The Caf is situated at the back of The Mill Yard by the river. It's tricky to find but is well worth the effort. Based in the old bobbin loft with some of the old line workings still in place. We have traditional seating plus a cosy sofa area inside and outside decking overlooking the river Kent for warmer days.
Our menu starts with stupendous traditional breakfasts, lovely lunches with daily specials, cakes, cream teas & much more. We bake our own bread & cakes, & cook nearly all our own food so we know what goes into it if you have any dietary needs. Not just a Caf we provide other services including Outside catering & buffets, 'Wilf's Away' and Venue for hire for all occasions.
Our menu starts with stupendous traditional breakfasts, lovely lunches with daily specials, cakes, cream teas & much more. We bake our own bread & cakes, & cook nearly all our own food so we know what goes into it if you have any dietary needs. Not just a Caf we provide other services including Outside catering & buffets, 'Wilf's Away' and Venue for hire for all occasions.
Services
We make nearly all of our menu meals & snacks here on site at the Caf. We have a second kitchen where James, our baker, bakes nearly all our bread & the cakes. He just can't keep up with the number of rolls we get through for bacon / sausage butties so we buy those fresh everyday from Mores Bakery in the Mill Yard.
We offer a range of outside catering services for all kinds of functions. A Wedding anniversary, a significant birthday, a family get together, a group celebration, a cruise on the Coniston Gondola? We have carefully thought out all of Wilf's Buffet Menus to give a balance that caters for a variety of diets and is visually (and actually) very appetising!
Our aim is to provide tasty ready meals that you don't have to think about! Supplied frozen or ready to go into the oven, they are all cooked in our kitchen at the Mill Yard using fresh local products where ever possible. We can supply the following meaty, fishy and veggie meals, hot & cold sweets and a selection of 'extras'.
We will set up the buffet on a suitable table or surface covered if necessary, with a paper banqueting cloth. The price includes tasteful disposable crockery and cutlery, (all biodegradable), serviettes, setting up & washing up of dishes supplied by Wilf's. A minimum deposit of 50 is required for confirmation of booking and the balance due on presentation.
The Victorian steam yacht 'Gondola' has been completely rebuilt by the National Trust & now has daily sailings round Lake Coniston giving the public a chance to sail in her sumptuous, upholstered saloons. The Gondola is also available for private charters, a beautiful venue for groups of a maximum 40 people (with food) celebrating an occasion whilst viewing Conistons spectacular scenery.
Reviews (15)
Peter Gaukroger
Jan 06, 2022
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Peter Hall
Dec 29, 2021
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There was probably a time where what these guys served up would have passed muster. Unfortunately, time and the food industry have past them by and this tired cafe with its dire food, watery soups and coffee that looks, smells and taste like drain run off really doesn’t meet anyones minimum standards.
The interior is dated, drab and dingy. The service is okay, but slow and the menu really is over priced for what it is.
Given the competition in the yard now, we struggled to work out how it’s still going….I assume by the very fact that there is a captive audience of walkers, bikers and tourists
The interior is dated, drab and dingy. The service is okay, but slow and the menu really is over priced for what it is.
Given the competition in the yard now, we struggled to work out how it’s still going….I assume by the very fact that there is a captive audience of walkers, bikers and tourists
Nigel Hill
Dec 06, 2021
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Mark Naish
Nov 20, 2021
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Jayne Ashworth
Nov 07, 2021
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S. Lewth
Oct 24, 2021
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Ali
Aug 17, 2021
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David Wimmer
Jul 20, 2021
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Graham Todd
May 11, 2020
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Zachary C.
Sep 16, 2015
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Really great location and tasty food. I went twice, once for lunch and once for coffee and cake at breakfast time.
The veggie chilli was really tasty and I didn't really miss the meat - and that's saying something coming from the #1 meat eater in the Milky Way. We sat outside next to the river which was really nice.
The coffee and cake was really good. I had the brownie which was so indulgent. A little too rich for my palette, but that's just my wimpy side coming through. I guess it would be ideal to share :)
I would definitely recommend this place if you're passing through
The veggie chilli was really tasty and I didn't really miss the meat - and that's saying something coming from the #1 meat eater in the Milky Way. We sat outside next to the river which was really nice.
The coffee and cake was really good. I had the brownie which was so indulgent. A little too rich for my palette, but that's just my wimpy side coming through. I guess it would be ideal to share :)
I would definitely recommend this place if you're passing through
Qype User Umdiec
Oct 16, 2009
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Qype User Jfs
Aug 18, 2009
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Visited for lunch with local friends whilst on holiday in the area. This cafe is definitely off the tourist trail, in a business/retail development, and frequented mostly by locals who all seem to know each other. It shares a building with a micro-brewery, and you can buy beer by entering the bar through a connecting door. You have to queue to order meals and non-alcoholic drinks, which are then delivered to your table without much delay. The relaxed eating areas are on 2 levels, nicely decorated, overlooking the river Kent. There is a variety of food, from sandwiches to hot meals, with plenty
Qype User Funkyf
Feb 12, 2009
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Wilfs cafe is the BEST CAFE in the WORLD!! O.K O.K i hear you shout. But it is the food is plentiful and a great price Wilf's veggie Chili will sort you out after a long cycle or a heavy night on the town.
The postion by the river is breathtaking and next door there is a brewery what more could you want.
There is also special nights you can go as well top notch
The postion by the river is breathtaking and next door there is a brewery what more could you want.
There is also special nights you can go as well top notch
Qype User Jolene
Nov 19, 2008
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This is my favourite place to eat in Windermere. Wilf's is apparently legendary and if it is then it certianly deserves the status.
It's a little on the pricey side but that is to be expected for any eatery in a busy tourist area and I would say it's no more expensive than others in the vicinity.
The premises are clean, tidy, well staffed, spacious and generally a joy to sit in. There is enough privacy to enjoy a meal with your friends without feeling overlooked too.
Onto the food. It's good wholesome food. The cafe seems to be popular with walkers and the meals certainly
It's a little on the pricey side but that is to be expected for any eatery in a busy tourist area and I would say it's no more expensive than others in the vicinity.
The premises are clean, tidy, well staffed, spacious and generally a joy to sit in. There is enough privacy to enjoy a meal with your friends without feeling overlooked too.
Onto the food. It's good wholesome food. The cafe seems to be popular with walkers and the meals certainly
Qype User Vou
Nov 19, 2008
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Wilf's is a legendary cafe in the Staveley industrial estate. It has a lovely riverside setting in an old mill and has a huge interior with room for many tables on more than one level. On a sunny day the best place to sit is outside on the terrace overlooking the river.
The food is very tasty here and it's all healthy wholesome fare at reasonable prices. The salads are very good and you get plenty! Service is friendly and fairly efficient although at very busy times you might need to wave at the waiter or waitress so they can find you.
The food is very tasty here and it's all healthy wholesome fare at reasonable prices. The salads are very good and you get plenty! Service is friendly and fairly efficient although at very busy times you might need to wave at the waiter or waitress so they can find you.
