The Apple Store Cafe in Blackburn with Darwen

We have been coming to The Apple Store for years and it has been one of our favourite places to go after a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside. The setting and venue are lovely. However, we have visited a few times since the new management took over from the original owners and it has been disappointing. The food used to be piping hot and always looked and tasted very home made. Portion sizes were hearty, too. Our food on recent visits was tepid and portion sizes much reduced. The chips seem pale and soft, the steak pudding pastry very hard on the bottom, the chicken wrap cold and a bit rubbery, a beef and blue cheese salad very thin on both beef and cheese. And, the lovely fig and goats cheese salad gone. Looking around at other tables, the quality does seem to have diminished. The food is served much more quickly now which may suggest that a lot is pre-prepared and re-heated, maybe. It seems disloyal to post a negative review after so many happy visits and I wish I had the courage to have said something face to face - but hey, I’m British. We’re hopeless at complaining. I hope things improve - it’s a truly special place.

This is not our first visit to the Apple Store - it is a good venue and somewhere to go all year round. Indoor and outdoor seating. We went with friends for brunch last week and it just seemed a little chaotic. Tables were not cleared or wiped. No one takes your order - you order yourself at the till. We ordered coffees that were very good; however the waffle and bacon was cold with only a hint of maple syrup - and as a result rather stodgy. The bacon however was delicious. The eggs benedict was also cold but the small 'full English' was very good. So some good and some not so good - result - slightly disappointing.

This is a strange review but I felt that it is important to place on record. My Wife has food allergies etc so much so that I have to contact wherever we are thinking of going to to make sure that they understand what my Wife can't eat. (I don't expect special treatment - I just want to make sure that I'm happy that they understand and that they can accommodate) Surprisingly a high number of establishments who supposedly cater for food allergies do not, routine questioning often demonstrates that they really don't understand customers needs. Anyway I contacted the Applestore Cafe and dealt with Lucy. I was absolutely blown away by her "can do" attitude, nothing was too much trouble and she had a real positive attitude, no matter what we perceived as a problem she had a solution! Sadly we were unable to go when we had hoped as my Wife was unwell but we fully intend to go in the future. Never, ever, have I experienced such a high level of customer service and if this is an example of The Applestore then I think the food would be exceptional. Thank you very much Lucy.

Great for a lunch when out walking n the beautiful Forest of Bowland. I don’t know why this is listed under Chorley as it’s twenty miles from Chorley. Ot is west of the A6 between Preston and Lancaster. It is run by people with many years experience in catering and the quality of the food reflects that. The specials offer that bit extra from usual cafe fare, the venue is unique being a large conservatory with grape vines in flower lining the roof and wood burners keeping us toasty. Gluten free provision is great.

A wonderful cafe with cakes, coffees, breakfast and lunch foods perfect for a family or friends gathering. We tried the soup, sandwiches, kids meals, salads, cakes and coffees and it was all delicious. The setting within a very festive and pretty conservatory was delightful.

Was recommended so looking forward to the vist, but very disappointed. The lower section of the cafe was cramped, too many tables squashed in. And the service was dreadful. Must have spent 2 hours there (mostly waiting) just for lunch and a coffee. Luckily the food was good, hence any stars at all.

Poor experience all round. I have been several times and refrained from writing a bad review, but this place is constantly poor. Ordered porridge and staff refused to make with any other milk (even though they had oat and soya, and said it could only be made with hot water or cows milk. Tasted awful. Overpriced for the quality of food. Coffees are small and luke warm. Fresh orange juice is concentrated from a bottle for £3! Staff are miserable. Waited for food for over 40 mins even though it wasn’t busy. Really poor all round, has really gone down hill and won’t be going again.

I have been here many times over the years and it was one of my favourite places to come. Gradually over the past few months I have sadly watched this place deteriorate. The last time we came only half the menu was available and wasn't well cooked and today we endured slow service (when the place was very quiet), poor attitudes or staff and a maze of gates making it difficult to leave with a snotty member of staff saying you can't go out that way. The saddest of all of this was the play area which has not been maintained at all and is frankly dangerous. What was left of the play area I allowed my child to play on until I noticed how unsafe it was. I reported the slide to a young girl stood greeting people as I witnessed a girl cut her leg on it. She said right ok and then bad mouthed me to the young lad stood with her as I left clearly not going to do anything about it.

Excellent location, spacious seating, lovely surroundings and super food. Staff both welcoming, attentive and helpful.

Came this afternoon for coffee and cake but usually have a meal As always good coffee and superb cake at a very reasonable price. Sat outside , it was so peaceful and relaxing !

We had to queue on a Monday lunchtime in the first week of March. It is quite rightly a popular place because of the high standard of food, the delightful staff, and the variety of food that is totally different to the standard grub that you find in pubs and hotels.

Absolutely lovely venue and scrumptious food. We went just before lunch, and as well a the sublime range you’d expect on an honest-to-goodness Lancashire brunch menu, there was also a delicious patatas huevos which was enjoyed with chorizo, a divine breakfast burrito, and delicious porridge with oodles of tempting topping options. Delicious coffee, and although we couldn’t manage to eat another thing, we did take some slices of the most amazing home made cakes home with us. Thoroughly recommend, and will definitely be back!

We called for breakfast and was very pleased with it. The service was quick and there was a good choice on offer. Would recommend the place

Popped in for lunch with my wife. It was a bit of a mixed bag. Terrible flat white coffee ( no way there was 2 shots of espresso, it probably came out of a drinks machine ), mediocre chunky chips, good hot beef and blue cheese barm. Service And staff good. We won't rush back.

Stopped for a quick coffee en route to a hooked restaurant lunch. A friendly welcome from young staff caused hopes for rapid service and a quick getaway. Sadly 25 minutes wait for rather mediocre coffee (more a small latte than the strong flat white requested) is really rather inadequate.

Stopped for coffee/cakes OK service Lovely scenic location, nice to stroll around. The Gents toilet needed a bit of tlc It is good there but they think they’re good and as a result they rest on their laurels and loose site of the goal

Attended Sunday lunch 06/09/2020 after booking a table. Ordered 6 lunches and only three arrived, after enquiring about the other three meals we were informed they had been missed and not cooked. The waiters all appear to be sixth formers and to be honest it was that busy the staff had lost control. Cannot understand the popularity of the place considering the mediocre food and very poor service. The cafe definitely needs to concentrate on substance over style. Disappointed and will not be returning.

Been here several times but although it's very picturesque we have been constantly disappointed. On our last visit we tried the full English breakfast but the sausages were cremated and they forgot the toast. We mentioned the lack of toast but it never appeared. On previous occasions we had a side order of chips missing and once they brought a totally different sandwich to what I ordered. It's a great place to sit out on a sunny day and have a coffee but I can't really recommend it for a meal.

Been a few times, the food is excellent. In an amazing setting. Sitting next to the log burner is lovely

This is a great place for either a lunch or just a cup of tea and cake. It is on the Wyresdale park estate in Scorton, so there is plenty of lovely places to walk, with a lake too. The food is always good and tasty and there is plenty of parking. We just had tea and cake and it was lovely and a good price. Dogs are welcome too.The menu is varied and there is a good selection of sweet treats.

I came in for a coffee and a little treat, the coffee was so so good!I didn’t dine off the full menu but had a look, they do lots of veggie/ vegan dishes, I got a vegan cake that they offered which was nice. The staff are nice, and the venue is lovely and cute, I could have sat there for hours

Called in for lunch on a sunny busy Bank Holiday. Comprehensive menu. Polite but friendly efficient service. Tables outside and in.

Visited this superb garden tearoom / cafe whilst walking in the area.There is a very extensive snack menu and so many wonderful cakes to choose from!All the cakes are homemade and delicious!The outdoor garden seating area is extensive - it needs to be for this was a very busy place both times we 'popped' in. The gardens area is quite extensive with walks through the nearby woods. A very relaxing venue.

Visited with my wife and we loved the selection of cakes etc. Venue good and atmosphere was excellent. You should come visit!

Not the first time we have been here but the first time we have pre-booked. Arrived to be given a choice of reserved tables, either inside or outside, depending on the weather and our preference.2 Cream Teas and a BLT from the menu arrived quickly and were absolutely fantastic. Can’t fault any aspect of our meal or the service provided.Even when busy this is always an efficient and friendly place to eat.Lovely little playpark in the shade and a woodland trail.

We didn't know of it's existence until my GF's daughter took us there for a meal.A charming cafe selling excellent home cooked food (real homemade "chunky chips"). My gammon was perfect, not over salted as you frequently find & the eggs were just right. Then - cakes that are very hard to resist. Filter coffee served in a pot, from which you get 3 mugs full - for a couple of quid - great value.The setting is as rural & scenic as anywhere I've ever seen in Lancs. Part of an estate (I guess that's where the "Apple Store" name is from - it probably actually was one), with a beautiful lake close by hemmed in by woodland.A nice play area for kids, with real rope swings suspended from trees - my GF just had to have a go ! Good parking area which is a bonus.Prices very good, as is the service - not too intrusive (which I hate), just quietly efficient & polite.Two reasons I've given it a 4 rating rather than a 5 -- the toilets are a "shed" outside the cafe & only have facilities for one lady & one gent at a time --- the other reason being that just as we were starting our meal 3 dogs decided they didn't like each other (dogs are allowed in the restaurant) & had a loud squabble at the table beside us. That I can do without - if I'd had children with me it would have concerned me a lot !Overall a good experience - will definitely visit again.

If you are ever in Scorton this is definably worth a visit. Lovely conservatory looking it over gardens. Breakfast is excellent as is lunch, can get busy for weekend brunch.

Mi amigo me recomendó este pequeño café para mí, parece muy popular con 'ciclistas serios", ya que no había un montón de ciclistas muchaschas en el correspondiente. Mi visita fue en un domingo por la mañana, se nota su mesa número y diríjase al mostrador que está ubicado en un barrio separado de la zona de asientos. Me dijeron que la señora mi pedido, me di cuenta de que no había ninguna opción vegetariana con desayuno, lo cual fue un poco decepcionante. Pedí judías en tostadas, y mi compañero para huevos revueltos en tostada, mi orden venía con las dos órdenes en un plato. Un error genuino que enseguida intentó corregir, separando los platos y llevar extra tostadas, que no era rositas. Estaba un poco decepcionado de que algo así que se convirtió en una tarea sencilla, me gustaría volver ya que era un peculiar lugar, y me gustaría darles una segunda oportunidad. Además de los bollos parecía increíble!!!

Almuerzo maravilloso nuevo aquí con nuestros amigos. Sopa de tomate fue algo pesada gruesas y con piezas de pan era precioso. Los bocadillos se desbordaban con abundante y la esponja limón es mmmmm! el entorno está muy rústico y el mobiliario exterior se refleja en que- un poco deteriorados pero es bueno poder sentarse fuera. En invierno es igualmente agradable en el conservatorio. Es agradable pasear por los jardines del ayuntamiento. En una ocasión anterior que he tenido un tour por el ayuntamiento y fue muy interesante, vale la pena una visita.

Visitamos Wyresdale Park y el ambiente Apple Store Café, la última semana con mi familia y un perro. tuvimos una deliciosa sopa casera y generosas rebanadas de pastel a un precio muy razonable. Era precioso para pasar el tiempo en este lugar idílico, paseando por la pequeña finca o caminar por Nicky Rincón colina cercana. La casa de la familia que figuran en la familia de Ruth Watson es 'Country House Rescate» y merecen su éxito hasta ahora en renovación. Creo que el alojamiento sin servicio de comidas es planificado y les deseo suerte.