Pen-y-ghent Cafe

I used to love this cafe after doing the 3 peaks walk 15 years ago, and finishing with a pint of tea at the Pen-y-ghent Cafe.  I was disappointed to find this week, as we came down from the hills at 4pm that the cafe was closed, despite opening times on the door saying it was open til 5.30pm.  Not only that, but when we rang the bell I saw someone sliding out of view at a table behind the wall.  Not impressed to find they would not serve walkers as this has been a famous cafe for a long time.  I understand it has recently changed management and am sad to see the change being such a negative one.  We managed to find a tea room open just past the station and next time will be going there instead.

Myself and a friend did this wonderful challenge a while ago. We set off at 6am on a Tuesday morning and got back at 5.20pm. We left our details as described on their poster in the window at the "cafe" and when we got back it was closed. We were booked for the night at the pub down the road so went back the next morning. We went in and picked up a couple of badges and proceeded to pay. I was then horrified to be told by this obnoxious individual (cafe owner) that as we did the walk on a Tuesday it "did not count" as there was no proof we had done it. Who do they think they are? Why would anyone want to say you have done something you have not? I find it appalling that they get so much publicity by acting as the "official" stewards of this challenge. Anyone would think they own the mountains.

Brilliant place. One of best cafes between Land's End and John O'Groats. Walkers' paradise. Mugs of tea, bacon and eggs, rhubard crumble - you get the gist. Long may it flourish !

This is one of those rare cafes that caters for outdoor folk: walkers, cyclists, climbers, potholers and the like. In other words, those in need of thirst-quenching pints of tea and big plates of hearty simple food.
When you’ve been cycling for hours it’s no use stopping at a chintzy tea shop, trying not to look sweaty while balancing a dainty thimble-sized cup in your dehydrated mitts. That’s why we called in at Pen-y-ghent cafe on a recent cycling trip.
We weren’t disappointed - huge veggie breakfasts were on offer and the all-important pint-sized mugs were in use. After shovelling down the food (rather stodgy but that’s what you want when you have a very empty stomach) and slurping up the tea I felt full of energy and zoomed the rest of the way home.
We decided to eat in the garden which was very pleasant - wooden tables set out on a grassy bank. The interior of the place looks cosy though - good for those winter days. Service was encouragingly cheery and I’ll definitely stop here again. It was busy though - if it’s a weekend be prepared to wait!