Bookstop cafe in Lincoln

Popped in today for delicious tea and cake , It was to say Thankyou to the kind young man and his mum who helped me out with a seat and water yesterday, as I was feeling Steep hill and post Covid symptoms yesterday. Genuine common sense and kindness . As you guys weren’t there please take this as my sincere thanks and a recommendation for fab cakes and teas !

Called today while visiting my son ,really interesting setting and great cappuccino. Will call again

It's halfway up Steep Hill and there's a couple of steep steps down into it, but once you're in it's on the flat with plenty of space between tables. It's built into the street I think, with an arched roof - like you're in a cave! There was limited choice in sandwiches because once they're gone, they're gone and the choices weren't terribly imaginative, but the cakes are really good and the teas and coffees are excellent. Nice to see Rooibos for those who don't have caffeine and in more than one flavour too. You're surrounded by second hand books (for sale) so nice to browse and maybe buy a couple. Lovely atmosphere.

Called here on the way down Steep Hill after spending the day in the castle and cathedral, but, it is definitely worth going just to go to this cafe/book shop. Really nice tea and the cakes were fantastic. Also a large collection of books for sale.

Lovely welcoming cafe. Stopped for a cuppa and cake and a rest after walking up, but definitely worth it. Attentive and friendly staff. Beautiful coffee.

We found this place purely by chance on Steep Hill. There are tables outside. The sandwiches are lovely and fresh and the coffee was great. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

Lovely cafe for a tea or coffee with a cake. Outside seating is at the top of Steep Hill so good for people watching. The owner is really friendly & helpful. Fantastic!

The barista was charming and amusing, made a superb hot chocolate with the works - my husband said "it's good enough to come back for, even with the hill!" The sandwiches were delicious, just perfect for lunch, and reasonably priced. The book selection is eclectic (and I was amused to find a German copy of the Geisha) and the sofas super comfy. I found a fun novel to enjoy, I loved the idea of the "book return discount" and the pecan toffee cookies were very tasty indeed. Heads up, because it's such an old and protected building, there isn't anywhere for bathroom facilities, but there's public toilets up to the left of the castle, a couple of minutes walk up the road - one set is 20p, or inside the castle walls is free. Charge me rent, I'd be happy to stay! 😆🦎

Lovely atmosphere, great coffee, great hospitality. Very welcoming and a really calm place. Due to covid only pre prepared sandwiches available so get there early

Excellent service, warm reception , good selection scrummy cakes, coffee hot, Well worth a visit at top of hill.

Gorgeous little cafe and bookshop situated on Steep Hill. Great, friendly and quick service, in an outside seating area, with yummy coffee and cake.

Today I visited again with my brother for a take away coffee. It is the best tasting coffee in Lincoln. Please during current times keep small local businesses open by using them and not buying from the large chains. Great polite service with a smile.

Loved the layout of the cafe, meant that wherever we sat we wouldn't be sitting right next to anyone which was convenient for social distancing. The food was lovely and the customer service was beyond friendly! A nice break after walking up the steep hill on the way to the cathedral. Definitely recommend.

In Lincoln for three days and call her twice,the young man who served us was very friendly and informative,the coffee we had was excellent,that much so we purchased two different types from shop,we would definitely go there again.and no hesitation recommending it.

Looking round Lincoln we wanted a coffee. Most around the main street were full, so heading back towards the cathedral we saw this cafe. It was ideal. Seating inside for about 12 separated by shelves of books, and seating outside too. Food choice was limited as we were there on a Monday, and all the cakes are homemade so he was awaiting a fresh supply. We had a couple of sandwiches which were tasty. Coffee was good and you can read any of the books if you want.

It's like something out of a novel. The cellar makes an atmospheric refuge for books worms and musicians. I could sink into their comfy sofa, drink dark coffee and savour their delicious cakes for hours. The young man served me with personable cheer and local knowledge. For a musical interlude to enjoy rest and repose, try this place.

Found this cracking hideaway on my journey up the hill. The chap that served me (I didn’t catch his name) couldn’t have been more helpful. Great coffee and a superb ethos with the book element. Long live the independent coffee shop!

We called in for coffee and cake after a wander down part of steep hill and back. The lemon drizzle cake was light and very lemony and the Bakewell tart my granddaughter and my partner both chose was lovely too. Nice quaint cafe/bookshop.

Lovely place to sit and have a coffee, and browse the books. Great atmosphere, very cosy and friendly.

Stopped here while waiting to check in to our hotel. The chap behind the counter was very friendly, warm and patient with our dithering. He also explained the story of the building, which is a really different and cosy environment. They have a massive variety of teas/coffees as it's partnered with the tea-shop above. There are (obviously) lots of books around the place, with plenty of amusing titles that catch your eye. There is no toilet, but the chap kindly gave us change and directions to the public toilet up the road. Definitely recommend.

Spent a lovely hour here this am, reading surrounded by books. Great coffee! It’s clearly a local meeting place and the guy serving seemed to know lots of the customers. Great atmosphere.

Excellent tea or coffee along with a selection of cakes and sandwiches. There are plenty of books to peruse or purchase whilst resting with your selected refreshments. So peaceful. Great staff too!

Great place for cake and sandwiches. The menu is limited because of the age of the building (no cooking allowed), but what is offered is delicious and served with a smile. You're surrounded by books, some of them by local authors. Recommend.

A lovely place - peaceful, relaxing. Coffee was fantastic as was the scone I had. Other visitors point out that there was no loo - well, you'll just have to tie your legs together!! I admit though its unusual to not have a loo in an eating establishment, however it won't put me off going again.

Fabulous ancient building hence, quite rightly, no loos BUT the sign for this needs to be more prominently displayed....like on the entrance door!! I wonder how many (hundreds!) of people have sat down, ordered & paid up before realising this. Flat whites were watery & not hot enough. Shame...we really wanted to like this place but didn't. We won't return.

What a find! Comfortable, cozy, quiet,fantastic gluten free chocolate brownies and delicious coffees and teas. Sam is a great asset. Thoroughly recommended.

Have you noticed that to people from the north book is pronounced the same as buck? The name of this cafe made me think of that :-)Anyhoo, if you've clambered up the imaginatively named Steep Hill you might need a refreshment. This establishment is in an ideal spot for that. It's comfortable, friendly and (on a foul day like today) warm.I enjoyed a cappuccino (one size fits all) and some yummy flapjack. You can also buy an inexpensive book, as the name might suggest!

A remarkable experience today with particularly good service given only one member of staff. No delays, clean tables, highly efficient operation and splendid sandwiches.

Visited the cafe twice and each time found there was space to sit, the staff were friendly and efficient and the tea and coffee were better than the average chain cafe.

Stopped off on the way down the hill, ordered 2 flat whites.

Fantastic coffee and delicious cake. All the times I have walked up Steep Hill and around the Cathedral and local shops I have never noticed this little gem. Will definitely be back again.

We chose this place for a bite to eat on a visit to Lincoln. Its a book shop that incorporates a cafe, We had sandwiches which came with vegetable crisps and a pot of tea each, which came to just under £15. The gentleman service was extremely friendly and our food came quickly. There must be hundreds of years of history in this place, but because of its character there are no toilets, although I believe there are public ones nearby. We will definitely call again if we have another day out in Lincoln

A quirky bookshop/cafe! Located in a domed ceiling cellar in the oldest inhabited dwelling in Europe (according to the owner). Books for sale or to just sit and read at your leisure on comfy leather sofas with subdued lighting and gentle classical music in background. Good value Sandwiches, home made cakes, freshly ground coffee and selected teas.

We popped in for refreshments before a tour around the cathedral. There are some great cakes to choose from, the staff are very friendly to. There was 8 of us and all the cakes tasted delicious and the coffee was good to. Well worth a visit.

This is in a basement underneath one of the oldest houses in Lincoln (which - because it's Lincoln - is really saying something). It's got a fantastic cake selection, including a wide gluten-free cake selection, and does excellent tea. It's also got books for sale.

Quick sandwich with my daughter after walking up steep hill.

Stopped by on our trek up Steep hill , a few tables inside and several outside with bookshelves lined with all manner of titles.

Atmospheric cafe half way or more up the Steep street Excellent cakes and coffee/tea and browsing with new and second hand books

This is a fabulous little cafe within a really unusual barrel roofed building with a staircase that's circa 1000 years old. It roasts its own coffee and we can vouch that the scones are delicious and served warm.

food was nice enough, books everywhere very peaceful. little cold when we went (we were wet through) so could have done wiith the door shutting but not a bad spot for lunch at all.

Whenever I visit Lincoln I always ensure that I visit this cafe at least once. The coffee is simply the best around and cafe itself provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of Steep Hill.

A most welcome spot halfway up Steep Hill. tea is blended on the premises and there is a wide range of teas available. This is definitely a tea connoisseurs place. Excellent

Stopped for a coffee and a comfortable seat after climbing Steep Hill for what seemed like the umpteenth time. Nice coffee and a friendly welcome and loads of books to read. Lovely.

We stopped for a coffee. They were well made, but too dark roasted for our taste. The cake was perfect.

What's so difficult to make a flat white, ended up with a small latte! Please train your staff on how to make proper coffee. Won't be returning here.

After walking up the hill we spotted this quaint little café book shop. The staff were friendly and helpful. We ordered a tea, filter coffee and 2 sandwiches (1 x chicken salad & mayo + 1 x cheese and pickle). The sandwiches were delicious and accompanied by vegetable crisps, which were great....they mayo for the chicken sandwich came in a pot so you could add as much or as little as you like. The tea and coffee were also lovely...The tea pot was brilliant as it allowed you to lift the tea out of the pot once it had reached the strength you liked...you can purchase them from the adjoining tea shop (but you can't buy them anywhere else so if you want one you have to buy it then or get if off their website). The coffee was also amazing - strong, but not bitter - this could also be purchased from the shop. We will most definitely visit this lovely café again when in Lincoln...great value for money.

We passed this coming from the cathedral and weren't ready to eat, but I did buy a piece of cake to take with me and it was so good I contemplated climbing the hill again to get another. Best sponge I have ever eaten.

We visited the book stop café for a drink and catch up.

So pleased we stumbled across this little gem. Friendly staff and a great place to relax over coffee and cake. Good gluten free options too !!!

what a find lovely cafe with great food and excellent service !! thank you for the lovely warm welcome what a lovely guy !! hope his dad reads this absolute credit to the shop nothing was too much trouble will return

This is such an unusual space for a cafe. It doesn't have toilet facilities unfortunately but makes up for it so many other ways.

Hier zit je heerlijk op,je gemak. Binnen kun je een drankje nemen tussen de boeken, buiten een klein zonnig terrasje. Even uitrusten na de beklimming van steep hill.

Stopped for a coffee and had a gorgeous scone as well, friendly and the ambiance is an experience in itself. Recommend.

Walking back up Steep Hill wanting something to eat and drink but not really knowing what, saw the sign for "The Bookstop" - once through the doors just knew it was right. The tea was lovely the cakes were properly home made and delicious, the atmosphere was calm and relaxed and the books are all for reading, what more could you wish for.

Lovely independent cafe set in a very different space. Several books to read should you wish to. Very friendly staff and prompt service. Will definitely revisit. Oh.....Coffee is good too.

Every time we visit Lincoln we make a pitstop here. With its quirky setting and surrounded by books to browse whilst you have a cuppa and snack. I love the selection of loose leaf teas from the tea merchants next door. Freshly made sandwiches prepared to order and a lovely choice of cakes finish the experience off nicely.

Its quite a walk on the way up to cathedral so a somewhere to stop in and have a coffee is ideal, so this fits in just right.

Un espacio intrigante, diseñado de forma atractiva e iluminado con libros en todas partes para comprar o navegar. Disfrutamos de una cafetera de café fuerte y de un generoso café espresso en vajilla de porcelana y un vaso de agua que ofrecí antes de que tuviera la oportunidad de hacer una solicitud. De una tentadora selección de tartas caseras y galletas, optamos por una creación de arándanos y piñones, que era encantadora.

Se necesitaron refrigerios después de subir una colina empinada, una bienvenida muy calurosa por parte del personal, una cafetería muy acogedora con mucho material de lectura. Excelente café, y el espresso viene con agua, los pasteles parecían sabrosos y ahora está en nuestra lista de visita obligada para el almuerzo.

Nos detuvimos para tomar una bebida rápida, café, té y pasteles, un encantador sofá, libros gratis para leer algunos en oferta para comprar. Propietario muy amable, en general, una joya de lugar. No hay baño, por eso no hay cinco estrellas, pero entiendo por la edad del edificio.

Deambulando por la empinada colina del castillo justo antes de las 4 de la tarde, nos sentimos aliviados de encontrar un lugar aún abierto para tomar una taza de café.

We found this a most pleasant stop for 'flat white' coffees, after struggling up and down Steep Hill, with comfortable armchairs and a proprietor who provided good advice on places to visit.

I entered tentatively as a place to sit and work, and was blessed to find a friendly, quirky basement steeped in history and offering delicious cakes and tea in china cups - with free wifi I'll be back.

We stopped for lunch on a busy August Sunday. The staff were friendly and helpful, the tea was lovely, and the sandwiches very good. I loved sitting among the books to eat - but wanted to read so many of them!

We sat outside with a pot of tea and slice of cake and watched the world go by. It's located near the top of steep hill so you can watcpeople come and go. Great selection of vegan cake.

We came for coffee and a light chat with friends, and stayed a little bit longer due to the well-mannered and funny male host. The environment was very cosy, in the heat this place is like a cool haven for Steep Hill climbers. Free books and classical music make this place a hidden gem and a specialty place. Hot chocolate was so-so, the espresso was standard and did not disappoint. The espresso is not produced via pod as one of the reviewers suggested, all seems to be fine with their regular espresso machine.

A lovely place for a pitstop before you walk up the hill! The tea is served in a very different kind of teapot and it tastes gorgeous. The cakes are lovely too. When the sun is shining you can sit outside and watch the world walk by.

A gorgeous coffee stop, quiet and plenty of books to browse through. One thing - there's no toilet!!

Very nice atmosphere and lunch was very nice and not too expensive, spoiled for choice with cafes in this area, this is one of the better ones without being overly expensive.

We found this great little place and had afternoon tea, coffee & cakes, all of which were delicious. These were served on delicate china by very friendly and efficient staff offering a speedy service. The shop doubles as a second hand bookshop, so we were able to enjoy ourselves, reading the books. All this was topped off with some lovely music playing in the background.

Loved it as you gain a sense of how old this building is, how thick the walls are and surrounded by books which you can read whilst eating and having a drink.like going back in time

The Bookstop Cafe is a great little nook about halfway down Steep Hill. Stop in for a warming coffee, a bit of conversation with the owner and a laugh or three. Coffee is cafetière style, not espresso, but still very enjoyable.

Just like a bench placed halfway up a hill the Bookstop Cafe is an oasis for the weary pedestrian. Cakes , light snacks good coffee and reviving tea lie in wait for you at this cafe. Atmospheric under the vaulted ceiling that is centuries old you will find comfy seats and classical music . We were welcomed with Barber's Adagio. Books line the walls many by local authors . They are for sale too. On a good day you can sit outside and watch the ascenders labouring up Steep Hill. Friendly welcome and the right place for a coeliac witha good offer of GF baking .

Visited several times and never had a bad coffee, in fact I believe it to be the best coffee in Lincoln. When you ask for a strong black americano, that is what you get... As the name of the cafe suggests, books can be read too, either your's or their's and with cake, it is paradise. Had cheese and pickle on brown with vegetable crisps, all delicious. Next stop my favourite Whiskey shop at the top...

This unusual coffee shop in the basement of the tea shop has all the character and charm of an ancient time. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, sat on comforting sofas while surrounded by books to read and buy. A relaxing rest before tackling the next part of Steep Hill.

We visited this cafe this afternoon. On the surface, there's quite a lot to like. The tea comes in individual pots with leaf tea. The flapjack is a good flapjack. The very old surroundings are interesting (brick arch interior). We also liked the idea of the sale of second hand books. However, the side order of unfriendly aloof service wasn't required. When the tea was delivered we were asked 'have you seen a teapot like this before'? When I went to buy another piece of flapjack 'sit down, I'll bring it over in a minute'. When asked where the toilet was 'this building is a 1,000 years old'. There you go, that explains the approach here. A bit more friendliness towards customers would be appreciated.

Stopped in with friends for lunch and were very pleasantly surprised. It's very atmospheric due to the age of the building and the curved ceiling. Surrounded by books is my idea of heaven too. Would definitely go back and would recommend.

A really great place to chill out, the building is over a 1000 years old. Delicious roll served with vegetable crisps and fantastic hot chocolate. A very relaxing enjoyable lunch.

Good coffee and cake but there was no toilet. They have a range of books to browse which was fun and we sat on a nice cosy sofa.

A small but cozy little coffee shop. The coffee was nice and it was nice to shelter from the rain and watch the world go by. My rating would have been better had the 2 waiting staff been even slightly cheery, cracked a smile, spoken!! Warning: No toilet

We stopped here for a light lunch. Food was good and well prepared. We sat outside in the sunshine. The coffee was strong and the service was courteous.

The tea and cake is nice albeit average. The staff are grumpy teens who just sit on their phone when not serving. It isn't clear if you can buy books or just browse them whilst you eat. We didn't want to ask in case we had our heads bitten off.

This place was always going to be a hit with me as I love a bookshop, and I love to eat! We had lunchtime sandwiches which were a little on the pricey side but came served with a bowl of healthy vegetable crisps (which were very tasty). The ham sandwich was great but the egg mayo sandwich wasn't to our taste. The interior was fab, the array of books interesting, and the outside terrace perfect on the lovely sunny day we visited. The service was attentive and the hot chocolate was delicious. All in all, a satisfying visit. Thank you.

Stopped off for a late lunch at this wonderful little cafe which is located on Steep Hill. We sat outside and watched the world go by whilst consuming wonderful sandwiches and quenching our thirst with a delicious choice of teas. Thank you to the owner for his friendliness which added to a wonderful pit stop experience.

My partner and I had visited Lincoln Castle and were on the way down the Steep Hill when we saw the cafe and as there were tables outside thought it would be pleasant to end the afternoon with tea and cake sitting in the sunshine. We walked through the door at about 4.35 p.m. and were met with 'We close at five!'. I said 'it's only just after half past four' to which the reply was - 'Well the door gets shut at five o'clock whether you've finished or not!'. Did we walk out? Unfortunately not - we had our tea and cake and left at a minute to five. Whatever happened to politeness and common courtesy? Will we return - very unlikely!!

Nice quirky, cosy cafe in a great spot on Steep Hill. Coffee was ok, Hot Chocolate was very very good. The only problem was there were no toilet facilities which my daughter needed after her drink so we had to back track up the Hill to the public ones near the Castle before coming back down to continue into town. Maybe there was a sign at the door but I never saw one.

For some reason thought the coffee here would be good. It wasn't. Pales against its neighbours with their high quality coffee. Nice decor and great location though.

Located near the top of Steep Hill, Lincoln, it would appear to be an ideal place for a rest. Bought coffee and cake, who h were very nice. However, he girl that served us was rude, surly and abrupt. The family on the table next to us made exactly the same observation. Such a shame in an industry where courtesy is so simple, and reasonably expected.

Went with daughter and family, lovely atmosphere, 3 of the family gluten free, good selection of gluten free cakes. I had a warm scone with jam and cream it was yum. Highly recommend.

I great find with a perfect sunny spot to sit in the spring sunshine. I have been a few times and have always had perfect service and tea, coffee and cakes.

Eclectic cafe on the Steep Hill in Lincoln. Had a nice coffee and chicken salad sandwich on arrival in Lincoln. Good atmosphere and the shelves of books dotted around are a winner.

very quirky & welcoming, great for a stop off after climbing that very steep hill. Speciality coffees & teas & delicious sandwiches. Variety of books to read while relaxing. Very dry sense of humour.

We stopped for a drink and a rest after visiting the castle.The staff were friendly with plenty of seating in the comfy sofas surrounded by the hundreds of books.A great place to relax, unwind and read books

Quick coffee stop. Quick friendly service in a quirky bookshop. Very tasty coffee with carrot cake and a slice of coffee & walnut cake. Worth a visit

We called for lunch and found the building charming. The cafe doubles as a second hand book shop. The menu is limited to cakes, biscuits and sandwiches and the sandwich fillings weren't very imaginative ( ham salad, egg mayo etc) but they were well presented and came with a bowl of vegetable crisps. There is no toilet and you have to order from the counter.

What kind of a place that serves tea does not have a toilet or at least some sort of deal with the nearest bathroom to allow customers to use it?You finish you tea and you have to run up the hill to the castle! It is kind of absurd. If the weather is nice and you are planning on going up to the castle straight after consuming your drink anyways, then I recommend a cold drink or something, but in general it was a let down.

No toilets and didn't find out until ordered, was pouring with rain so had to go to directed public lol in middle of visit! Shame

We stopped off here on our way down the hill after spotting it on the way up. The cafe is cosy and lit by fairy lights. We found an empty sofa and claimed it!We ordered at the counter, the host was charming. Our drinks were brought to our table. I was very impressed by the quirky tea pot, which allowed me to brew my Earl Grey to my exact taste. (It was a great cup of tea!) The scone with jam and clotted cream was lovely too. There was a bookshelf nearby, containing lots of titles and authors I'd never heard of. I was feeling charitable due to the high standard of food, drink, service and surroundings. I will not hold the cafe responsible for the disappointing short story I read.

As you are walking up to towards the cathedral from the high street, this is along the way. It's a book cafe, so there are many books for you to grab and read whilst enjoying your tea or coffee. My family tried a mixture of cakes and the coffee and walnut cake was the tastiest.

I went here sevetal times. You can drink an afternoon tea, read a book and listen to quiet relaxing music. They open till 5, later than other places, which makes it very convenient.