The Old Bell

Tucked away in the amazingly named Bashful Alley in deepest darkest Lancaster sits a wonderful cafe called The Old Bell. We visited on a Sunday morning late October, it was easy to find as we parked on the carpark above the shopping centre for £2, the cafe is just a couple of minutes walk from the lift which takes you down from the second floor. We parked by the disabled spots as you drive into the carpark. As soon as we opened the door of the cafe we were greeted by the most wonderful lovely ladies who were super attentive and could not do enough for you. The place was spotless and decorated for halloween. We had between us the small breakfast and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs coffee, tea and hot chocolate. All were freshly cooked/made and piping hot. They were all delicious so much so we wished we had had the large breakfast. Anyway on the way out after paying we discovered the selection on home made cakes. My brother in-laws decided had a craving for carrot cake so secured a giant piece and we made our escape. We shall most certainly be calling again. Thank you ladies for a lovely breakfast.

Amazing, we'd been putting off going here for a while, and I've no idea why! The bagel was perfect, and the side salad was great, its hard to find a fault! If I was being picky, the tape holding the sofa together was a bit tacky. We ordered two bagels, two hot drinks and came to £23.70, considering the portion sizes this was amazing!

The Old Bell was recommended by a friend so as I was in town yesterday for an appointment I thought I would give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. The building is lovely and being old it was pleasantly cool inside on this hot weekend. I had the Old Bell breakfast which was plentiful, fresh hot and tasty. The coffee is obviously a quality brand as it was perfect. My 13yo had her first loose leaf tea through a strainer and she loved it. A really flavoursome brew. The tables were spotless which is more than be said for other cafes in town. The staff were friendly and professional and service was excellent. We will definitely be coming back again. Our new favourite cafe in Lancaster.

A lovely little find (and indeed it is a find - you have to wander down Bashful Alley, which is well-named because it likes to keep itself secret: look next to the Animalcare Shop in Market Street). The premises are quaint from the outside but comparatively modern on the inside. The menu is relatively well priced and extensive, not adventurous, but good basic food. The atmosphere was welcoming and smiley (very quiet on the day I was there) and the interior quite dimly lit, adding to the atmosphere. I ordered an all-day breakfast and cafetiere of coffee and they were served in no time - and very tasty! I will definitely search out this place next time I make a trip to Lancaster.