If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee whilst in the Lake District then you’re going to want to visit ASAP Coffee in Ambleside. I’ve had more coffees than I can count at ASAP, each one has been consistent and made correctly with craft and care.
Their coffee menu is impressive and is one of a handful of places in the Lake District that currently have options like Chemex and V60 and who also make variations like a cortado correctly too.
ASAP Coffee Ambleside is also independently owned (they have two other branches: Windermere and Manchester) and serve speciality coffee, teas, matcha and a small but varied selection of sweet treats and baked goods.
The actual interior of the ASAP coffee shop is gorgeous too: it gets a beautiful balance between being modern but also cosy. There’s a decent number of seats inside and the views out the window onto the surrounding fells and traditional buildings of Ambleside locate this shop perfectly.
Below you’ll find my review of ASAP Coffee Ambleside which covers everything you need to know before visiting, if it’s worth it, the best times to head there and what I’d recommend ordering.
Drinks and Food at ASAP Coffee Ambleside: What to Expect
One of the first things I always notice when I walk into ASAP Coffee in Ambleside is how it feels so chilled out and calm when the outside can feel very busy (especially in summer). The staff are so incredibly friendly, laid back and just make you feel at home right away.
As soon as you see the menu behind the espresso bar, you’ll see that their speciality coffee options take over about two thirds of the menu. I really like that they have options for a quick coffee, like a flat white, or options like V60 or Chemex which will naturally allow you to sit and relax for longer.
The menu isn’t as inventive as some speciality coffee shops you’ll see around the world, but their service is impeccable and what they do make, they do exceptionally well.
Every drink is made with precision and care, so if you visit a few times on your trip, you can expect your coffee to be highly consistent (which isn’t always easy to find and can sometimes depend on the barista).
Whilst they do sometimes have beans from other roasters on sale to take home, they pretty much exclusively use Allpress Coffee for all of their coffee-based drinks.
At this stage in speciality coffee, there are so many other roasters doing really interesting things, and I would love to see them using local roasters too at some point down the line, which there are plenty of to choose from.
It would also be nice to see them offer a variety of different beans to choose from for your coffee. At present, they consistently use one type of bean for everything.
However, Allpress aren’t to be sniffed at. Their beans consistently knock it out the park, and Allpress Coffee have expanded the way they have for a reason.
In many ways, Allpress helped set the tone of the speciality coffee scene today since their start in New Zealand in the late 1980s. Allpress are also certified carbon neutral and care massively about the selection, origin and cultivation of the beans they roast.
Coffee is certainly the main focus at ASAP Coffee in Ambleside, but they also have a selection of teas, matcha (which is made fresh each time) and interesting soft drinks. You’ll also find sweet treats at the counter which are kind of hard to resist whilst you’re ordering!
There isn’t a food menu as such at ASAP Coffee, but the bakes change over time. They’re not made in house, but they are independently made and baked to perfection, always with a couple of very, very good vegan options on offer.
Their drinks are about on par for most speciality coffee shops: you can expect to spend just under £4 for a flat white, cortado or latte and they also don’t charge extra for alternative milk, which I love to see (as this can really start to add up). Their bakes are generally priced between £3-4, which I think is reasonable considering how good they are!
Highly recommended to try:
- Oat Cortado
- Chemex
- Iced Dirty Chai
- Carrot Cake
- Maple and Pecan Slice
Dietary Options and Alternatives at ASAP Coffee, Ambleside
ASAP Coffee offer dairy milk, oat milk, and a couple of other dairy free alternatives (it’s best to check when ordering as this can change). At present, they don’t charge extra depending on which milk you choose.
In terms of caffeine-free options, they have decaf espresso-based drinks, which can also be prepared for AeroPress and Chemex for example. They also have several naturally caffeine free teas such as Chamomile, Rooibos and Lemongrass.
For their sweet treats, they usually have at least two vegan options (which are always so, so good). They also usually have a couple of gluten free options too, but you’ll need to ask about those. They don’t list allergens (only marking the vegan bakes) but the staff are very knowledgeable so if you have any questions, they’ll be able to help.
They do only have a limited number of each bake every day though, so unfortunately, you may arrive, and the vegan options have all sold. It’s best to arrive earlier if possible, to have the best chance of getting that flexibility.
What to Know Before You Go
Here’s a few things that I think are worth knowing before you visit ASAP Coffee, Ambleside:
Opening times: They’re open from 9am-4:30pm everyday and are consistently open at these times (some places locally can close earlier than their advertised times). However, at certain times of year like around Christmas they tend to close for a short break. So it’s worth checking their Google Maps link in advance to see if any closures are mentioned.
Waiting times: They do get busy at certain times, but you’re never waiting very long for your drink, especially if it’s a takeaway order. The coffee shop can get a little congested at times if a lot of people are waiting for drinks.
Takeaway: You can get the majority of their drinks and bakes to take away. Naturally, Chemex or V60 for example are more of a have in drink.
No reservations: Like most coffee shops, you can’t make table reservations in advance, but there is quite a high turnover of people that you’re never waiting that long for somewhere to sit if you want to have your drinks in.
Wheelchair access: Like many older buildings in the Lake District the wheelchair access isn’t amazing. From looking closely at ASAP Coffee, I don’t believe that the main entrance is wide enough for a wheelchair. The floor is also uneven in parts. There is no access to the bathroom as it is down a flight of stairs.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed inside.
Walks Near ASAP Coffee Ambleside
Ambleside is a great base for walks, and I’d recommend looking at the guides we already have live for walks in Ambleside and around the area.
Probably the most obvious walk that’s very close to ASAP Coffee is the Stock Ghyll Force walk from Ambleside. You can start this walk from right outside the coffee shop.
The short trail to this waterfall is well worth doing and will only take an hour of your time. Perfect to grab a coffee and some cake and head up to see this beautiful place.
If you want to head a little bit further down the road from Ambleside, other walks I really recommend doing are Grasmere to Alcock Tarn, Rydal Cave, Loughrigg Fell, Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater to Cathedral Caves.
ASAP Coffee, Ambleside: My Honest Review & Quick Take
Worth it: Yes! It’s currently the best coffee in Ambleside
Who’s it good for: If you like speciality coffee and good cake!
Who should skip it: Someone wanting a much cheaper coffee!
Wheelchair accessible: No
What to order on your first visit: Oat flat white and a slice of the carrot cake.
When to visit: Weekdays if possible, or mid to late afternoon on weekends for more space. Though if you want the best selection of cake, I’d recommend going earlier.
About the Author
- Based in the Lake District, Matt Doyle is also co-founder of This Expansive Adventure
- Regularly walks and mountaineers in the Lake District and beyond
- Writes guides based on first-hand experience in this landscape
- Significant skills based outdoor experience