Lord Stones Cafe in Hambleton

On Monday 11th November 2024,my partner and I after walking several miles over the moors went to the cafe at approximately 1525hrs for coffee tea etc,on arrival there were several cars in the car park and we went into the cafe ,followed by another couple behind us. There were people eating and drinking ,however a bloke from behind the counter stated they were shut (despite the website stating 4pm closure) I explained we were just after a hot drink ,but again he stated they were shut. I asked what time they had actually shut,he replied " anytime between 3 and 4 in winter" We left very disappointed as did the couple who had just driven there and followed us in. Won't go there again in case you decide yo shut early!!!

We were recommended to stop off here by our hosts at our Airbnb when we left. As it was Sunday breakfast time we thought this might be nice. We definitely wasn’t disappointed! A lovely cafe set in pretty surroundings and friendly staff with gorgeous food. I had a “starter” breakfast (bacon, sausage, egg and tomato on sour dough toast with a pot of tea and my husband had a sausage sandwich with a fried egg and an americano coffee with hot milk. Both came freshly cooked and tasted delicious. We thought the prices were very reasonable and very friendly service. Such a gem of a cafe! Glad we came. My husband visited the toilets too and said they were extremely clean. I’d recommend this cafe highly if you’re in the area … we were staying in Carlton so very close by. Fab cafe!

Lordstones Sadly, Lordstones is no longer the beautiful, part wild place I used to visit. Nor is it disabled friendly, as advertised. I would like the present owners to go around in wheelchairs one day and find out for themselves. Common sense dictates that paths laid with any kind of sharp stones are not ideal for any type of small wheels. The previous owner was a friendly hardworking man who was always present with a smile and a friendly word or so. I doubt that many of his visitors go back now. However, the present owners must be mighty proud of themselves and their commercial enterprise. Shame on you for spoiling such a wonderful place. P.S. I visited on Sunday 1st September 2024

We parked here and did a lovely scenic walk. We knew that there was a café but there wasn't a menu available online so didn't really know what to expect. Plenty of tables inside and also lots outside (nice on a sunny day!) They serve breakfasts (which looked very nice from what I saw people eating) but by the time we got back from our walk we waited until 12 when they start serving lunch. Menu was good with plenty of choices (with roasts on a Sunday) I got the beef burger which was very nice. Good size, lovely tasting patty, plenty of cheese and bacon in a really nice fresh bun. It was served with a good portion of really nice thin chips. (Also came with lots of lovely fresh salad and really good coleslaw which I suspect was homemade) My wife got the beef sandwich. Two pieces of bread with a good amount of roast beef. Good value for what it cost. Only minor point was the bread was a bit dry (almost like the sandwich had been prepared hours earlier and left out) Overall, we had a really good meal. Staff were very polite and efficient, and we would definitely eat here again.

Stopped for a late breakfast whilst doing the Lyke Wake Walk. Lord Stones is in such a beautiful location and looks a bit like a hobbit house. I just had a sausage butty and a pot of tea which were great. The staff were friendly and welcoming. I'll be back if I'm passing again.

Went for lunch last week and chose to sit outside as it was a lovely day. The table was filthy so we asked the chap who brought our coffee out on a most disgustingly filthy tray could we have the table wiped, he shuffled off and when he came back seemed a bit huffy and wiped the piece of table in front of me. Lots of rubbish - old napkins in the sides of the garden (full of weeds). One good point the sandwich was good, and it wasn't busy.

Lovely food. Staff were excellent especially Adam. Very polite,helpful, friendly and professional. An asset to the team.

We stopped at Lordstones Cafe while walking the Coast to Coast Trail - a bonus stop as we hadn't expected any facilities. It was great - we only had coffee but food is available. A welcome find. Also welcome toilet facilities.

Coffee and cake. Staff welcome by the gentleman was very hostile. Huffing and puffing about muddy boots. In a cafe in the middle of muddy wet countryside! A sign outside did say please use boot covers. But the shelf was empty so we were unable to oblige. If you are in the hospitality industry, you might consider a warm welcome is an important consideration. The cake was dry. The coffee nothing special. Give it a miss.

Great hosting, coffee and cakes. Highly recommended starting point with facilities for the many walks around the hills.

We bought drinks and food. Prices were average. In a lovely spot, however, no views out over hills. Service was awful; staff were miserable – didn't seem like they wanted to be there and were argumentative, put a dampener on the day.

Visited Sunday 13th Jan after a walk. Walked in, picked up breakfast menu from bar. Asked if they were still serving breakfast. Received an 'ok then' greeting after a glare at the large clock on the wall. It was just before 11am, but honestly, what an appalling welcome. Ordered two sausage sandwiches, tea and a FRESHLY SQUEEZED ORANGE (as advertised on the menu). Two minutes later I saw a team member pouring the so called juice from a unrefridgerated UHT style carton from behind the bar. I should have complained, but couldn't be bothered. Customers aren't idiots or like being ripped off like this. Won't return. I also agree with other reviews. Cheap tomato and brown sauce is telling and it would appear that the staff have been told not to smile and to be as unwelcoming as possible.

Went there on the 23rd of December. About half of the tables were occupied. The menu had been changed to be basically just a couple of Christmassy things and a 'quiche'. We ordered 2 quiches.... they took 35 minutes to turn up and never have I ever seen a nastier less 'quichy' quiche. They were an inch deep layer of egg - without even a hint of cheese or onion in them. Basically, they had taken a pastry base, painted a thin layer of onion on it the backfilled with an inch of egg-and-milk mix. Absolutely NOT acceptable. Obviously we didn't mention it when they asked if everything was OK, since it was cooked and they had delivered what they intended to. There is no point in debating with a waiter whether a quiche is more than just congealed egg in a flan case.... it wasn't his recipe or menu. The tea we had was cold by the time the food arrived and the whole trip was a wasted opportunity for a nice lunch in the country.

6 of us popped in for a spot of lunch after a walk and Christmas meet up and it was fab..Cosy little cafe with warm,friendly service.Most of us opted for the beef Sunday dinner and it was amazing food..Hot and cold drinks too rounded off with cakes and puddings which were all delicious and at a very reasonable price!! We have been to Lordstones now on various occasions and it is always great..Would highly recommend!!

It’s been a while since visiting (over a year) but we arrived on a damp, half-term day, after a walk in the Country Park. Welcoming & attentive staff greeted us, gave us menus and we were able to choose where we sat. Tables were clean, well spaced & decor was pleasant. The menu had plenty of choice for small or large appetites & hot or cold food. Our drinks order was taken efficiently and brought quickly; our food order was then taken. We ordered a Meatball Marinara panini sandwich, which came with salad & chips, plus a Coronation chicken sandwich & salad. Both arrived quickly, presentation was great & they were delicious. Chips were excellent! Interaction between the Manager, who served us, was exactly as it should be - friendly, efficient & prompt. All in all, a great experience; we shall be returning soon! Thank you

This is a beautiful location set in an area of outstanding beauty but is not dog friendly, you have beautiful stone flooring that is easily cleaned from muddy paws and muddy boots so i wonder why there is no dog area? I understand not everyone is a dog lover, but to totally exclude us is a shame. I know we can sit outside in your covered area but really its nearly November, would you?

Beautiful cafe and very friendly.’Toilets tip top! Interesting shop! Amazing stone circle and panoramic views for miles

Tea stop on a walk. Fair cup of tea ( in a pot: plus point) , but rather offhand service and minimal cake selection. Astounded by request to refill water bottle to be redirected to a boot washing tap? It was 3.45 in the afternoon and they were shutting up shop, so maybe that should be the message of this review: get there in the morning.

This review is based on today only. Was there last week which was loads busier and got food within 15 mins. Today however, found a table abd asked for menus. Realised deserts were displayed near bar/ counter and as we only wanted a hot drink and cake I went to the bar to only to be told as we have a table someone would be over. Waited over 20 mins without anyone coming over. Approx 4 waitresses were wandering about and i made sure I caught their attention but no one came over. My son and I walked put after 25 mins. Absolutely disgraceful customer services. I've been coming to lordstones for the best part of 10 years. Food is delicious but I doubt I'll be giving my money to the cafe again.

Never fails to delight. Stopped for scone and coffee mid walk. Service and food excellent and friendly.

Breakfast spoilt only by cheap and really awful tasting red and brown sauce in sachets. Bring back the HP and Heinz!

The view is spectacular lovely place.. smart clean cafe restaurant.. Bad is poor service. Ordered chicken supreme that was advertised as served with mashed potato which is what my father wanted. It came with rice after a 40 minute wait. We appreciate it probably took longer to cook . We were served a long time after other people who arrived after us . Who had hot food and were finished their meals before we got ours . We were not informed of the rice change.. The tacos and the frozen chips were barely cooked. We were not offered asked about fresh drinks and waiting for staff to be free was endless. We left with our table not cleared and went somewhere else for drinks and pudding.. very disappointed

Great setting with amazing decaf Latte, cappuccino and Americano. The food looked and smelt wonderful. Staff were friendly and very helpful...even finding the phone number for the local Indian take away. We will return and try the food.. thank you

Lovely large cafe near to great walks. Dog friendly, lots of outside seating, lots of parking, good coffee and the BBB (breakfast bun) was lovely.

5**** The most amazing restaurant, food and service The male owner / manager goes above and beyond in every way! Group of us and everyone’s meals including kids were incredible

Amazing service ! Super friendly - they made such an effort for my partners birthday! And made and effort with our dog ! The food was fabulous everyone really enjoyed their meals ! Highly recommend !

Gréât place for a walk but the food is getting worse. Stopped getting bacon and sausage buns as poor quality and cheap bread buns. Tried a scone but has to be worse I’ve ever had, not sure if frozen or stale, but defiantly not fresh,...

Lord Stones Restaurant is in a beautiful setting, you can sit inside or outside, we called in for coffee which was very good, and the service was also good.

Called in at 15.20 for a coffee and something to eat. I was told immediately that they had just stopped serving food, so ordered a flat white. It took a while to come and the young staff seemed a bit disorganised. When it arrived, it...

Absolutely fabulous Sunday lunch today at Lordstones Cafe, Carlton-in-Cleveland! I had ‘Beltie’ roast beef, which was delicious and a really good size portion of food, with tasty vegetables and wonderful roast potatoes and parsnips. My wife went for the beef burger, as she is not...

Set in a beautiful location and surrounded by the wonder that is the English countryside. Decent cafe with lots of choice and good quality food and drink. Not particularly inexpensive but I suppose given the location the cafe is pretty much take it or leave...

Called here today after walking part of the Cleveland Way. Large, free car park. The cafe was great. Had cappuccinos, cake and a bacon sandwich. Coffee was good and hot. Food was great and a fair price. Staff were really friendly and efficient. Good area...

Overpriced, bad service. Far better places elsewhere. I had a scone and coffee and the scones was very stale. Shame as it’s a lovely location.

Called by on a windy day and sat outside of this half-hidden gem. A great stopping place for Cleveland Way walkers and Lyke Wake walkers as well as the long trail Coast to Coasters. Has camping cabin accommodation and a free water tap outside for...

We were glamping on site. Cafe/restaurant was excellent whatever time you went - lovely dinner and breakfasts. The staff were all friendly and helpful, the food very well done. Setting amazing.

Parked in the car park, went for a six mile walk then came back for late lunch.There were 7 of us and the service was excellent with prompt service of drinks whilst we chose from a menu full of locally sourced food. The Caesar salad...

Lovely little cafe very clean and tidy we called in for drinks and cake after our family walk the staff are very friendly

A few tweaks required to make this a five star rating. Visited today for lunch with our canine friends in tow so an outdoor table was required. Disappointed to find that snow had not been cleared from the outdoor seating. Had this been done earlier...

Visited here to walk up the circular walk and stopped after the walk for lunch. Food was excellent and minimal wait. Service was good with staff very friendly Definitely recommend

This was our go to place for Sunday lunch prior to covid so we were looking forward to visiting again Sunday 28th Feb. When the phone was eventually answered after trying for days on end, we finally got through on a Sunday morning and booked...

Disappointed Again, We thought we give the cafe a second chance as previous visits have been a disappointment Staff un helpful And require training on waiting on tables , staff behind counter unfriendly and rood Burgers are dry with salad inside followed by a slice...

The actual cafe itself is nice, set in a lovely location, but unfortunately the staff seem to have been instructed not to smile. My mother's fruit scone was flat/tasteless and when she complained to what we assumed was the manager, she was quite dismissive/stated that...

The cafe itself is nice/the location is great, but the staff seem to have been instructed not to smile. My mother's fruit scone was flat/tastless and when we raised it with what we assumed to be the manager, she was quite dismissive/stated that the cheese...

The cafe at Lordstones is smart and roomy with extra seating outside. There is a good menu of hot meals, snacks, sandwiches etc and the prices are most reasonable. We had very good tea and coffee and our accompanying toasted tea cakes were top class.

Can not actually believe that a cafe on the Cleveland way doesn't let dogs in and actually said no muddy boots! Popped to get takeaway drinks but they had no paper cups so asked for takeaway hot pies that were advertised but surprise they didn't...

A great place to begin a trek through stunning countryside with awesome views across the Moors. Nice food, excellent coffee. Outdoor and indoor seating.

Stopped for lunch after a beautiful walk across the hills. I was very disappointed with the hummus, beetroot and watercress sandwich I ordered as the hummus and beetroot were barely visible and tasteless, and the watercress was missing altogether. I asked the waitress where the...

Stopped here while walking the Cleveland way, had lunch and dinner here as I was camping on site. Both meals were very good, very prompt and friendly service. Had a good sirloin of home bred steak. Quiet when I was here but plenty of tables...

What a place top of the world veiws parked my camper overlooking just about everything in the North east they only let a few motor homes park however they let me and thank you for that great facilities and food second to none and a...

Came here with my family for dinner. It was very expensive. Ordered two prawn sandwiches - which weren't even sandwiches. They only had 3 very small prawns on and they cost £10 each! This was not a one off as we ordered two of them...

Lordstones Cafe ....... 🤬 So not geared up to dealing with one person rolling up when they're half busy. There's an awful ordering "system" which they won't flex on at all, offer to take your order at a table or give you a RESERVED thingy...

We came here camping for our grandson .Very disappointing site expensive and only one toilet /shower block for all camping.we arrived Sunday and went to cafe for lunch which was supposed to close at 4 pm to be told they were closing early and same...

Very disappointed breakfast came with two separate plates with items missing🤷‍♀️ when asked nothing was done! This should of been rectified on order! But still charged full price also poached eggs weren’t done to order simply don’t get complacent look after the paying customer.

Very disappointed. Walked over 5 mile to get to lordstones. When I went to order lunch (2.30pm). I was greater by a man who asked “do you want food or drink” I answered booth. He said we have little stock so if you don’t have...

Lord Stones offered us welcome seating and refreshments after a walk on the Cleveland Way. The surrounding area is stunning and the place itself is well sized, with large indoor and outdoor seating areas. We shared a steak sandwich and chips, plus extra chips, and...

We used to come up regularly when we lived here many years ago when it was a small place built into the bank with the tiny kitchen. It has been enlarged substantially and is now a great facility for day trippers and long distance walkers.

We went there today and the lady behind the service counter needs to be trained or removed - totally unprofessional. That should have been a warning. We order three lunches, expensive prawn open sandwich served with TWO prawns and a beetroot and humus sandwich minus...

Great location at top of Carlton Bank. We had lunch, I was happy with my steak sandwich , as was my wife with her prawn open sandwich. Staff were great and service pretty quick considering they were fairly busy. Only negative point was that it...

Recommend the luxury fishmonger sandwich! Plus good cappuccino. A welcome break from the wet and windy moors

Superb location for exploring Cleveland Way and good point to park. It’s a short walk up the fell to a great viewpoint and clearly the location of this cafe is perfect for a refuel afterwards. We only had snacks, ice creams and drinks so can’t...

Well situated cafe, nestling in the hills. We stopped whilst walking the Coast to Coast for take out teas which were very welcome. Good outdoor seating area.

Never been here before but very impressed. Plenty of car park spaces, a small shop and lovely place to eat or just enjoy a coffee. There are seats outside too. We had fruit scones and a big pot of tea, the scones were gorgeous and...

We visited (two weeks in a row) for a light lunch to take advantage of the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme,we weren't disappointed! Outside seating was nicely spaced out and shelter from the sun was catered for. The food was served promptly and fulfilled...

We have recently moved to this area and was recommended this place to visit. The drive up to here is amazing with lovely views. On arrival there are plenty of car parking spaces. Outside there are plenty of picnic benches you do have to get...

Thank goodness places are reopening as we mitigate the risk during COVID 19. The place is spotless and tables cleaned regular.. Booking in advance is advisable. We tried the beef sandwich with skinny chips and salad. Sandwich tasty with ample chips portions and a small...

Layout outside good, tables spread apart. Myself and son and dog sat at table, first issue no menus, eventually customer told me I had to queue to go for menu off the bar. So long wait just to get menu, asked passing staff who just...

Open for business! I have made three visits recently since mid-July to this cafe-restaurant which provides both tasty snacks and meals. Ideally placed for both short or long hikes it provides a welcome break for weary travellers. It’s very well organised for COVID compliance and...

Well set out cafe with lots of socially distanced seating available. Lots of choice, decent prices and friendly, efficient staff.

We went inside the building and to the left, which looks to be like quite a nice pub. We ordered a couple of hot drinks and a coke, prices were high as expected. We took the drinks outside to enjoy in the sunshine on the little patio area.This time we walked to the right and behind the cafe, crossed the main road and walked along the Cleveland way in opposite direction for a change. Initial steep uphill hike which my 66 year old mum struggled with, but then evened out for a nice walk along the top - although was very windy and cold as very exposed up there!

We revisited here on Christmas Eve seeking a snack on our way to York Great welcome in spite of the restaurant being busy, and the beef sandwiches, from the Belted Galloway cattle were superb. The beer wasn't bad either!

We parked at Lord Stones to do a circular walk and then have lunch in the cafe afterwards.Having done a 3 hour walk on a cold November day we were ready for something hot and hearty to eat.We were all tempted by the hot sausages with onions in a panini. What a disappointment, being a farm shop we expected some hearty meaty offering instead we got some bland tasteless sausage with around 6 strings of onion.

Visited last week and enjoyed drinks, coffee and cake outside in lovely sunshine. Staff very nice and efficient and nice choice of food and drink. Short walk from spectacular view over gallery to Teeside.

We used to visit all the time when I was growing up, last time I visited was probably about 20 years ago so there has been a lot of changes!New owners and new look; much more modern and more happening there now. Glamping available and they often seem to do music nights and different events on an evening too.Instead of the old-style cafe the building has been completely renovated. One side of the building looks to be more of a farm shop? You can buy snacks and bottled cold drinks to take outside, there is nowhere to sit inside here. To the left is a pub and there is seating here, offers a full food menu I believe. We ordered a coffee and a coke here at the bar - £4.20 and it was a small coke so not cheap. We took the drinks outside to enjoy in the sunshine.

Thanks to the staff, especially Alison, for being so lovely when we camped on our Coast to Coast. They were up to their eyebrows with a mountain bike event, but were still really lovely.

We camped here on our Coast to Coast walk. The facilities for the campsite were the best on route by far, in fact if the thunder storm that was looming in the distance had come over us I would have slept in the shower area!We ate in the cafe and the food was great. All the staff were really helpful and the location is fantastic.

Amazing views from the Lordstones - steep winding road up to it (wouldn't fancy it on a push bike!). Site has developed over past 5 years - looks like a thriving business. Food excellent, good service. Toilets some of the best I've been in

Stayed in a fab glamping pod on site and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the cafe. Good choice and very quick service.

althought we only had a scone and coffee the staff nothing was a trouble very pleasant to us and very help full about the area

Walking in the area we sought sanctuary in this Cafe after getting caught out by a deluge of rain. The place was warm, inviting and dry. They provided over shoe protectors for muddy boots so the place kept clean. A pot of tea for 2 and a cheese scone soon arrived and was very nice and soothing.

We live about 3 miles away from this restaurant but have never been before. It will be a while before we go back. The menu was limited and pricey, but we had come for a treat so what the heck. My daughter and I each ordered steak and my husband had venison. The taste of the meat was good, but equally none were as tender as we would have expected. Vegetables and salad were extra. The service was slow and my soft drink was mainly a large glass of ice. We left Lord Stones hungry and sure that we would not be back again

Guter Und preiswert Tee getrunken. Kuchen und Sandwich waren lecker. Kleiner Shop nebenan, mit diversen lokalen Artikel.

We dropped in for lunch during our Coast to Coast walk looking for good coffee and a simple lunch. My partners scone was stale, and my “home made vegetable soup with “ tasted of cornflour, a stock cube, and that’s pretty much it. Oh well...

What a joy it was to come upon Lord Stones Cafe just as we were becoming weary in the middle of a long stretch of the Cleveland Way! We left rested and refreshed and the spring was definitely back in our steps as we set out to tackle the last several miles.

It looks like the cafe/restaurant has changed its model. There is very little space provided for those wanting tea and cake inside. Granted there is lots of dedicated space outside but on a day when the weather isn’t good this will turn customers away. It looks like they only want you to come inside if you are wanting a full meal. This is probably a bad move as most of the tables were empty when we visited and lots of staff hanging around doing very little as probably the main demand is for light refreshments!

This place used to be great. So friendly and welcoming, not any more. I have never been to a place with more unwelcoming staff. The attitude of them makes you feel sorry for disturbing their day is unbelievable. Even locals don’t go in anymore. I’m one of them...There was many local walking groups go on a regular basis. Food on an evening was exceptional, breakfast also good, not any more. Primary problem is front of house staff. They must be changed also the hygiene of the place needs a good clean. If they ever get it all sorted they should also carry a few vegetarian options.

It was just a bit too cold to make use of the picnic tables, but we enjoyed studying the large photos of the surrounding area.

First visit - the staff were rude on entry. Unhelpful- Grumpy and almost “oh no not more guests”. Told only serving bacon or sausage baps. As we had a vegetarian with us I asked for toast - on the menu. I was told no quite grouchy attitude. Partner asked for sausage and bacon bun - waitress rolled her eyes.

Lovely food in very pleasant surroundings and what a view. Had a wonderful lunch for 2 for 16.50. Really is a lovely cafe with cheery staff. Busy on Saturday afternoon though

Stayed for 2 night in the glamping lodges and ate at the cafe on both days. The staff couldn’t do enough to make sure I was happy. The food was great quality, the cafe was clean and tidy and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!

My partner and I have been calling in after a walk for the past 4 years. We always used to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and particularly like to sit outside when the weather permits. However for some reason the management now like to play music through speakers attached to the outside wall. I don't mind low level background music but at lunchtime today it was so loud people were all choosing to sit away from the music, i.e. not on the picnic tables. Why oh why do you have to spoil the ambience of the place by blaring music out. It just isn't needed when people just want to enjoy a nice lunchtime bite to eat with a cuppa after a nice stroll. Also, the size of the toasted tea cakes have shrunk alarmingly, why? While we are on the subject of food the sausage sandwiches used to consist of 3 whole sausages but they have changed over time to fewer, sliced sausages. Still very tasty but not as hearty and good value.

Had a two hour walk round Crinkle moor, then had lunch at Lord Stones which was nicely presented and delicious. We were looked after by a very attentive and friendly Rachel.