrith CA10 3NJ, United Kingdom
+44 1931 749033
$$$ Cafe
(51 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to Birchwood Cafe, a delightful haven nestled in the charming village of Shap, Penrith. This quaint establishment is not just a cafe; it's a community hub where warmth and hospitality shine through every detail, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to linger a little longer.

The menu at Birchwood Cafe features an enticing array of homemade dishes and comforting beverages that cater to all tastes. Begin your day with a mouthwatering Full English Breakfast, perfectly cooked to energize you for the adventures ahead, or opt for the delightful Vegetarian Breakfast, a colorful plate brimming with wholesome flavors. Lunchtime brings the promise of specials like the always-popular Pie of the Day and the comforting Home Cooked Ham, Egg & Chips.

The cafe's hot drinks menu is equally impressive. Sip on a beautifully crafted Flat White, indulge in a rich Mocha, or treat yourself to a Cappuccino topped with velvety foam—each cup is prepared with care to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. For those with a sweet tooth, their Hot Chocolate (especially when adorned with cream and marshmallows) is a must-try.

What truly sets Birchwood Cafe apart is not just the exquisite food and drink but the welcoming atmosphere that permeates the space. Guests are consistently greeted with genuine smiles and attentive service. As Leo Wells describes, the owners pour love and enthusiasm into their homemade dishes, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or a leisurely lunch, the ambiance is relaxed yet vibrant—a perfect backdrop for enjoying time with friends or family.

Many patrons rave about the cafe's delectable sweet treats. Melissa Carr highly recommends the date flapjack and ginger loaf, stating that she returned for seconds on the same day! With such passion behind the menu, it’s no surprise that many locals, including Catriona Webster and Alena Cowsert, return often for brunch or a cozy coffee break. Take a moment to savor the delightful toasted tea cake with butter and jam while enjoying the view of the quaint street outside. Each bite tells a story of homemade care and attention.

Moreover, Birchwood Cafe is also dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your meal in the company of your furry friends. Customers appreciate the spacious layout, making it easy to navigate even when the cafe is bustling with patrons enjoying the delightful offerings.

Birchwood Cafe is not just a pit stop; it's a destination. Whether you're traveling along the A6 or simply exploring the beautiful countryside of Cumbria, this welcoming cafe should be on your itinerary. So, take a detour, breathe in the fresh air, and treat yourself to a truly memorable dining experience—one that you will undoubtedly want to revisit.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

51 Reviews
Leo Wells

14 Sep 2025

Friendly and welcoming hosts and fresh tasty food. Home made pork schnitzel was excellent and home baked carrot cake was heavenly. Generous portions made with love and care, by people who are enthusiastic about creating high quality freshly made food. Check the specials board for more dishes not listed on the printed menu - It was hard to decide what to try! Only wish we lived nearer, so we could visit again soon!

Alena Cowsert

20 Aug 2025

My husband and I stopped here for breakfast. He got the full English breakfast and I got the vegetarian breakfast and both were great! The location is wonderful. It’s in a lovely town right off the highway. The folks working were extremely friendly. Great atmosphere and food

Catriona Webster

20 Jul 2025

We popped in for coffee, delicious hot chocolate, toasted tea cake with butter and jam and a sausage bap. Excellent! We shall be back. A lovely smiling gentleman served us. It was wonderful.

Melissa Carr

08 Jul 2025

Excellent coffee, delicious sweet treats (we had the date flapjack & ginger loaf) and outstanding service. We went back the same day for seconds! A great option for takeaway or dining in.

Chris Jones

28 Jun 2025

Pleasant cafe, friendly service, tasty well well-cooked lunch. Gluten-free aware with menu options.

lew893

25 Jun 2025

Lovely little cafe nicely set out with space to move around without having to squeeze past people. Good food at a decent price point and dogs are allowed within. Friendly welcoming staff.

Chris George

23 Jun 2025

Absolutely brilliant pit stop on the A6, just a short hop from J39. Terrific menu, beautifully presented and super tasty. Excellent service and very reasonably priced. The chicken and mushroom pie was superb. Certainly worth a detour!

Ray Bessant

17 Jun 2025

Popped in for the 1st time to support their Shap Swimming pool filter initiative & had lovely food,coffee & service before a lovely circular to Shap Abbey, Rosgill Head & back... We'll be back...

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