Oscar's Cafe in South Lakeland

Poor choice of food and very expensive. £8:50 for a cheeseburger chips £3:95. Also not the best quality. If travelling on the steam railway probably better to plan ahead and bring a picnic.

They waited for us to order before telling us that the dog was not welcome We asked for 1 of the drinks to be put into a take away cup so they put all the drinks in take away cups. Although the café only had a few tables occupied we were clearly not very welcome

Terrible service, terrible food and extortionate prices. Please train your staff properly, if you are going to charge overly priced items, at least buy some decent local products instead of cheap frozen crap. Will never return again , I’d rather starve !!

Visited with family after a trip to the aquarium. Absolutely vile place. Perfect setting, good size. Food choices incredibly limited. We ordered the chicken burger £8.95, doesn’t come with fries, they are a further £4.95, what the hell. Food took 45 mins with no fries,. Asked and asked and asked, ready to leave then 2 portions given. Stinking cheap rubbish. Two people serving, no clue what was happening, just apologising all the time. Nothing was cleared the whole time we were there. 3 fellas in the kitchen, cooking god knows what because there is so little on the menu. Gluten free option was chips and that’s it. This place is vastly over priced, dirty, understaffed and serves v cheap ingredients with no imagination. I would never return. I advise all people to swerve this place. Needs new management and it would be an absolute gold mine.

Staff were friendly and pleasant, and food arrived promptly, that's why I gave it 2 stars. But very limited food selection, and very poor quality. I had a brie and cranberry toastie, which sounded nice, but was on low quality white sliced, not properly toasted and basically a soggy mess. Friends had the coronation chicken sandwich and did not rate it. Have a hot drink here by all means, but bring a picnic to eat!

Needed a quick bite to eat before the ferry ride to Bowness. Looked at the Lakeside Hotel opposite (and really should have gone there.) Oscars café is awful. Self service cutlery/condiment area is bloody filthy. I didn’t fine one clean teaspoon. Nothing was washed properly. My wife had a tuna jacket potato. I had the pre-prepped, cling film wrapped Ploughman’s Lunch for £7.50 The pork pie, the star of the show of any ploughman’s lunch, was RANK! My wife and I didn’t stomach one bite. I don’t think a dog would eat it! It was factory made, plastic pastry and a mushed/grey filling of salty animal waste. A bloody disgrace. The windows were filthy, and the few people in there show how crap it was. Don’t go!

Felt compelled to review this place as it was the most poorly run cafe I've ever been to. Why would you set aside 3 tables for staff in a busy cafe in August at the busiest time of the day? No staff sitting at the tables while customers were being turned away from the door. That's 12 lost customers! Why do you not use a menu board or similar to let people in the long queue know what food is available? We had no idea that you sold toasties and sandwiches until we finally reached the front of the long queue by which point is was too late to order one.

Visited the cafe downstairs serving Starbucks coffee. Drinks fine - usual Starbucks price. Food very limited. Lots of people eating soup - the apparently sold out when we ordered. Limited slices of pizza and sausage rolls. Kids sandwich choice - cheese, ham and mustard. Mustard for kids?? And loads of it. Just plain ham would do please. Not much competition here which is a shame as it would certainly make them up their game.

Visited the cafe downstairs with toddler grandson, we climbed two flights of stairs to find the upstairs "closed for meeting" no notice at the bottom !! We arrived by train and would have gone straight back to the lovely railway cafe at Haverthwaite had we known how bad this cafe was ! but stuck for an hour and hungry we had to eat, over priced sandwiches and little else to choose from so ended up with a very cheap, gristly burger, a very greasy sausage roll and a half decent coffee none of which were worth the price. All the tables were filthy and I had to wipe one down before we could eat. The two staff members were very nice and polite but we are locals and found this cafe a total embarrassment for the area. The competition is immense and for the position its in someone needs to sort it out.

I visited the restaurant whilst waiting for the steam train. Unfortunately, I found the food choice to be limited to that on display which, when served, was cold. I had to return items of cutlery as they hadn’t been cleaned properly Poor experience & over priced for the poor quality.

The great views from the cafe are about the only good thing going for it. This place could be fantastic if they had half decent food selections and decent service.

We visited this café for the views and a cup of tea before boarding the steam train. The tables were filthy dirty and cups chipped. The windows were so dirty you could barely see out of them! We had two cups of tea and crisps. The staff were not too enthusiastic either!

Having been in the aquarium we wanted to get lunch with the grandchildren. The food choice was very basic with not alot to offer. Bland sandwiches, slice of pizza, sausage roll, dried out pasta with cheese and broccoli, hot dog , chips , burgers. We decided to get the kids a sausage roll to eat, but after 30 mins stood in a que, I was still no nearer to getting it. One girl was trying to serve and take payment, whilst another guy flitted out the back making the burgers and fries. We had to leave as train was due so we used the shop downstairs instead. Same food on offer but 3 members of staff. I was served within 5 minutes. Oscar's should not be classed as a restaurant it's a snack bar so dont be fooled

Don't be fooled, there are two cafes. The downstairs one, infested with wasps. No attempt to remove, control or release them... and the upstairs one. The upstairs one is easily missed. It was clean friendly and functional. Great views over the lake. Nothing to write celebrations about, but adequate. No wasps, no risk of kids being hurt. Just a pain to get a buggy up the steps. I'd go again, but only upstairs.

Could not toast a cheese sandwich that was premade, very disappointed in the service we received would not recommend,

La vista panorámica de Windermere y las colinas circundantes es realmente hermosa. . . haciendo aún más vergonzoso que la calidad de la comida fuera tan mala: bollos duros y rancios, que se dejaron al descubierto en un cálido día de julio, con moscas zumbando alrededor de la cafetería. Una pequeña bolsita de té en una taza de té para dos simplemente no es adecuada. Muy, muy decepcionado, y no es de extrañar que solo hay otra mesa con clientes cuando visitamos. Una oportunidad desperdiciada.

Oscar's being upstairs gives a fabulous view of the lake and the afternoon tea is excellent value for money. Fresh sandwiches, delicious scones and ahugh pot of tea. Fio the money we paid it was brilliant.

Estábamos en el Distrito de los Lagos con mi cuñado, que había terminado en Australia durante un par de meses.

Went with family had no chicken nuggets for kids. Not much choices at all. Jacket potato had not much much potato in and the skin was rock hard. Wouldn’t go back

After visiting the aquarium we went into Oscars cafe for a break. Must say that the place did not impress. Got a kids lunch bag which included a stale sandwich. We were told to pick another out of the cabinet, which was also stale. Complained again and was told that a fresh one would be made. Waited long enough and asked where it was and the reply was that they thought we already had it. The sandwich finally came and was fresh. A range of coffees was shown on the board behind the counter so asked for a latte, but told only black coffee was available which was not nice and could not drink it.

Visited with the family whilst waiting for the next boat after visiting the aquarium.

I always think that the acid test for an eatery is whether you would return if you visited the same place again: in the case of Oscar's Cafe my answer is a definite no. There were lovely looking scones on the counter and perhaps we'd have been better sticking to those but it was lunchtime so we ordered hot savouries. Elements of two of our dishes were stone cold and unappealing and everything felt overpriced for the quality.

Visited here after the aquarium for tea and scones, very nice indeed, kids lunch box good too. Lovely view of lake Windermere,

Visited here today after coming back off the boat after a lake cruise from Bowness. The staff member that was there was very friendly and polite to us and also to every other customer who was there. I had a ham and cheese panini which was very tasty and filled me up nicely. Everyone else who had a meal with me also liked the food. There is also a big selection of soft drinks and other food items there. Overall we really enjoyed our visit.

Although the food was lovely and win a great view. I would say it was a little pricey. We ended up having an afternoon tea for two as it worked out a lot cheaper. You didn't get a huge amount of food for your money but it was enjoyable. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Visited here after the aquarium for a very nice 'quick' lunch. Friendly, helpful staff; good lunchtime menu and reasonable prices - especially given they essentially have a captive audience. Food came quickly and was very tasty.

Ate here for lunch before visiting the aquarium. Husband and I had nice panini, two kids had nuggets (all eaten!) and youngest had cheese sandwich lunchbox. Only real complaint was that the little one’s sandwich was a bit stale, but she didn’t complain. Nice views over the lake.

We had panini meals (Brie and Bacon) and both the panini itself and the bacon, proved too tough for the cheap cutlery provided.

Lovely cafe with a good choice of cakes, sandwiches, hot food and drinks. Activity sheets on tables for kids. Very polite, helpful staff.

This is a self service restuarant with a limited menu and a great view over the lake.The food was reasonably good for the money. There is an awkward staircase to get upstairs. Very handy if you are visiting the Lakes Aquarium.

Tuvimos un estupendo té aquí consta de muy buena calidad recién hecho sandwich, un bollo bien con mermelada y nata y una gran taza de té.

We stoped hear for our lunch with the kids they had a kids lunch box which was perfect for them and reasonably priced as were ours my husband has the fish which he said was nice and I had the panini meal deal. the service was a little slow but I'm not sure how many staff were on I only seen two and it was quite busy at the time but the staff were pleasant. The menu was a bit limited but it was a small cafe

Had nice afternoon tea and sandwiches for the little ones. Lovely view over Windermere. Due to the nature of the location there are a couple of flights of stairs to navigate to the upstairs room which are tricky with a pram.

Avoid this place. Staff lazy and arrogant. Expensive for what it is. Told at 3:31 we stop food at 3:30! Eventually got 2 sandwiches and tea. Had to get everything myself.

Junto con mi esposa pasamos unos días en el distrito de los Lagos la semana pasada. Después de un agradable para navegar junto al lago, visitamos el acuario, entonces, ya que era la hora del almuerzo subimos a Óscar para el almuerzo. El lugar parecía limpio y ordenado, y aparte de un miembro de personal detrás del mostrador de la habitación estaba vacía. Nos sentamos a disfrutar de la vista sobre la Lae. Después de leer el menú, tanto en la mesa y en los paneles sobre el mostrador, decidimos pedir. Después de 15 minutos no había llegado cerca, así que traté de captar la atención de los miembros del personal. En vez de ayudar a él a través de la trasera. desaparecida Teníamos suficiente y a la izquierda.

Gran vista al lago y las tartas eran buenas. Todo lo demás era claramente de la media. La comida estaba bien, pero nada más que eso. Estaba totalmente vacía cuando entramos en la hora del almuerzo, así que no hay problema para conseguir un asiento,...

La comida es de buena calidad, el personal es amable y el café está limpio. La comida es un poco caro para lo que es, y tiene muy poca variedad.

Had a nice meal. Food good with nice views over the lake. Is only a café so not an extensive menu. Can get busy at times.

Looking for breakfast before heading out to the hills. Opened at 9.30am but only served beans on toast. Which was cold. Nice cup of tea in a good location but not overly impressed. Staff where friendly

After visiting the Aquarium our group of 6 including baby buggy climbed the steps at 3.45pm. The cafe was empty of customers with a staff member cleaning the tables. I asked if still open, told only for drinks but that food was being served downstairs. I said we only wanted drinks - told we could get them downstairs. So not really open so why not say so? There had been no opening times on the door we entered from ground level although I checked on another entry point and this said 4.00pm. Such an early closure despite trains/boats arriving beyond this time. We went downstairs and although the cafe is run under a different name it transpires they are the same company. We did get drinks here so feel able to write this review. Given the location on the lake, the Aquarium and train station this should be a gold mine cafe. They really need to up their customer service and consider their opening times and or signage.

Great place to view the lake, reasonable priced coffee...which was tasteless. Food looked expensive and was a bit of a queue but I nipped in quick and got served my dishwater first.

Lovely location right on the lake. Very reasonably priced for the location. Lovely freshly brewed coffee and cakes.

stopped off after embarking from cruise on the Windermere lake.the nearby Lakeside hotel is very expensive and consequently called in at Oscars which is opposite ( near the train station and aquarium ).Reasonable menu and at sensible prices. Do a number of meal deals including children's . Service was prompt and the meal enjoyable . Had Pannini's with pot of tea . Saved the flapjack for the cruise back up to Bowness ! As this café is in the first floor , there is a nice view of the Lake .

We ate a late lunch here after spending time at the nearby aquarium. The staff were very cheerful and friendly, and the food was great.

I was leading a group of cyclists and recce a route for a Sunday Brunch ride. Staff in the café were disinterested and solemn. Not happy, cheery and willing to serve at all. I ordered the bacon and brie pannini. Distinct lack of bacon and under toasted; very doughy lump of bread. Those who had cheesy chips and beans on toast with chips were happy with their meals but it would be difficult to get it wrong.Regularly bike this way and look for a café stop but wont be calling again.

We visited here after visiting the lakeside aquarium , the views over the lake are amazing ! The cafe itself is overpriced the hot drinks were OK the good think is they serve Starbucks coffee , I felt that just over £3 for a scone that tasted of nothing and a small blob of jam and cream was a bit steep , it would not have been so bad if it was clotted cream , would not go here again as £12,for 2 drinks and 2 scones is to much .

This cafeteria has a good view over a part of Windermere lake. We visited at around noon and place was almost empty. It can be found upstairs across the way from the Lakeside Aquarium.Has around four meal deals which are each under a tenner. Serves cream teas and sells the usual crisps, ice creams, cakes etc which all were relatively cheap although we did not try these as we only bought drinks. All the tables by the large windows had a reserved sign on them, although nobody did turn up to occupy them whilst we were there.They also have an area to heat baby food and a microwave which can be handy if needed.

Wouldn't make a cheese and bean panini even though they served all the ingredients.Cheese and toast seemed like toast hadn't been toasted long enough.Got an order wrong.And my friend saw a staff member eating a chip of a plate before it was due to be served

Really helpful and welcoming staff. Excellent with youngsters as they have a baby feeding area with microwave. Colouring books and pens for kids. The food is good and well priced. They also do packed lunches. Nearly forgot, glass walled and great view on lake side with parking directly outside. Well done

Great view over the lake. Was empty when we arrived. Just had a drink and sausage roll each but very nice. Sat by the window watching the world sail by whilst waiting for our boat back to Bowness on Windermere. Reasonable prices and Starbucks coffee. Also has toilets.

We visited here a couple of times, whilst our granddaughter was staying with us. It's great for all ages, there's a good selection of food and drinks on offer - and what a great view! Very reasonable priced, there are also meal deals on, very efficient staff and great for kids too. Well worth a visit, whether you're on one of the boat trips or visiting the aquarium or the Haverthwaite Railway.

Had afternoon teapoor quality fatty ham sand whichpoor quality cheap catering teadirty cupsSTALE HOMEMADE SCONES which could have been prevented by keeping in an air tight container or cling filmed overNo tea spoons available just wooden stirrers GOOD VIEW THOUGH!!!CANNOT RECOMMEND THE FOOD!!

We had some hot chocolate here while we were waiting to take the train. While the hot chocolate was REALLY good, the setting was rather noisey.

Wow, afternoon tea for two for less than a tenner! Fantastic value for money, clean, great service, and quality of food was very good

Upstairs seating has a great view of the lake, although nothing over the top the menu was of good quality, and varied. Try the pie and peas! Good place to eat whilst waiting for either the steam train or ferry boat. Will call again

Visited Oscar's Café after train journey. Nice wholesome offerings in a smashing location overlooking Windermere. A place to sit and watch the boats come and go.Reasonably priced, friendly helpful staff. Nice place to take a break.

Stunning views. Reasonably priced. Food ok. Disappointing service. Sold out of scones at 2pm, wasnt offered an alternative.

Called in for warm drink after brisk walk,Staff welcoming, drinks reasonably priced, The view over lake Windermere is outstanding

We were pleasantly surprised to find this cafe upstairs near the train station and boats. It was warm, clean and busy. We had a bowl of soup each followed by a tasty scone. The coffee was Starbucks. The rest of the food around looked good.

A cafe with the best views in the UK but the food of a rubbish road side catering van. It's called Oscars for a start - what's 'oscars' got to do with Lake Windermere? Maybe it's named after a catering van too? The panini's were revolting - greasy, under cooked, terrible ingredients, and looked s***, frankly. The chips were just about as bland as you can make them. This place was empty on a bank holiday - I'm not surprised. This could be a go-to location with great local produce, great food, amazing Sunday lunches - the usual key to success to the catering world, add in the wonderful views - what a disappointment. Tea is fine - but you can't mess with a tea bag. Service was ok but slow because the person on the till was also the person frying the chips.

We live local and went in the off season effectively.. If cafes have them!! Told what we wanted wasn't in... See you in the summer in other words..

......is all you can say about this place! 11am and we were the only people there, we ordered a pot of tea and 2 bacon rolls. We sat and admired the view drinking our tea....... The three staff chatted behind the counter....We waited for our bacon rolls.....We watched a steamer arrive and the cafe fill up....After 25 minutes our rolls hadn't arrived...We complained and were told that, "as you can see we are rather busy!" They finally arrived without any apology. Why is catering tea so horrible? Why do they use such lightweight tasteless buns? And then only half cook the bacon?This is an aweful place with staff who couldn't care less!

Having done lots of different reviews around Cumbria this is the first place that I have given a poor report to. Whoever is in charge of this place needs to up their game, it should be run better, it lets the area down. The food was mediocre, the coffee and tea not good, and the service indifferent. Prices were reasonable and the views are delightful this place could be so good !!

Stopped there to get some food after the steam railway. Advertised as a restaurant on the steps up to it but it's definitely a café. It could be so much more. Basic food and false advertising on the meal deals. It shows a bottle of water on the deal but you actually get tap water. Service was acceptable but no more. A total disappointment

Having been driving around the lakes for a few hours we had the intention of stopping for a bite to eat and found ourselves at the Lakeside. we chose Oscars which sits above the station but has large glass windows overlooking the lake and gives a great view when the steamer moors alongside.Food is very simple and only served until around 3pm. My husband had soup and a sandwich and I chose a warm scone with cream and jam, both came with a mug of tea as standard, it was very tasty. I noticed they did lunch packs for children and having a small grandchild, I thought this an excellent idea especially the jam sandwich option.The only downside, was the amount of steps to the café which I found difficult due to recent ankle surgery. Otherwise, a good little pitstop before setting off on the steamer or the steam train.

Take a spectacular view over the lake then spoil it with a second rate self service cafe which is not up to the mark. Having driven some distance around the fantastic lakes called in for refreshments and a light bite at Lakeside where the steam train and Lake tourist boats start/terminate. Decided to use the top deck of Oscars cafe overlooking the lake and ordered the special afternoon tea for two, considering there was no cooking involved only sandwiches, scones and tea we waited over 40 minutes and we're on the verge of giving up! When it did arrive we were informed run out of scones but could have a cake as substitue which spoilt the whole afternoon tea concept. In all it was well below par served by youngsters who it would appear to have been thrown in at the deep end, would not return.

Feels like a motorway service restaurant and the food is pretty much the same standard.Went for the various meal sets (burger, kids, soup & sandwich) as well as the afternoon tea set for 2. I'm sure if we weren't rushed for time, we would have found better options nearby.

This place is ideal for a quick lunch. Served by a helpful assistant, this cafe offers stunning views of the lower lake. The good was of a good standard and we were served quickly. Recommended.

It didn't look that appealing. The food looked a little sad. It's also a 'Gift Shop'! I feel it needs a bit of a re-think if it wants people to visit it? As it has beautiful views outside the windows.

It's a pretty impresive view from the cafe here overlooking as it does the southern part of lake Windermere. It was good value and the tea brand - Tazo - made for a good cuppa. Liked the idea that you could choose your mug size too. On the downside - we struggled to get 5 round a table and it was very cramped. Having your own size of mug is fine but having tea brewed in a mug has the result that the table was covered in used tea bags - what's wrong with a teapot? Most off putting though was the temperature - it was like a furnace! Someone has done a revamp up there (totally out of keeping with the Victorian building - the iron columns do look forlorn) and ventilation seems to have been a long way down the list of requirements! Surely in a lakeside restaurant they could have managed windows that opened properly or that could have been taken out?? So nice, good value tea not well served in cramped and uncomfortable I surroundings but with a great view!Wray

Very , very busy. In all fairness the staff clear tables and serve very quickly and the wait by the counter isn't at all long even though the queue is. The coffee is average, nice views though. Reasonably priced.

After visiting the aquarium and having some time down by the waterside we ventured into the cafe for a bite and drink. Unfortunately as it was nearing 4pm all the kitchen could offer was cakes or biscuits as the hot equipment had all been turned off. Turning away several customers even for a toasted sandwich can't be good for business on a day when they should be glad of the custom is never a good sign. We opted for the cream scone which was disappointing, the scone tasted old and dry, we thought it was going to be clotted cream which it wasn't and the staff were not very helpful or friendly. I assume they were summer staff on minimum wage with no training in customer service and it showed. Unfortunately if I visited the area again, I would certainly give this a miss.

We visited for lunch before heading to the aquarium and, probably due to the poor weather, it was heaving. Having waited patiently for a table, we ordered burgers and chips. I was disappointed that hot drinks weren't included in the meal deal so it didn't work out as cheap as we could have done it. But, decided to spend extra in order to warm up on a cold Cumbrian morning! Canteen style service and staff were working flat out to meet demands of the queue. The young lads serving remained cheerful and polite throughout and our meals arrived quickly. I wanted to award an extra star for the view but didn't want to mislead those who are reading ratings for food. The view across the lake is stunning from the first floor cafe. The food however is standard which is a shame as you can see how much potential there is to turn it into a cosy bistro that could give the neighbouring hotel a run for its money. It did more than fill our hungry bellies on a chilly moring though.

The cafe is located upstairs by the train station and offers fantastic views over the lake, it,s best attraction.The place can best be described as cheap and cheerful. Not much else available unless you visit the Hotel across the car park. Had coffees and scones while visiting, which were ok. The general decor could do with a bit of an update now, but seems to be kept clean. Unfortunately while sat eating they were sweeping the floor nearby which was a bit off putting while trying to eat.

We called in for lunch one Saturday. Our hands were forced a bit. Didn't want to pay the lakeside hotel prices and needed something. There only seemed to be the two to choose from.The food menu is standard, burgers, paninis and so on. Whilst unimaginative it was well made for a reasonable price. We were pleasantly surprised by the juiciness of the burger, the tastiness of the soup, and the kids chicken fillets looked like they were from a chicken!!There's a microwave and a good range of choices for children. I've only scored average because I don't think it's good enough to be very good.

Went twice for cup of tea just before closing and treated with utmost courtesy. On third visit went for sizzle steak which was fantastic and received exactly the same treatment and service

Went here for breakfast before getting the MV Swan to Bowness. Unfortunately we couldn't have the full English but the breakfast baps were great and tasty tea and coffee. Great location with superb views of Lake Windermere and Gummers Howe.

This is located very well being close to the lake with superb views, however the food leaves a lot to be desired. We ordered a burger and chips and 2 sandwiches, which we had to wait at least 30 minutes for the meals to arrive. When we eventually received our sandwiches they looked as though someone had just scraped the filling on and off the bread. They were more bread and butter than anything and we could just about taste the filling. A young couple at the table next to our complained about the filling in their paninis but this complaint just fell on deaf ears.

After visiting the aquarium next door, we stopped in for lunch as the location is really impressive. Perched above the ferry stop, it has fantastic views stretching right down the lake and beats many locations in the windermere area. After quickly ordering food, we had to wait at least half an hour for two basic toasties – while you obviously want to wait for something to be made properly it doesn’t take that long to make a cheese and ham toastie especially when there was only 4 tables occupied when we were visiting. Once the food finally arrived we didn’t receive any sort of acknowledgement for our wait which added to our annoyance. While it’s a standard café, we were really disappointed with the service on offer as it really lets down the brilliant aquarium. However, it’s only fair to acknowledge that the toasties were good and reasonably priced.So to summarise, the food despite being basic is enjoyable, you might have a problem if you’re rushed for time before the ferry and the customer service could improve greatly. I would happily stop at Oscars again for a coffee to enjoy the view but the location deserves a lot better.

Nearly missed this nice café, need to take the stairs up from the one below. Just had a lunchtime soup, very nice and good value and fantastic position looking down on the steamers and the lake.

At Lakeside a rather elderly and somewhat past its best diesel unit was parked at the station. Only one tiny cafeteria available. Packed out - and a long queue to the outside. Invited by a poster to go upstairs to the lakeside panorama restaurant - so went up to find a scruffy room full of people who had struggled upstairs with trays etc. Dirty-looking windows impaired the views. The whole place looked dirty. This was a dreadful experience and one which, sadly, will not be repeated.

Arrived at Lakeide by train from Haverthwaite on a family day out (5 adults and four children). As it was lunchtime we were all hungry so found ourselves at Oscar's cafe nicely situated upstairs off the station platform with lovely views over Lake Windermere.The menu is fairly basic consisting mainly of soup, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches and burgers with sides of chips and/or salad with a good basic childrens menu (argueably better than the adutls one). We ordered after the main rush of people alighting from the train and before the next rush of the steamer arrived hoping for a speedy service - WRONG-. We were able to take our drinks immediately to the table as they consisted of water and pop so only had to wait and wait and wait and wait again for the food to arrive. At the cash point we had to collect the cutlery but were unable to source any knives and after taking forks left just four for those following us.As the food was arriving we saw the staff taking sandwiches out of their cool display to put with the rest of our cooked order to serve everything at the same time. As the sandwiches were all for the children they could have been served without delay as by now the children were besides themselves with hunger. Whilst we were waiting we were aware of the speed that tables were cleared and cleaned which seemed to be the expense of prompt customer service.As the waitress was serving our food, we asked if she could find us some knives to help those of us with a side salad but the request was in vain as the knives never materialised.If I had to summerise, the cafe is nice, the food despite being basic is enjoyable, the service is dreadful and the staff are not listening to their customers. My advice to anyone eating her is to allow a lot of time and if you need one, take your own knife! - Oh and I nearly forgot, my chips were practically cold although the burger was ok.

Mostly, it was the slowness of the service that mattered the most. We were hungry but only had a short time to see Lakeside before catching the boat. Waiting for our simple order took so long we never saw the village .

Nice view, good sandwiches and soups. They have ice cream and snacks, too. You can see the lake and all the boats. Get a table by the window if possible.