The Whale Tail in Lancaster

Called in for a quick lunch whilst visiting Lancaster. Really lovely menu, would like to try the specials next time, they looked great. I can’t have gluten or lactose and there was lots to choose from happily. I had the nourish salad, which was packed with flavour and great textures. My partner loved the V BLT , smoked tofu was amazing. Friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Will visit again.

I went there for years and loved it, not so much these days I'm not good on my feet, I would definitly encourage people to go there even if you are not a vegetatian.

This place is the best food in Lancaster ! Always different stuff on menu and I’ve tried so many things I haven’t had before. It’s vegetarian and I’m not vegetarian but I’d chose this over any other. Only downside is they don’t allow dogs. However, if they did I’d be here almost every day and I’d be broke!!

Always excellent vegan (and veggie) food which is great value and tasty, with friendly and helpful staff. Cycle-parking. Hosts artist exhibitions and live performance too. The building is shared with a superb health food store -Single Step Co-op on the ground floor.

I've been coming to the Whale tale for over 20 years and never had a bad meal there. The food is fresh and tasty and they have a wide selection of cakes.

On a busy Mobday lunch we ate a healthy filling lunch in a relaxed convivial atmosphere. I had a butternut squash and chickpea madras curry with brown basmati rice whilst Kat had a veggie burger with lovely coleslaw and salads . Excellent quality excellent value. 2 mains for just over £23. We shall return.

We'd been there a few years ago and liked it so headed back when we were on a day trip to Lancaster last week. They have quite an extensive menu, but we'd had a big breakfast in our hotel so were not overly hungry. My husband had the soup of the day (tomato and pepper) which he said was delicious and I had their home made hummus and pitta breads. The hummus was the best I have ever had. When we got back to our hotel (an hour away) I discovered I had lost an earring, so I emailed them. Their initial search did not find it, but the following morning I got another message to say it had been found. I was over the moon.We had to get home for an appointment so did not have time to go back to Lancaster. They very kindly popped it in the post for me. Thank you so much for doing this for me x

Really great. Veggie sausage casserole, soup and the ‘im from london’ emo staple avacado on toast. No complaints at all. High quality. Pudding was a weird (dutch?) chocolate cake. It was magic. We come again

Place clean and tidy. Staff friendly. Very good food. Nicely cooked and used fresh ingredients. Would recommend.

Excellent food and service. Had homity pie and whale tail salad. Fabulous food. Visited today with my husband on a day out to Lancaster. Will definitely come back

This place offers such variety choices of vegan dishes and they are all look amazing! I had lasagna from the special board and wow it is just so good! My friend also enjoys her burger too! Cannot recommend this place enough, such a great little place with great coffee too!

We Both plumped for a different Salad (Yes, Even ME) Both were tremendous 😋😋 Such Variety & Tantalising Flavours. Thank you 🙏

They also serve Americanos etc. and good vegetarian food. Don’t be put off by the dreadful approach at the exterior. (You would think they could do something about that.) But, as a restaurant, this is a real gem.

Went for lunch and had the special of the day -- a chickpea curry. The chickpeas were definitely not cooked all the way through. Stomach issues persisted the rest of the day. Please cook your chickpeas to avoid making people sick. Also, I guess it's just my personal preference, but I wish this place would just embrace vegetarian dishes for what they are, rather than trying to make meat-free/vegan versions of classic dishes. Vegan "BLT", vegan "chorizo", vegan "sausage" -- nah, fam. Vegetables don't need to be disguised as meat.

Stumbled across this cafe whilst on a day trip to Lancaster. Was really impressed. Varied selection of delicious vegan and vegetarian food, wonderful atmosphere in the cafe and service was top notch too. The staff were friendly and warm despite the cafe being super busy. This was the first time in many years I have visited Lancaster and the I think I will make the trip sooner just to have lunch at the Whale Tail.

In town with 2 friends and as we had been before (a few years ago) we decided to have lunch here, turned out be a very good choice, non of us are vegetarians but the menu and special board gave us plenty if choice. We all enjoyed our food ( curry, quiche, rissoles and wonderful salads), great atmosphere and friendly staff. A great choice for lunch , you don’t have to be vegetarian or vegan to enjoy it!

Stopped off on trip to Scotland. 10 mins off the M6, easy to park close by. Lovely generous plate of breakfast. Black pudding, sausage , beans, mushrooms, hash brown, sourdough, roasted toms, all vegan and cooked freshly in their open kitchen. Looks like they have a lot of customers who also love good food. Toilets old but spotlessly clean. Definitely returning and thank you for looking after us so nicely this morning guys.

Really enjoyed our lunch here! Friendly and welcoming and service was really quick despite there being seven of us. Loads of really good food options at good prices and nice big portions too! Nice to get a choice of oat or soya milk too. Finally, it was nice and warm on a very chilly day. Definitely recommend!

Visited for lunch and what a great place this is with Single Steps co-operative underneath for topping up with lots of vegan goodies. Whaletail was busy on a Saturday lunchtime, but we managed to find a cosy sofa to sit on and ordered two teas with oat milk, beetroot and sweet potato boscht and garlic mushrooms on sourdough with a side of houmous. The food was delicious, the mushroom dish was perfection, we loved the food and the ambiance of the place, chilled and buzzing at the same time. They have a great selection of vegan cakes too in the display counter. Definitely a place to visit when in Lancaster.

We walked in, and a sign said wait to be seated, pretty much immediately a member of staff handed us menus and advised that we could sit anywhere We had a look at the menu and went up to order, the food was lovely, the staff were polite, all was good! Also this is the most reasonably priced veggie/vegan place in Lancaster without a doubt, and I appreciated the laid back atmosphere

Have been coming here since its early days too many years ago. The food is always great - you don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the meals.

Amazing vegan meal that is reasonably priced. We found a great selection of vegan meals when we visited there, and it satisfied us. We chose to stay and eat there because of the warm ambiance. The staff are outstanding and went above and beyond. We were pleasantly surprised by the cuisine. If you're looking for a restaurant that serves organic vegan and gluten-free food, we highly recommend this one.

Great place excellent food, healthy flavoursome and not an empty table yet plates licked clean. First time in Lancashire and I like to see reviews on tripadvisor prior so as not to be disappointed. Staff lovely and the place had a great vibe.

Had the full English. Really enjoyed sitting in the rear garden. Food was well cooked and delicious. We received good service too. Nice to see as popular as ever.

Beautifully presented tasty food in a relaxed setting. More special than just “grabbing lunch”. An interesting array of artwork to view while you’re waiting. I read about the Whale Tail online while looking for a lunch/dinner option and decided to give it a go. I wasn’t disappointed. I was starving so ordered a portion of chips alongside my garlic mushrooms on toast and the meal was delicious and plentiful. Good coffee too.

We visited The Whale Tail for breakfast because my son is vegetarian. We had a couple of vegan full breakfasts and a a vegetarian one. They were very tasty, with a particular shout out to the sausage 😋. Service was friendly and efficient and combined...

Popped in for coffee and cake . Last visited pre lockdown and had a wonderful lunch then. Edged my bets that they would have a gluten free cake option and they did. Two options and neither a brownie yay. Opted for a canandian named cake...

super toller Service, LGTBQ friendly, special needs friendly, good back garden, a good choice of vegetarian and vegan food

Came here for a late Sunday brekkie and as usual the food was delicious, quality, and reasonably priced. The man who served us was very friendly and contributed to the enjoyable atmosphere. Always has been and always will be a favourite place of ours to...

Been going here for years, went on Wednesday really looking foward to my smoked tofu BLT on a lovely, fresh, wholemeal barmcake only to find that they don't do them anymore, its all sourdough and ciabatta now. Not a wholemeal bread product in sight which...

Great place to visit even if you are not vegan or vegetarian I will recommend the spicy bean burger it's delicious and nog to spicy

We had a lovely lunch at Whale Tail. All the food was really fresh, and we thought what we had was good value. The service was reasonably friendly and certainly efficient. but.... what was very disconcerting was that the person who looked like he may...

Delicious fresh food, in generous quantities. Hard working friendly staffed (we had lunch on a busy, wet Saturday) and all reasonably priced.

We had an amazing vegan english breakfast. The service was really good. It was kind of pricey but worth it.

Popped in here on the lookout for some proper, wholesome food to feed my daughter who is studying at the Uni, and thus is currently a stranger to fresh produce. Must admit that the approach to the cafe doesn't really give much away in terms...

Very kind, friendly and attentive staff. Very accommodating and can’t do enough to help. Food always incredibly fresh and tasty. Love coming.

We and our dog were in Lancaster on Wednesday 15th meeting up with an old friend from the area. Came across Whale tails thanks to their board in the street and recalled it had come up in a search for dog friendly cafes. The entrance...

Our first time in Lancaster and my wife is dairy intolerant to finding this place although tricky as it is tucked away, was an oasis in the desert! Comfortable with free wifi, relaxed, cozy, amazing food and service. We could not praise this place more...

We randomly came across this lovely spot when searching for breakfast spots in Lancaster. To be honest we did t realise it was vegan until we sat down but still enjoyed a veggie fry up. Nice staff and good food.

What a lucky find! Just spent a few hours visiting Lancaster and after a quick Google found this hidden gem. There was so much choice for us vegi's that it took us ages to decide but eventually settled for the Whales Tail salad and avocado...

After a long day at the beach we googled “vegan food near me” and The Whale Tale was one of the first to pop up. We were so happy that we chose The Whale Tale. The vegan food was stunning, really fresh ingredients and a...

We came back to Lancaster after ten years and remembered the Whale tail.Service was really good friendly staff .Quick service and generous portions of really well made healthy food. I had Homity pie with salads . Mrs had the salad selection.Will definately come back next...

Didn’t have to wait long. We were greeted in a friendly polite manner. Very clean COVID safe establishment. Generous portions. Food really beautiful and nicely presented. Table cleaned promptly and attentive friendly service. Really nice experience. We were able to relax and enjoy the meal...

Amazing menu of food all freshly cooked. Vegan, vegetarian and GF options. The food is delicious and rest good sized plates at super reasonable prices. The team are obviously passionate about the place and the food and it shows - laid back atmosphere and a...

We called in on the off chance of getting a table for lunch, the cafe is up a couple of lights of stairs, but the room is spacious and welcoming. Although it was quite busy, we were greeted by friendly staff who quickly found and...

Lovely atmosphere, really cosy and friendly. The staff are amazing. The cake is delicious, you have to try their vegan cakes even if you're not vegan! Their coconut milk got chocolates are legendary. Top tier, definitely my favourite cafe in Lancaster!

I went to Lancaster with my partner for some breakfast, unfortunately the herbarium bar was closed so I suggested going to the whale tail, upon arrival the usual Covid restrictions were in place which, menus were not available on the tables so you had to...

Brilliant Love The Whale Tail Good is always delicious. What ever I’ve tried in all the years I have never been disappointed Highly recommended It’s safe clean Staff are lovely

The Whale Tail was my favourite cafe when I lived in Lancaster 2013-2017 and oh boy it was worth stopping by on our travels to Cumbria. So wonderful to see that it's as delightful as it was before. We had the sloppy joes which were...

Been going to the Whale Tail for more than 20 years and it just keeps getting better. A very varied and inventive menu of healthy food. Excellent service from friendly staff. Comfortable seating and great art work on the wall that keeps changing. They have...

I have walked by this place so many times before and never had a clue that it existed. The food was fresh, hot and plentiful. Lots of choice on the menu. Will certainly be resturning!

I've been eating here for a good number of years and I just had to say how fantastic the staff here have been during Eat Out to Help Out. They have been consistently busy but have always provided quick service and incredibly satisfying food. I...

Parked up at the car park behind the cafe, there's a big sign directing people in. My partner sits down, I head upstairs to grab some menus. This is where the fun starts. They don't give out menus anymore. You've got to photograph the menu...

Years since I’ve been and still amazing food after all this time 😊 I had watercress and garlic soup - it was a hot day so didn’t feel like much - otherwise I would have chosen more from the yummy menu.

Amazingly flavourful food! The menu was super varied with loads of options, as well as lots of drink choices and a selection of cakes. We sat in the outdoors seating: a beautiful sunny courtyard framed by flowers. Perfect find for our day trip to Lancaster!...

Great food in a lovely place. Very much enjoyed our visit and it felt very safe and covid secure. Friendly and helpful staff.

Started to return here and i really have enjoy the food. Great variety and the staff are really good. Will make it a go to for food when i visit lancaster.

Absolutely brill food and service, just what I needed after 70 mile Bike ride from Chester. Carrot cake the size of a house! Really really tasty burger. Thanks!

Been here a few times now, and the food is very good, I had the homity pie and it was Great (the four other mains were enjoyed too) Quick service, good coffee etc etc There is unfortunately a ‘but’Before I continue I would like to add the caveat that most of the staff were perfectly lovely. We got three cakes at the end of the meal and all 5 of us agreed that the Oreo brownie tasted quite stale. We mentioned this to the server who sincerely apologised and asked if we wanted anything else instead. Our table was then approached by another member of staff (a senior female member of staff with fair hair in bunches) who told us the brownie wasn’t stale, and was “exactly what a brownie should taste like”, “it had only been purchased recently” I nervously laughed at the situation and she then turned to me and rather aggressively asked “if I had a problem”. To which I said no and she left.She then returned a third time to say “look, I don’t want you to be angry with us so can I offer you something else instead, but I would by that brownie again”I very rarely leave reviews but the aggressive nature of this exchange left my partner in tears. I have worked in hospitality for a number of years and I couldn’t imagine confronting a customer like this. It really felt like this member of staff was looking for a conflict which we did not want to be a part of.It put such a negative spin on an otherwise lovely meal out. (I’m only reviewing this as 1 star in the hope my concerns reach you, otherwise the would be far higher)

The main attraction for us was the shop which was a true Aladdin's Cave packed full of vegetarian products that you would have to see to believe.I am certain that if you want it, the shop will stock it. The staff were full of enthusiasm and very helpful and everything was reasonably priced which is a first for a vegetarian shop.The Whales Tail is not situated on the main road but down a side alley but once you have found it, you will go again and you don't have to be a Veggie to appreciate or enjoy the products for sale nor its obvious ecological foundations and precepts.All of the products we purchased were top quality and the bread was "food for the God's".

Popped in here with my son, Billy for lunch and was delighted with the outcome. Such a lovely experience made all the better by the great service we received from Pernina! Will be back down to visit again soon!

What a great place, tucked away on Penny St. Open for breakfast and on into the afternoon, Warm, friendly and helpful staff. A large selection of food with lots of specials on the daily specials board. We ate here four times in the short time we stayed in Lancaster. Food was excellent, coffee great, cakes to die for and yummy puddings for anyone that had space left after a brilliant lunch. The cafe is bright, warm and welcoming. As I said, if you are looking for good food the search is over.There's also a terrific food store downstairs, loads of organic and vegan friendly products available.

This vegetarian cafe is a real find in the middle of Lancaster and has a genuine friendly and laid back atmosphere.The food is tasty with generous portions and certain to tempt non vegetarian/vegans as well. Good value with prompt service and a good range of drinks with impeccable credentials: Fair trade/locally sourced ingredients and sustainable/reusable can/bottles/plastics. All this and black pudding? Excellent.

Lovely cafe, great food. I make a point of going here whenever I am in Lancaster. Always wonderfulThe selection of food is great, the drinks are spot on. The staff are always lovely. It is nice and clean and I love the art on the walls. A special place

I absolutely love this place!The food is wonderful - an excellent choice at a reasonable price. This cafe is one of the main reasons we love visiting Lancaster when we're in this part of the country. The problem is that, if I have a main, I then haven't got room for a cake or a dessert!

J'ai habité à Lancaster pendant 9 mois et n'ai découvert se lieu qu'après mon séjour ce qui est bien dommage car j'aurai voulu y aller plus d'une fois. Je n'ai testé que le English Breakfast (végé bien entendu) mais il était très copieux, appétissant et rapidement servit. J'y retournerai dès mon prochain arrêt à Lancaster! En plus l'endroit est assez cozy avec une déco très originale!Visité en Mai 2019.

Café très agréable où l'on nous propose un large choix de plats végétariens, avec des indicateurs également pour les régimes sans gluten ou plats vegan. N'étant pas végétarien moi-même, j'y ai largement trouvé mon compte et mes enfants également !

The whole place needs a deep clean, starting with the sticky black stairs and bannister on the way up to the entrance. Its dark and dingy inside all desperately in need of an up date. I wouldn't normally be so harsh but i found a hair in my food and thats just so disgusting its jaded everything else. Even the servers look like they need a good wash, cooks need hair tied up and maybe a course in health and safety. Still feel sick.

We unfortunately discovered this place on the last day of our holiday, staying with family who live in the city. Had we gone earlier, we’d have had numerous visits! We ordered a full vegan breakfast and a pick your own breakfast, plus some lovely cakes to take home. The bread for the toast was lovely and the sausages and smoked tofu really tasty. Menu had great vegan options for me, plus veggie options for husband and daughter. Atmosphere welcoming and cosy and staff friendly and helpful. We will definitely return!

I have never been disappointed by this place ! Coffee and a slice of White Choc and Raspberry Blondie, to the Salad Bowl . . . always generous servings, friendly staff and a great place to take friends to. Coffee sourced from a local store, most items served are from local suppliers too. Great work, keep it up.

Excellent food. The fruit crumble is the best I have eaten. The accompanying salads are also superb. The best restaurant in Lancaster for sure.

What ever your view is of vegetarian food, here delivers a BIG menu of fantastically tasting dishes , either as a light snack of main meal.This place is popular so be prepared to wait for a table but well worth the wait. Great staff and location.

Friendly staff, delicious food, build your own vegetarian or vegan breakfast. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff are really helpful and friendly.

Hyggelig lokasjon. Pomesfritt med lite smak, fiskesuppe med seige reker. Hyggelig betjening. Uformelt.

Were able to accommodate both a low FODMAP diet and low 800 calories diet. They also do vegan and gluten free options.

Stumbled upon this café whilst looking for brunch in Lancaster. As a gluten free pescetarian, I do feel some eateries see me as a bit awkward or difficult but not this place! They offer lots of choice for veggies, vegans, those who are gluten or lactose intolerant AND don't make a fuss about it either.

We have been here once before and thought we would give it another chance as weren't completely happy with it the first time. However we wont be bothering to go again. The food is at best bland. It is very reasonable but would rather pay more and have something of better quality and taste. I had the soup which was very tasteless and the bun was the same, just a cheap bun out of a supermarket packet. The place needs a good clean up and updating of everything including the food before I would ever think of going back. Not recommended!

I really really recommend this place highly! I actually prefer their full breakfast than a traditional full english one as its seriously divine and for me thats sayiong something! All of their food is delicious and the service second to none. Just go and try it and honestly you wont regret it!

Service is first-rate and its a lovely place to eat.The food is beautiful and so very tasty.I will undoubtedly be back!

Really friendly staff :) popped here for lunch and enjoyed the lasagne which came with a lovely salad and had chips on the side. Total cost was £11.00. Food was fresh and lots of flavour. Also a yummy selection of cakes, I took 3 away with me for later :) they were yum. Would return if in the area x

Searching for somewhere to take our vegan son I found this place. I was very sceptical because I am not very tolerant of food fads. However,this place earned top marks. The food was superb with just vegan and vegetarian options only. My husband and I both had a toasted bagel with smashed avocado and salad with a petfect poached egg atop. Laurie had The Whale Tail salad which was served with excellent black olives and other Laurie suitable items. The ambience was perfect with very pleasant staff. All in all, a delightful experience. I would happily reccommend this establishment to anyone.

That's a really nice place with amazing food, I really loved it! I'm just really upset about how we got welcomed. Me & my boyfriend had never been here before so we had to idea that they were not coming to take orders... I mean, it's just basic to welcome people and ask them if they have already been here so that, if not, you can tell them what's going on! Especially since they saw us looking at them and waiting... And when we went to order after we finally understood it, the guy was just sooo unwelcoming... That's a pity because the place is great apart from that!

Had a great meal here - go for the salad bowl - but make sure you sit inside since garden space not up to same standard as rest of cafe. Friendly service as well. Will definitely return.

This place is just legendary. A trailblazer for vegetarian fare! The ambience is relaxed, the food is great, the cakes awesome, and the service is friendly - these guys really care! There aren’t many cafés that cater for vegetarians and vegans in such a down to earth and unpretentious manner. Been visiting since my school days in 1995 and the place is as great now as it was then!

On the way to a holiday we spotted this awesome café ….loved it so much we revisited on the way home .Lovely atmosphere ,friendly staff and most importantly DELICOUS food .Suitable for everyone.Would definitely recommend:-)!!!!Anna age 10

Amazing place with delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Fresh cooked food and friendly service. We will be back. Particularly enjoyed the vegan black pudding!

I'm a regular visitor to Whale Tail so thought it was about time I left a review. It's so difficult to find fault, my only gripe would be that at certain times it can be difficult to get a seat, but that is just a reflection of Whale Tail's popularity. Always a great selection of vegan and vegetarian food on the daily and set menus, food is fresh and plentiful, affordable and arrives in good time after ordering. I popped in yesterday for a snack, a tofu and mushroom bun, yum yum. Staff are just lovely and friendly, and Whale Tail is supportive of local causes and local artists, exhibiting artworks which can be purchased. There's a great vibe, it's always buzzing - Whale Tail is one of Lancaster's jewels.

The food here is always wonderful, wholesome and homemade. It’s a really chilled cosy atmosphere in the cafe itself and the food is VERY reasonable especially for the portion sizes.

Great brunch place, delicious vegetarian food and a comfy “quirky” ambiance. Friendly vibe and time and space to relax. Loved it

We used to visit loads when we lived Lancaster so decided you were worth a drive from Blackburn. I checked your website and trip advisor both stating you are open ... so we set off!! Only to arrive and you are closed...it’s inconsiderate! We won’t be bothering again. It only takes a second to change your website ! Very disappointed

Hidden away, under an arch off the main road. Lovely fresh food, lots of choice. Nice friendly staff, willing and able to give advise. Also a specials board with great choice.

If I hadn't read good reviews for this place, I would never have made it up to the top floor; the yard outside is messy, the entrance doorway looks like the sort of place staff would go for a fag break, (though let me say there was no one there doing that), the stairs are dingy. Once through the doors of the cafe things improve, if not the decor. It is quite busy at 2pm, lots of lunches going on. Food looks good, salads, veggie dishes, chips! Specials on a blackboard do not include soup which is what I wanted, on a cold day. On asking staff, yes there is soup, sweet potato and red pepper; fine. It came fairly promptly with an organic whole meal roll, still bubbling hot. I discovered it wasn't only physically hot, it was also very spicy, which I didn't like really. Think that should have been mentioned when I ordered it. I brought some cake home which was excellent. I would try it again for a proper lunch with my husband but don’t think I would take 'visitors' there.

Having recently moved to Lancaster I was delighted to discover Whaletail. Lancaster has a great veggie/vegan scene and Whaletail is the beating heart of it. I'm not vegetarian but I love the food served here - it's fresh, healthy & very tasty. I always feel better for having visited and it puts your average generic cafe to shame! They have a good range of choices & daily specials, I can strongly recommend the falafel and the veggie burgers are also excellent. Must say it also has a lovely warm & welcoming atmosphere. I try to visit once per week but I wish it were more!

As we were in Lancaster for the day we went for a walk down memory lane. A trip back to an old favourite, the Whale Tail vegetarian cafe.

Started coming off M6 at Lancaster for a break rather than use the services what a find great food, lovely atmosphere, child friendly what more could you want.

Came here with my partner for a healthy lunch and were amazed at the selection of vegan and veggie options. A nice healthy choice and relatively cheap for the portions that you get. Only problem I'd say is the location as we couldn't find it at first as it's quite hidden but overall I think this place is nice!

Went for lunch on a Sunday afternoon, so the restaurant was busy, having said that the service was good, we did not have to wait long after placing the order at the till. Three of us had the all day breakfast (one vegan, two veggie) and on of the daily specials. The food was very nice and the portions also good.

I’m not a vegetarian but I enjoy vegetarian food I come to The Whale Tail with a friend that is and always enjoy what I choose. Very fresh produce can be quite busy always manage to get a table with a short wait.

Because of TripAdvisor reviews we went for lunch here today. Not easy to find and strange access past bins and toilets but once upstairs all was bright and arty. Fast service and good range of well presented veggie options. They were also happy and ready to supply a gluten free alternative to the pitta for my wife's falafel and the help-yourself water was a bonus. I decided to try the jackfruit burger as I've never had that before and heard a lot about it - not unpleasant but strange having a burger tasing of fruit.

What a lovely place to eat, It's staff are friendly, caters for all sorts of different dietary concerns, the food is so fresh & tasty. Specials board which is changed daily, what's not to like 😀