The Great Escape in Allerdale

The food was fine but we felt that salad was being used as a filler on the plate with chips an extra at £4. While we appreciate food prices have increased the prices in some instances are on par with what you would expect in higher end eateries rather than a coffee shop. The service was ok if a bit impersonal. The coffee shop was not warm and it was noticeable that other patrons were keeping jackets and coats on. Having eaten here while visiting over a number of years we left disappointed.

Called here for a latish breakfast etc .We had full breakfast, chicken salad with jacket potato ,Americano and flat white,. Service attentive and friendly. Great location. the food visually appealing and tasted great, 1st class food here especially the breakfast. Flat white so good too

Great service and nice freshly cooked food brought to the table in a timely manner . Also clean and the tables spaced well and not too close to each other. Nice and warm on a cold day

While in the area popped in for a coffee and ended up with “Soup of the day which you could have a scone instead of a roll”. The soup was one of the best I’ve had and cheese scone was brilliant. Would highly recommend as all aspects of this establishment was brilliant cleanliness, brilliant friendly staff and prices very reasonable.

Called in on the way home from the lakes, fancied a breakfast, ordered a full english, ring sausage, beans, hash brown, mushrooms, egg, bacon, tomato and toast, I enjoyed my breakfast, only negative was the mushrooms were anemic and chopped up like I was 6 years old, but, apart from that, a good little breakfast.

The Great Escape cafe is part of a popular garden centre built on the site of the old Moota Motel on the A595 between Carlisle and Cockermouth, I decided to stop here for some refreshments on the way back from the North East and was quite impressed. I know £ 5.80 for a coffee and cake isn't particularly cheap, but the quality was good and the Mars Bar cake was very filling and tasted of Mars Bar. Also the meals and specials looked good and the cafe was filling up by lunchtime, a sign this place has a good reputation. Next time I will try one of their specials, which are quite reasonably priced at £ 9.75. One note of caution, the cafe is next to a fast road and you need to take care pulling out as this stretch of the A595 is like a race track at times.

We love this cafe! The breakfasts are amazing. Everything is freshly cooked, good local produce and always piping hot!! Beautiful

I came here with my dad and daughter for lunch during the week. There is plenty of parking and the café is spacious. The food seems to mainly be home made and the prices are reasonable.

Good place to stop for refreshments. Nice selection on menu with a selection of daily specials. Lovely home cooked food and nice selection of scones and cakes. Nicely presented. Staff welcoming and helpful. Didn't have too long to war for our food.

I go as often as I can. The recent bad weather and my disability has prevented me going recently. The food is excellent, all freshly cooked and home baked. The staff are friendly and helpful. It is spotlessly clean in all aspects. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available. I am looking forward to making my regular visits soon.

Food all excellent and homemade. The service was excellent. The cafe is immaculately clean. We went for afternoon tea and all three of us loved it.

This was our first visit here, despite living only 12 miles away. but wont be our last. Called in on the way back from shopping at Carlisle, only had a cuppa, and a cheese scone. They do have a large menu, mainly light bites, but also do a small range of meals. Friendly service, nice inside, will definately be back.

I visited the garden centre, not realising there was a cafe onsite. After looking around the garden centre we decided to pop into the cafe for a cup of tea. However, once inside we decided to have tea and cake, and we were not disappointed. The cake and scones were first rate. In addition, the staff were pleasant and helpful. We will definitely go back and try one of their meals, which looked really nice.

Stopped of for lunch and had a great meal as well as the home cooking which is amazing. You have the added beauty of the outside area which was beautiful.

i know that the weekends can be busy but half an hour is far too long for a toastie especially when my coffee arrived just after i ordered it. kitchen staff could be heard saying i told you it was ready to one of the staff

Came here with my husband while on a weekend break called for breakfast it was the best breakfast we have had for a long time, staff very friendly & pleasant & had genuine smiles on their faces very warm & welcoming

Visited here with family from the area and we were amazed! Was such a lovely Sunday lunch! 3 courses and I enjoyed every single bit of it! Prices are good for what you get... good quality and so tasty!

Stopped off here one Sunday afternoon. Two of us ordered soup and sandwich deal. The soup was one of the best we've had. Split pea and ham, so tasty and homemade. Ham sandwiches were fresh, ham lovely and lean, and 'proper ham.Definitely will be going here again. Clean establishment and friendly staff. Cakes looked lovely too. Worth a visit.

We came to The Great Escape at Moota for lunch. It was a nice day so we decided to sit outside. I ordered a sandwich and we both ordered a milkshake. We were surprised at the milkshakes when they arrived as one was dark pink and the other was pale pink, even though they were supposed to be the same. It wasn’t until we’d drank most of them we realised that one was dark pink because the bottle it came in was pink also! The sandwich was tasty and the prices were reasonable. There was a small gift section in the café but I think they might be doing away with this as everything was heavily discounted.

First of all I must explain although I have titled this review as disappointed it does not mean there was anything wrong with the food. In fact the food delicious as it always is.What I'm disappointed in is that the amount of flies that are swarming round the restaurant. Although I know at this time of year with the heat it means you have to have the doors open therefore attracting the flies I would have thought the management would have put some door fly catchers up these allow people in but keep flies out. I must admit this is one of my favourite cafe's but having flies swarming round me while I eat has put me off going back. These flies carry a lot of germs & the thought of them on my food disgusts me I just hope that the management takes heed to thus review

Visited this garden centre and ordered four milk shakes 2 Banana and two Strawberry, two of them were how a milk shake should be and the other two were like froth they were that bad you couldn’t even get the milkshake up the straw.We sent them back and asked for them to be changed after waiting 20 mins later, I told another waitress forgot the milkshakes we have changed our minds now, but obviously she took any notice of me another 5-10 mins went by and another girl arrives at the table with the replacement milkshakes and said if there is any problem just let me know, we’ll they were just as bad if not worse than the first ones we received.Went over to the counter to complain and was expecting a refund and all I got was they were all made the same after spending just short of £24 on four milkshakes and three pieces of cake I would have expected the customer service to be abit better.Maybe the milkshakes wouldn’t have been so bad if she didn’t blend the rectum out of it.

Ordered the special 'Smoked haddock pie with vegetables' for £8.95. Not only was the fish not smoked haddock, but the 'pie' was full of bones and had a huge dollop of unappetising mashed potato plonked on top. The 'vegetables' were stringy beans and frozen sweet corn. Why, oh why, do so many places offer fish dishes and fail to bone the fish, which is obviously a prerequisite? My fault entirely that I didn't send it back and ask for a refund or another dish. No one came round whilst we were eating to ask how things were and they only asked when I ordered coffee and desserts at the counter. The waitress did apologise then, but an apology is not enough when sub-standard food is being served and the offer of a refund is not made for such an appalling dish. At the time, I just thought that we would never return, but I'm writing this review as other customers need to be aware of these low standards so that they do not experience the same. £41 for 3 mediocre meals, weak tea and so-so coffee. Will not return. Absolute rip off. Far better cafes in the area, eg. Wellington Farm, where we will go back next time. This café needs to take a leaf out of Wellington Farm's book.

This is a modern, well appointed restaurant / cafe attached to the garden centre. We visited for breakfast and it was fabulous. If TripAdvisor allowed a Six Star Award then these guys would have it. Here’s why....For £8 you get an amazing, full English cooked breakfast with the highest quality bacon and sausages, hot drink of your choice, fruit juice of your choice and toast. That’s right, we paid £8 and they delivered fabulous food and drinks.And then there’s the fit out of the restaurant. It’s modern, relaxing and a lovely place to be.And then there’s the staff. They are polite, know their stuff and take pride in what they do.We were staying at the Premier Inn in Cockermouth. Premier Inn charge more for their cooked breakfast and the issue with this chain of hotels is that the food is of low quality, it is often kept under a hot lamp etc. So we didn’t chance it and drove to Moota, the garden centre and The Great Escape restaurant for breakfast instead.A good call, highly recommended. We will be back. To the staff if they’re reading this - thank you for gett8ng our day off to a great start!Arianne

Had our wedding meal in the motel which has now been demolished, so for sentimental reasons we went for lunch in Great Escape as it is next door to where motel was. Lovely lunches, served quickly and delicious homemade cakes.

I don't think anyone calls this anything but Moota. We've been coming here for years and didn't even know it was called The Great Escape! The food is consistently good, the staff very pleasant, there's always a good atmosphere and it's excellent value for mkneh. We just popped in for afternoon tea. The scones were excellent. Up there with the best we've eaten. Moota will always be a firm favourite with us.

I still go for lunch on a regular basis. I am warmly welcomed. I have never found any fault with the food. It is always well cooked and piping hot. The Bakery section is excellent. Food can be pre-ordered to take away. Gluten free is available.Disability Parking is now available near the entrance to the restaurant and a sign is in place indicating this. Other parking is plentiful.The Disability Toilet and Baby Changing are also excellent and Breast Feeding is welcomed.The shop has a supply of milk and eggs and there is a wide variety of fancy goods, handbags, scarves, jewellery, cards and toys.Weather permitting there is outside seating and dogs are welcome there. Staff are pleasant and helpful.A good stop on the A595 near Cockermouth.The adjoining Garden Centre has an excellent range of plants and flowers, also gardening requirements and bird food.Well worth a visit. If you haven't been you are missing a treat.

Called in as our preferred option was closed. We both went for the 'special' soup and sandwich option which was highlighted on the board and as the soup was showing as being served with freshly baked bread we assumed the sandwich would be of similar standard but alas no, two slices of run of the mill sliced bread was the order of the day and bland filling, nothing special except the price which was heavy to say the least at almost £22 for 2 x soup and sandwich and 2 teas both average and only one tea bag each then unimpressed to say the least! Better places to eat in the area and in this case you don't always get what you pay for.

I had absolutely no idea this was called The Great Escape or I'd have reviewed it several times before now!We called in on our way home from a walk around Buttermere because everywhere was packed there, and we weren't particularly hungry while we were there anyway - and I assured my other half that Moota (or The Great Escape apparently) was always good.So, imagine my horror when we arrived and there was no menus on the tables.....bit odd I thought, so off I went to ask for one, only to find out that they were only doing the Sunday lunch menu that day! We weren't hungry enough for a full on roast dinner, plus we had plans for food later in the day, so coffee and a snack it was. He had a toasted hot x bun with jam and a pot of tea, I had a cheese scone and latte. The latte wasn't very hot, but I can live with that. The cheese scone was the best one I've ever had when out. I've always found that it's hard to come across a good one, and previously the cafe at Wordsworth House & Garden in Cockermouth was top of the list by miles, but this one has knocked them down to (a close) 2nd place. I'll definitely be back for more.....and regret not getting a couple to take home with us.

Fabulous breakfast. Quality ingredients, well cooked. Piping hot plates. £8 including fresh orange juice tea or coffee. No problem swapping toast and jam for an extra egg.

Been to Great Escape before and found the food to be lovely. However on recent visit I was very disappointed with the special I ordered. The chicken curry I ordered was presented on a plate mixed with the rice and two pieces of tomato and a dried up piece of cucumber. Looking around the other tables the curry was presented separately in a bowl with a lovely mixed lettuce salad. Also the curry I had was sadly lacking in chicken. For £8.25 this did not represent good value. Why the standard of presentation varied so much I can not answer. I can only assume what I received were the last remaining remnants of the curry. Don't think I'll be going back again.

We go here when we are at our holiday home, been countless times and never disappointed. We have breakfasts, lunches, cream teas and all are amazing. The staff are brilliant, and the place is immaculately clean.

I ate here with my sister and daughters and once again the food was beautiful. The food is always homemade freshly cooked and is superb. We all had a lovely lunch followed by homemade puddings. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this coffee shop and will be back soon.

Came by this place by chance on the way to dropping my son off to take photographs of a local Trail hounding event near Cockermouth.Popped in for a cup of tea and was just about to ask the old question of "have you got anything Gluten Free" ? When I noticed the large sign advertising gluten free cakes AND SCONES!! and not only that but 2 types of scone fruit or cheese, my husband picked the cheese scone which came served warm with real butter which he thoroughly enjoyed I had a "normal" fruit scone which came with real butter and a tiny jar of lovely jam. We were also able to purchase some GF scones to take away when paying our bill, they also made GF bread and Quiche which we will try next time we are up that way.

This garden centre was just along the road from where we stayed so we popped by for coffee one morning. I was a bit put off by one of the servers who was coughing quite a lot but I saw that any food around was covered so that was good to see. She could have put her hand across her mouth & sorted herself out with some water to drink. Nice modern place with some gifts on display. We chose to sit outside as it was a lovely sunny day. We enjoyed generously sized coffees with a piece of cake & strawberry tart. Not the cheapest place at just over £9 for this but the size of the coffee cup made up for this. Wandered around the garden centre, very well presented Enjoyed the fish there swimming in the tanks.

Found this place on line searching for a garden centre . There's a lovely outdoor eating area surrounded by tulips in bloom. We chose the clean modern indoor area which also houses a gift shop and there's local art work for sale on the walls.My husband enjoyed an excellent full breakfast with quality produce. It included juice toast butter and marmalade. He was not charged for requesting an extra egg instead of tomato.There are various vegetarian options including breakfast omelette but I opted for a cheese and pineapple toastie which was delicious and came with a fresh side salad. We will certainly return to this gem on our next visit to the area. There are daily specials, home made soups and tempting cakes.

My husband and I stopped here on our way to Cockermouth for a quick lunch. I had the quiche which was homemade and delicious it was served with a lovely salad and homemade coleslaw, my husband had the Cumberland sausage bap which was huge and he said was really nice. The staff were friendly and the service was quick and we would definitely eat here again.

If you want quality food, presented beautifully, look no further... well worth stopping off for a tasty snack on way to or from carlisle if your travaling from the west. We had lunch this time. But highly recomend the breakfast.

Really friendly coffee shop serving consistently good food. Whether going with a friend for some relaxing time or with a colleague to discuss business - would recommend this place.In the summer you can sit outside but there is plenty of space inside too. Staff very friendly and ready to help with anything you might need. Can definitely recommend the afternoon tea!Have a small gift shop too and a good range of greeting cards. Wifi is available.

Just been to moota once again. Went with my husband, mam and dad. I got a sandwich mam and my husband got soup and sausage teacake, my dad got sausage, bacon egg and bread a d butter, once again could not fault it we all enjoyed it.Staff allways pleasent, smiling and happy in their work and allways willing to help, and yes we will all be back,.

Visitors can alight their chosen mode of transport in a very spacious car park where, to the right is a well-stocked and manicured horticultural and pond-fish centre that is well worth the visit alone, before or after sampling the delights of the café to the left. Our favourite choice of foods are Panini’s with side salad and homemade scones and the inevitable pots of tea. Staff are always a delight and it is venue we have on our list of top choices for afternoon lunches.

Called in yesterday and couldn't resist the lemon meringue pie which was absolutely gorgeous, highly recommended.

Been hear quite a few times for lunch with my family. Lovely home made food to eat. The staff friendly and pleasent. A nice enviroment, and today ladies were their playing harps was really nice to listen to. Also any one who likes to garden their is a garden centre to buy plants and fish.

I have reviewed this place previously .I try to go at least once a week. The Staff are friendly and welcoming. There is a good comprehensive menu and gluten free meals are available.My favourite is quiche and salad. The quiches are lovely and the salad includes a variety of fruit as well as the usual salad ingredients. It is a very popular place and is usually very busy. The home made scones and cakes are moreish. In addition to the cafe there is a shop selling a variety of fancy goods and local produce. A carry out service is available. Prices are very reasonable.The grounds are beautiful with many colourful flowers. In fine weather you can eat outside. There is ample parking and there are toilet facilities for Disabled People.It is situated on the 595 road about 5 miles from Cockermouth.I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.