The Bluebird Cafe in South Lakeland

The following is an email I have sent to the cafe. After the below incident we did go back after our boat trip and had a pleasant experience, the other staff were polite, the food was good and the service was prompt… Just hope you don’t end up being served by the resident Vicky Pollard waitress that works there. Luckily there was no sign of her when we returned for lunch, she was probably in the back sharpening her tongue. She totally lets the place down, my stars would have been a lot higher if it wasn’t for that socially inept plebe… management can you be careful who you are hiring?! Hello, We have just now visited your cafe on our way to catch a boat and we wandered into the cafe thinking we’ll have a look to come back and have bite to eat later and to ask where we book for the boat. Obviously we knew we wouldn’t be booking from the cafe but we were lost and looking for directions. I politely said excuse me to one of the waiting staff, a young slim female, and then said do you know where reception for booking the boat is. She looked at me with an angry disgusted expression on her face before abruptly snapping “what!!” She was like Vikki Pollard. I repeated my question and she again very ignorantly said “I don’t know!! We’ve got nothing to do with boats!! We’re a cafe! She then put her nose in the air, turned and walked away from me. Luckily there was a man behind us who heard the whole thing and happened to be the person responsible for the boat we were to catch. He informed us. I’ve worked in hospitality and attractions for decades at a senior level, I was disgusted at her behaviour and attitude, what an embarrassment, as a manager I certainly would not tolerate that, there was absolutely no need for it, she could have just politely said sorry I’m not sure, and directed me else where. Can I suggest you ensure your staff have at least some communication skills and customer service skills or at least learn some basic manners. She was acting like she’d been dragged up!!

Our first time staying in Coniston and we have visited the Blue Bird Cafe three times. It’s position on the shore of Coniston Water make it the perfect place for a pre walk breakfast or post walk cake. The staff are friendly, service prompt and good value for money.

Been many times before, wonderful views but coffee not great, table clearing slow. Could be great again with a few changes, but please sort the coffee.

I am a regular at the cafe and have always found it to be a great place. The staff are friendly and efficient, good atmosphere and great views. However my last visit was very disappointing. I had the hot smoked salmon salad. The salmon itself was so salty it was almost inedible and it was served on a bed of the most unimaginative salad ever. A pile of kos lettuce with rocket, sliced cucumber and a little sun dried tomato drizzled with mayo. Very uninspiring and quite tasteless. I'll be back but sadly not for food

Avoid coffee from kiosk to the side of the café entrance. Just ordered two lattes and they are clearly made from instant coffee and not made using fresh, frothed milk. Very disappointed.

Excellent good, swift service and a view to rival any. Excellent choice of GF food. Really nice place for breakfast and lunch. Good order via app if you want. Dogs can sit anywhere.

While visiting with family we enjoyed delicious cakes and drinks with a great selection including a range of diabetic drinks which we struggle to find in other places. Top marks for supporting diabetics.

After many years of visiting the Bluebird Cafe in Coniston, it still doesn’t disappoint. The menu, whilst simple does offer a wide range of options for all tastes. The ability to order from an app means no queueing or waiting in this popular café Drinks and food arrived, promptly and were consumed while we had the stunning views across the lake.

Menu was simple but with enough choice to suit everyone in our party. Service was friendly and lightning fast. Straightforward lunch dishes like toasties and soup excellently done, and with nice little touches like hand fried crisps and delicious coleslaw on the side. I’m only sorry I didn’t have room for cake, because the enormous slice delivered to the table next door made me very jealous.

Excellent location . Quality and price very reasonable. Staff excellent with disabled . Even serving hot food after hot food was supposed to finish I would recommend this place for a visit if you are in the area

Really lovely place with beautiful views over Coniston Water, glad we stumbled across it. Staff very friendly and good service. Hot drinks all good (including non-dairy options). Good selection of cakes and very generous portions, with vegan and gluten free options. Indoor and outdoor seating with access to toilets too. Would definitely be back if in the area!

No exaggeration folks, this is the greatest cafe in the world. Food is all excellent, staff are wonderfully friendly and even look after all the lake birds too. Every time we’re here it’s amazing how it’s always so good. Lakeside views aren’t bad either.

Lovely spot on the edge of the lake. Great food, friendly staff. Coffee and walnut cake highly recommended!

Stopped for lunch with very low expectations but was more than pleasantly surprised. Staff were so friendly, service was super speedy and the food was so yummy. A visit to Bluebird Cafe rounded the day off perfectly! Thank you team

Had 2 special chicken wrap consisting of horrible tasting bits of breast and slaw and salmon salad consisting of iceberg lettuce and cucumber and some broke up up salmon. Worst much I have had. Milkshake was ice bits and not great. Service was good. Would avoid in future.

Not a place I would be happy to recommend to you, the staff are not really interested in customers, tables dirty etc.

We stopped here for lunch. We had some cheesy chips and the chicken mozzarella and pesto toastie. My husband had the banana shake and I had a cappucino. It was all lovely we really enjoyed it and everything came out quite quickly. Would highly recommend.

We parked up in the town and walked down to the lake to find this superb café which was very well attended. The weather was superb and the parking by the lake was vast. We called inside the café and had two small 187ml bottles of white wine costing £11 and one ginger beer at £3. We then sat outside enjoying the atmosphere and vast wildlife which lined the lake near the café. The views from this area are brilliant and we spent over 2 hours just relaxing in the sunshine. The staff at the Bluebird Café were very friendly and efficient and we did really enjoy our pitstop here.

We walked here from the town but there is a car park, we sat outside by the lake, the food and drinks were good, menu was good and prices fair, the staff were friendly and helpful too. Well worth a visit

Wonderful cafe superb location overlooking Lake Coniston. Visited on a very hoy busy day but staff were friendly efficient abd food was delicious and reasonably priced. Would recommend to everyone, also very dog friendly

Cafe: We had assumed this place would be convenience over quality but we were so wrong- the food was delicious, service quick and a brilliant location and view whilst we ate lunch! I loved how fresh and thick the sandwiches were- no rubbish thin bread in sight! The baked goods were delicious and homely too. A real credit to the area. Expect the place to be busy given the quality and location but it’s worth it. The ability to order via your phone to save the queuing (you can still go up to order if you want) was helpful. Having an option to buy duck food for our walk along the lake after was such a nice touch too!

The nicest and most attentive staff I have experienced in a cafe in the area! The cafe was closing and we had a lot of food and drink left. The staff member was extremely helpful and offered to bring out a plethora of takeaway cups and boxes for us to take our food away with us! Would highly recommend the food as well, it is always top notch and we’ve been coming here for years! 10/10

Great spot on the lake at Coniston. Clean, no shortage of staff, tasty hot food. Clever windows in the outside seating area that can be adjusted according to weather. The staff were friendly and went the extra mile. After accidentally knocking over a large glass of Latte it was cleared up with no fuss. We had moved tables, a word of sympathy from a member of staff and a replacement coffee was brought to me. As a result I felt staff cared and the coffee brought a smile to my face. Not to mention this welcome customer service was witnessed by those around and word will spread. I’d come back and rate it as the highest cafe in Coniston for offer and service.

Love it here, beautiful views of Coniston and convenient if your waiting for the boat launch nearby. Great bowl of soup with local bread and butter!

Really terrible coffee - the worst I’ve had in ages. I can only assume it was some sort of cheap instant coffee rather than a proper coffee. Yuck!

Today was a tough day but the duty manager made my day very special. I have eaten in here many times and the food has always been delicious, today was no exception. My daughter is getting married today and I was not invited, I asked...

Always a pleasure to visit The Bluebird. Service, food & drink excellent, and the cafe is dog friendly. You can buy duck food to feed the numerous ducks & swans. Unbeatable view of Coniston Water from your table ( if you pick your spot carefully)....

We visited the cafe after walking down to the lake. The cafe has good views and is very close to the waterline. Seats are available both inside and out. Due to the poor weather we sat inside. Staff were friendly cakes were good. On a...

Called in on way through for a late breakfast. Cooked and served to perfection. Visited a few times over the years and they never disappoint. Thank you.

Great location. We only had a soft drink and a slice of cake each. The cakes weren’t great but not terrible. A bit dry. A nice view though.

What a wonderful surprise this cafe was, wasn’t expecting to eat here but our first choice fell through. As it was getting late we decided to have a late lunch and we were so glad we did. Food was delicious, plenty of it and good...

Excellent. Brilliant ordering system enabling you to scan and order at your table (you could queue if you wanted), really quick service, very reasonable prices considering the stunning location, and really good food. The selection was perfect, we had the deli hot dog with pulled...

Great place to get a bite to eat . Fast service . Staff excellent. Good choice of food and drink . Large portions and so tasty. Would recommend and would come back

Nice location with good views. Good food well presented, pleasant staff. Can get a bit crowded at peak times. I would certainly come again

Came to the lake to swim on a gorgeous sunny day. Feeling peckish and thirsty after. My son and his partner had some delicious fishfinger sandwiches and a toasted cheese one. And I had the BEST chocolate milkshake I have ever had! Highly recommend. Friendly...

This was our second time at the Bluebird after many years, sadly it was awful, My husband had the Full English Breakfast, he said it was just ok, I had the Tuna Mayo sandwich which was just awful, the bread was stale and the Tuna...

Friendly, efficient staff. Our lunch & drinks were delivered speedily to our table. Very clean cafe & terrace overlooking the lake.

We visited this cafe everyday as the food and service was excellent. Great choice of breakfast, lunches, snacks, sandwiches and cakes. The coffee was lovely and such a wide choice of food and drinks to accommodate every palate and dietary requirement. All really lovely. The...

Called in for lunch and the food, setting and service was exceptional. We had the soup, falafel burger and chicken stacks and the freshness and flavour was awesome. Highly recommended

Had light lunch (bacon, brie & cranberry toasties & pot of tea) & returned for scone & tea & coffee & cake on other days. Food was delicious with lovely views of Lake Coniston & boats. Staff were friendly & helpful; tables cleaned promptly We...

The food and service are excellent, the setting is stunning. The Scones are to die for served however you like them, the cakes are out of this world, yummy comfort foods to feed the soul.

Great menu, lovely freshly made food, efficient ordering from table via QR code on menu. And location fabulous- right on the shore of Coniston. Beautiful enclosed veranda. Dog friendly.

A fantastic cafe, right on the shore of the beautiful waters of Coniston Water. Friendly efficient service, great food and drinks, friendly team, perfect spot for an afternoon, highly recommended.

Nice location and food but would be better for the environment (and profitability of business) if outdoor heaters weren't used so people sit outside in t-shirts. Sit inside (there was plenty of room) or put some clothes on!

We went here for lunch as we had booked a boat trip later in the day. What we found were friendly staff, good food which was reasonably priced. There were loads of places to sit, inside and out with views of the southern end of...

We had a sandwich and tea here the staff behind the counter were really good, friendly and helpful unfortunately when we asked one of the ladies working the tables for salt as the pot on the table was empty she was rude, she got us...

Seemed to cater for the Butlins crowd but if only it aimed a bit higher. Location is absolutely unique with a gravel beach, stream, steamer and ferry piers, boat hire and a monopoly on waterfront lake view establishments on Coniston.

Visited here a couple of times during our recent holiday in Coniston. Good spot to sit inside watching the lake and the birds or you can sit outside under the heaters and get closer to the lake. What a great spot and the view was...

We visited Blue Bird for the first time this Saturday. What an amazing place, dog friendly, and serves the best hot chocolate with whipped cream and marsh mellows. Very friendly staff

Great location, good cake but awful coffee! We ordered two cappuccinos & convinced no coffee was used in their making, could have been tea with froth & chocolate on top.

Excellent as always. Great food, great location, great prices. Been here several times and has never been anything other than great. 5*

You can order at the counter or from your phone at the table. Food and drink is good. Can be busy at times and you don't need to be in a rush. Very friendly staff who do find time to chat when they can.

A nice spot for tea, coffee, cake or more. We sat outside and the screens and heaters mean you can enjoy being outside when you’re pretty much inside. The order was a hot dog, a fish finger sandwich, a chicken sandwich and a burrito. The...

I went to this cafe a couple of times . It’s in a great spot right by the lake . Really nice , big windows to make the most of the views . Nice outdoor area when the weather is good . I really recommend...

Very pleasant cafe on the water’s edge, excellent choice of cakes at reasonable price. Look forward to future visits !

Visited on Boxing Day and was a pleasant surprise to find the cafe open. We had the breakfasts and they were delicious, with gluten free toast available, which is a great option. Food was lovely, setting beautiful overlooking the lake and the staff were great....

Amazing visit! Venue was clean and well cared for, staff very friendly and attentive, service was prompt, food- well we couldn’t have asked for better, and the price was perfectly reasonable. The views were also fantastic. We had Bacon, Brie, and cranberry roasties with an...

Really lovely cafe right by the lake side. Plenty of room as the tables inside have clear partitions around them so for those still concerned about covid this is one for you. My elderly parents were very happy with the set up. I ordered by...

It's been years since we visited the Bluebird Cafe - in fact it was still a wooden building by the pier when we came last so over 20 years ago I guess. We bought a framed picture of Donald Campbell's Bluebird then - Totally modernised...

Fabulous views across the lake, great coffee, superb service, & simply the best vegetarian cooked breakfast ever !

Whoever designed this cafe deserves an award. It is perfectly positioned on the shoreline, just by the jetties for the launches and the Gondola Boat. A good-sized pay and display car park is next to the cafe. Good selection of food and well-priced for everyone....

Had a quick coffee stop on our journey round Coniston. It was raining heavily and the only downside is we had to walk round to the front of the building to enter, as there is no entrance from the car park. The cafe is in...

Always a pleasure to sit in or outside this well run cafe. Excellent choice of cake, scones and drinks - or light bites menu. Kept clean and well run.

This is a delightful location on the side of Coniston Lake, near Coniston village. The café serves breakfast, drinks, soups, hot and cold sandwiches and cakes as well as ice cream. There is seating inside, outside under cover and out in the open, with views...

Really efficient service, browse the menu, order and pay at the counter. In no time a delicious bacon roll, tea and cakes arrived. Bacon roll was lovely very hot and lean bacon. Bakewell tart was a very generous portion as was the carrot cake.

What a lovely coffee shop. We (including two dogs) were made to feel so welcome on a very wet afternoon. Wonderful staff, great coffee and cakes with a fantastic view overlooking the lake. The cafe was very clean and the staff were constantly cleaning tables...

Fab cooked breakfast in very dog friendly cafe. Staff are SO friendly. Arlynne was lovely . Really made us feel welcomed.

Only called for drinks and snacks but all was fine and the view amazing . Self serve so makes it quicker I guess

Ideal place for tea and cakes, light bites, meals or just an ice cream. Plenty of seating inside and out and some good looking and tasting food. Order and pay at the counter, giving your table number and your food is then brought to your...

An excellent cafe, with great food, we went for breakfast and had the full English which came quickly and was excellent, friendly staff and lovely views.

Had breakfast here this morning & the sausages & bacon didn’t looked cooked. Cafe itself was nice. Dogs were allowed inside which I didn’t think was great when there was lots of undercover seating areas, so had to listen to a barking dog during breakfast...

Stopped here for lunch after a long walk in the morning and we were so glad we did. A good choice of food and very quick and friendly service. We came on a busy Friday in August and got parked in the adjacent car park,...

If the food here was entirely awful, this place would probable warrant four stars for its location alone - arguably among the top 10 in the country. But, as cafes go, the Bluebird serves well above average nosh with amazing views. Good coffee, cakes, breakfasts,...

This is our second visit, and once again we loved it! We came for lunch and all had fabulous food. It was quite busy but the service was excellent! Would highly recommend!

Great location, good food, good service. Drinks very expensive food not too badly priced. Food was lovely and the kids enjoyed their sandwiches. Take out hatch expensive for ice cream.

Dog friendly cafe with a nice atmosphere. You can eat inside or out. Right on Coniston Lake so the views are amazing. Ordered a cheese scone and must admit have never had a triangle one before but it tasted gorgeous.

We came here as a family of five on a busy day. We were really impressed by the efficiency of the staff and the speed of preparation. We all enjoyed our meals. excellent.

I asked if the chips were gluten free and was advised that they are fried in a separate fryer. I went to check what my family wanted and then returned to the counter to order. I asked the same member of staff that I’d checked...

Stumbled across this place, great location on the shores of Coniston. The views are good with a jetty close buy. Plenty of water fowl. Indoor and outdoor seating. Clean toilets. Very busy modern and functional. Food is as you would expect from a cafe. So...

We always visit the Bluebird cafe when in Coniston and that is one of the reasons to go! Never had a bad experience plenty of variety for all tastes. Usually go for lunch and end up staying for afternoon tea. Very friendly staff who can’t...

Found this lovely establishment by chance and decided to make a visit early the following morning for a full English Breakfast. The weather was hot but the marquee kept ourselves and our dogs nice and cool during our meal. Despite being told that they were...

Coffee was lukewarm and very milky and over priced . The cappuccino tasted exactly the same as the latte which we only half drank. There is no Gluten Free main courses and only the boring old chocolate brownie and Flapjack in cakes. Advise bring your...

The cafe has a great view across the water at Coniston. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and dog friendly. You find a place to sit, note the table number and order at the counter. Gluten free cake available but no other gluten free options....

Excellent food, quick and efficient service and very friendly staff. Very clean and plenty of places to sit. All with a stunning view. What more could you ask for?!

Got down here at opening time as we wanted to enjoy the view minus crowds! The parking area outside is free!!! All day if you want! So we could leave the car, have breakfast, take a walk back to Coniston village and go on the...

We visited here twice, as it sits on the edge of Coniston water. We had a toasted sandwich and drink. Delicious food, lovely staff, beautiful setting!

Clean Café & friendly staff Really good Cumberland Sausage Butty & Bacon Butty. Liked the pictures of Bluebird on the walls. Stunning views across Coniston Water Nice hot coffee.Good clean toilets

After doing around the lake on one of the boats we decided to try the cafe, especially as it was dog friendly. The service was quick and efficient and the wait for hot food not too long despite it being really busy. The cakes for...

We always stop by this lovely cafe when we visit the lakes. Great location but it would be nothing without the incredibly friendly and helpful staff, good quality food and drink and well maintained environment. It’s always nice and clean, they have high chairs for...

Fabulous cafe in a lovely location. The staff go above and beyond to provide a good experience and are always cheerful. We visit Coniston regularly and come here almost every day. Our two dogs who love the Lake, are always made welcome. The food is...

Can’t fault the place, I visit regularly, lovely staff, clean, and great food. Perfect location and plenty to do on site as well.

Visited the Bluebird cafe for coffee and cakes. Long queues but the speed of service was exceptional. Great choice of cakes which were then served really quickly considering how busy they were. Staff were cheerful and friendly but above all extremely helpful. Would highly recommend.

Having been a regular visitor to Coniston but never having visited this cafe before, we were really looking forward to visiting for breakfast today. It was very disappointing. Eggs could only be served fried because ‘the kitchen can’t cope’, the bacon and sausage were poor...

Had a drink and scone this morning. The lady brought 2 scones but I’d only ordered one. Not a problem, I was advised to go to the till when leaving and I would be refunded. On going to the till the chap never asked to...

Popped to Coniston Lake and had a take away coffee, nice standard size cups. Great service, went back to have tea and cake, all home made cakes look fabulous, reasonable prices. The staff couldn’t do enough, all loved our dog. Great views, extremely clean.

Lovely clean, airy inside with outside seating viewing the Lake. Menus screwed onto outside tables great idea. Order inside the brought to your table. Coffee & Walnut cake good size, moist full of walnuts & tasted of coffee which many cakes don't. Well worth a...

Nice location, average slightly dry fruit scone, coffee from an automatic machine (not espresso machine). Fast service but doubt we will return.

Placed in a great location with great views, attention to safe dining and reasonably priced food. We ordered our food through the QR code which is included on each menu. Our food came out first. After we had finished our meals we asked someone behind...

We all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch here, including two kids. Generous portions, freshly cooked and delicious. The cakes look absolutely amazing but sadly we didn’t have space to try them! The view across the lake is incredible and you can catch a boat before or...

You get what you pay for here, tasty food, iced latte is the best ever. We visit 4 or 5 times a year, paddleboard or hire a boat and spend a fortune in the cafe afterwards. Heartily recommend.