Welcome to The White Hare Cafe

The White Hare Cafe offers a delightful escape in the heart of Kirkby Stephen. This small, family-run cafe serves a delectable variety of hot and cold snacks, drinks, and bites, perfectly suited for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the fresh, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly soups, complemented by a selection of tray bakes and cakes. Visitors can also browse local arts and crafts, which add a unique character to the space. Whether you're grabbing a takeaway or settling in for a cozy meal, this cafe has a welcoming vibe and a fantastic ambiance. Plus, it's dog-friendly, making it a go-to spot for pet owners.

Welcome to The White Hare Cafe, a delightful family-run gem located in the picturesque heart of Kirkby Stephen. Our cafe offers a tempting selection of hot and cold snacks, freshly made soups, and mouth-watering cakes, with options for vegans and those seeking gluten-free delights. Enjoy your meal in our welcoming space or take it to go. We proudly showcase local arts and crafts for sale, creating a unique ambiance. With free Wi-Fi, baby-changing facilities, and dog-friendly seating, we cater to all. Come visit us at 40 Market St, and indulge in great coffee, tea, and delicious desserts today!

Services, Amenities and More

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

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings

Coffee

Free water refills

Prepared foods

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegan options

Vegetarian options

Dining options

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Table service

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

One of the standout features of The White Hare Cafe is its incredible coffee selection, with everything from an Americano to a rich mochaccino. Diners rave about the homemade soups and the generous portions of freshly made cakes. Many customers leave with treats for both themselves and their dogs, thanks to the friendly service that includes doggy snacks and water bowls. The local arts and crafts available for purchase add a unique touch, allowing guests to take a piece of the community spirit home. Regulars enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for solo dining or group gatherings, making it a favored stop on local outdoor excursions.

Most Disliked

While most visitors leave satisfied, some have noted that during peak hours, the cafe can feel crowded, which may affect the speed of service. A few guests have mentioned that specific menu items can sometimes sell out, especially during busy weekends, which might limit options for those who arrive later in the day. Additionally, while the cafe offers great value, some patrons feel that pricing could be a tad higher given the exclusive nature of some of the specialty items, though most agree that the quality of the food justifies the cost.

User Reviews

Neil D.

1 months ago

Fantastic little Cafe. Recommended by the visitor centre as “very dog friendly“, and that’s no exaggeration. The most dog friendly cafe I’ve ever been to with half a cold sausage and treats for our little girl on arrival. Humans are well catered for as well with great coffee and a good breakfast. Lovely atmosphere with locals mixing with us visitors and everyone friendly.

Steve W.

3 months ago

Brilliant cafe, that goes above and beyond for customers and any dog visitors. Our dogs received a bag of treats each, a cut up sausage and a bowl of water. The breakfast was great, and requests were not an issue. A vast selection of coffee as well.

Cheryl P.

3 months ago

What a lovely place for lunch! We would definitely go out of our way to visit again! Our dog was so welcomed and spoilt - lots of treats, including a little snack bag and lots of fresh water. Food was really good and everyone was so lovely! We even brought some delicious home made honey whilst there! Visit if you can 😊

Will H.

2 months ago

What a wonderful place ! The couple who run this dog friendly establishment are super friendly, welcoming and helpful - They never stop! The food is fantastic, proper local food, a great Ploughman’s and other selections and what a range of coffees (although I went for a Yorkshire cup of tea) We can’t wait to visit again soon! Thank you !!

Lee G.

1 months ago

I stopped in here with my dog to get some coffee and cake to take away after a run. The cake was really good and surprisingly cheap, and they also provided a towel, water and dog treats for the dog. The place was packed with outdoorsy customers which is always a good sign.

Izaak B.

4 months ago

Stopped here about half way through my coast to coast walk back in June and honestly look back at it as one of the highlights of the whole walk. The service was amazing, as the owner came and had a chat with us about local hikes and shared stories about the coast to coast and more. Couldn’t have dreamed of a better stop to take if you’re passing through Kirkby Stephen. It was so good that I actually went out of my way to visit it recently with a friend as we were revisiting some of our favourite coast to coast spots and it was still as good as ever, with the owner again chatting with us and making us feel as though we were regulars through the whole visit, would recommend to anyone!

Will G.

7 months ago

Brilliant little cafe, the food was great and the owners were really friendly. We took our golden retriever and they were very pleased to see him and gave him sausages and a bowl of water. Lovely ambience with a really nice atmosphere. Will definitely be back whenever we're in the area!

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen

TuesdayOpen

WednesdayOpen

ThursdayOpen

FridayOpen

SaturdayOpen

SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

The White Hare Cafe stands out with its cozy atmosphere, homemade soups, and a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. It’s a family-run establishment that showcases local arts and crafts, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

Don’t miss the Sticky Toffee Pudding and the homemade soups of the day. For a light snack, the Crumpets with butter or the White Hare Breakfast are fantastic choices.

Yes, The White Hare Cafe welcomes dogs, making it a great place for those who want to enjoy a meal with their furry friends.

The cafe accepts credit and debit cards as well as NFC mobile payments, ensuring a convenient experience for all customers.

The cafe offers baby changing facilities, making it suitable for families with young children. Plus, the casual environment is perfect for a family outing.

Absolutely! The cafe provides takeaway options, so you can enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks on the move.

Why visit The White Hare Cafe

A visit to The White Hare Cafe is a must for anyone exploring Kirkby Stephen. With its cozy, casual atmosphere, the cafe serves as a perfect backdrop for a leisurely breakfast, quick lunch, or an afternoon tea break. The owners go above and beyond for customers, ensuring each guest and their dogs feel welcome and appreciated. It’s an ideal stop for cyclists and walkers who need to refuel with quality food and drink.

One tip is to visit during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the cafe’s offerings without the bustle. Keep an eye on the local arts displayed in the cafe—purchasing one can be a great way to bring a piece of the town home. The generous portion sizes, paired with homemade delicacies, create an experience that is as fulfilling as it is enjoyable. Don’t forget to grab some treats for your dog; this cafe has a reputation for treating furry friends like royalty.