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Ten of the highest rated cafes in Preston

Posted on - 4th January, 2019 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Food & Drink, Penwortham, Preston City Centre, Preston News, Restaurants in Preston, What's On in Preston
Bon Bons coffee and cake Pic: Bon Bons/Facebook
Coffee and cake Pic: Bon Bons/Facebook

Keeping it cheap in January is always a big theme after the excess of Christmas.

With this in mind we’ve pulled together the top 10 places that TripAdvisor readers consider to be the best place for a lunch out in the city and surrounding area.

Best cafes sees many of these places being good for breakfast, dinner and tea but we’re focused on a place to meet for a coffee and a sandwich here.

You might be catching up with a friend after the holidays, or doing some business, these cafes should tick some of those boxes.

All of them have four-and-a-half stars or more.

Our list counts them down, do say in the comments if you agree, disagree, or think we should be featuring somewhere else!

10) No15 Cafe House, Penwortham

Some lunch at the No15 Cafe House in Penwortham Pic: TripAdvisor
Some lunch at the No15 Cafe House in Penwortham Pic: TripAdvisor

A family-run cafe which is part of the MacMillans gift shop in Priory Lane, has been building a good reputation.

With a 4.5 rating from 125 reviews, they score very highly for food and service, with a four for value.

Here’s a very impressed Jflann: “No 15 Café House is an exemplar of dining excellence. The food is a diverse range of culinary delight. The staff are personable, engaging and professional, and the combination of the gift shop and a high quality adjoining café serves as a unique experience.

“The breakfasts are the best in the North West and the attention to detail makes me, family and friends regular visitors. Well done to all involved. Keep up the great work.”

9) Deli-Licious, Preston city centre

They don't skimp for the waffles at Deli-Licious! Pic: TripAdvisor
They don’t skimp for the waffles at Deli-Licious! Pic: TripAdvisor

They are in the top 50 overall restaurants in Preston and currently looking at getting an extension and new look because they are doing so well.

Based down Cannon Street the Polish cafe and has a 4.5 rating from 108 reviews and bags nearly five stars for each rating area, with only atmosphere letting it down with a 4.5 rating.

Jimmysumner said: “I took my three children here today for a bite to eat and they all said it was wonderful. We had bacon and egg on toast, a small English breakfast and a cheese and onion toastie with salad and fries plus the home made waffles. The prices are very good and the food is excellent. Best fries I’ve tasted for a long time and very nice Latte coffee.

“The lovely Polish girls who run the place could not do enough for us. Well worth a visit if you are in Preston city centre. Highly recommended.”

8) Cafe Bar, Preston city centre

If you're in the mood for a pasta lunch, then Cafe Bar may suit Pic: CafeBar/Facebook
If you’re in the mood for a pasta lunch, then Cafe Bar may suit Pic: CafeBar/Facebook

With it’s own courtyard nestled just off Winckley Square then Cafe Bar, on a lovely sunny day, can feel like you’re anywhere but Preston.

Long-established its got a rating of 4.0 with 412 reviews and 81 per cent of those dinign said it was excellent or very good.

You get a Mediterranean menu at the Cafe Bar and it does decent tapas too.

StewT57 visited in November last year, he said: “Four of us went to this gem of a place after going to the theatre.

“It is tucked away down Winckley Street and has a courtyard which is great in the summer. The restaurant is a Mediterranian mix and really nice.

“Four of us had six tapas dishes and two bottles of wine which came to a nice price.

“The staff are friendly and attentive and well worth the tip we left. I have been to this place before and had lunch too and I have not been disappointed. Fantastico.”

Read more: New steak restaurant to open in Preston Guild Hall

7) BonBons Coffee Bar, Penwortham

Bon Bons coffee and cake Pic: Bon Bons/Facebook
Bon Bons coffee and cake Pic: Bon Bons/Facebook

Penwortham seems to be up and coming as a place for lunch out, with lots of establishments down and off Liverpool Road opening up.

With 43 reviews averaging five stars so far and 92 per cent of them excellent then BonBons is in a strong position.

Cockneyshaz is one delighted visitor. She said: “Visited today with my friend. Lovely cozy warm surroundings, and very pleasant staff.

“The moment you walk in, you are faced with a large variety of the most delicious looking homemade cakes and scones. Such a delight to the eye, and the stomach

“We chose the soup of the day which was “spicy tomato” which not only tasted lovely, but warmed us up no end, on such a cold day. Tuna, red onion & mayo sandwiches to follow, also very tasty.

“Unfortunately, we were on limited time due to other commitments during the afternoon, so did not sample a slice of cake.

“We were however, offered a sample of a new homemade cake recipe which consisted of mincemeat (sweet) and chocolate cake. Oh my, it was so moist and if we were not having to leave, would have chosen to stay and finish the plate off!!!

“Well done Bon Bons, you have brought a touch of class, and deliciousness to Penwortham. Next time I WILL have cake and sit there longer. Definitely recommend.”

6) Cobbled Corner Cafe, Chipping

A slice of cake at the Cobbled Corner cafe Pic: John Hickey
A slice of cake at the Cobbled Corner cafe Pic: John Hickey

You’ll be venturing pretty far out for this but the reviews suggest it is worth the trip towards the Forest of Bowland.

More than 200 reviews give the Cobbled Corner a 4.5 rating and it’s scones are the highlight.

It’s also very dog-friendly.

Lin said: “Stopped by for coffee and cake. Sat outside as hard fur babies with us. Friendly staff offered drinking bowl and water for dogs I had bought a bottle of water from them for this which they offered to refund. Cake was delicious.”

Read more: Pizza Box launches at Preston Market

5) Maple Leaf Cafe, New Longton

Cheese on toast at the Maple Leaf Pic Duxburys Garden Centre
Cheese on toast at the Maple Leaf Pic Duxburys Garden Centre

Garden centres are often overlooked as a good place for a lunch, and tucked in Duxburys Garden Centre in Chain House Lane then Maple Leaf is worth a visit.

243 reviews rate it an average of 4.5, with their veggie breakfast getting a particular mention. It scores 4.5 for service, food, value and atmosphere.

ScooterBloke went over the Christmas period, he said: “First time here, two breakfasts for £9.99 and they were very good indeed. Everything freshly cooked, staff / service were excellent and the coffee was great too. Other meals looked really nice and everyone in our party of 11 enjoyed their visit. Recommended!”

4) Mystery Tea House, Preston city centre

Mystery Tea House in Cannon Street
Mystery Tea House in Cannon Street

Down Cannon Street the Tea House is far from a mystery these days.

Serving a huge selection of teas and doing food it has gained a cult following, despite regular speculation about its future.

More than 70 per cent of its 284 reviews say it is excellent, doing good soups and toasties.

Christine W was the most recent visitor. She said: “Mystery Tea House, 100s of teas to choose from and try. I went for the Himalayan Adventure black tea. Served with lemon and honey, in a lively teapot and handleless cup. What a treat!

“I also had a vegan wrap served with a huge salad and pot of hummus. It was delicious! I’m definately going back to sample more food and unusual teas! Highly recommended!”

3) The Mill, Lostock Hall

Pasty and soup at The Mill Pic: St Catherine's Hospice/The Mill
Pasty and soup at The Mill Pic: St Catherine’s Hospice/The Mill

You may not think of a hospice as a logical place to go for a brew and something to eat, but St Catherine’s Hospice has been changing that perception.

Opened in late 2014 the Mill in Lostock Lane is within the hospice grounds but in its self-contained building.

It’s in the top 10 of all Preston restaurants and has a four-and-a-half star rating from 237 reviews – cakes feature strongly.

Jackie W is a recent convert. She said: “First visit today and wow it was fabulous. Only a light lunch but was delicious and the place is so clean, warm, bright and welcoming. The staff are fantastic too and have you seen the cakes…well next time they are a must. Will definitely be back in the New Year regularly.”

Read more: The Cake Lady opens in Hutton

2) Happy Bunnies, Longton

Afternoon tea at Happy Bunnies Pic: Louise Gooch
Afternoon tea at Happy Bunnies Pic: Louise Gooch

Heading south of the river and you’ll find one of the best cream teas you can find in Lancashire,

Happy Bunnies has four-and-a-half stars from 319 reviews and a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor.

In Chapel Lane the cupcakes get a special mention and be prepared for excellent service and food as it is a five-star rating for both.

Chloe H said: “This place really is the best for afternoon tea! Not only do they cater marvellously for special occasions, you can also hire out for private events. I have always been greeted with a friendly, smiling and welcoming face and the food is ALWAYS top notch! Definitely recommend booking and will be back again soon!”

Review: Afternoon tea at Happy Bunnies in Longton

1) Lazy Cat Cafe, Preston city centre

That cat's got its eyes on the cake! Pic: Lazy Cat Cafe
That cat’s got its eyes on the cake! Pic: Lazy Cat Cafe

So where’s the best cafe in the city? Well, it only opened last summer and it’s already secured top spot.

Preston’s first cat cafe shows the city enjoys a brew, and a sandwich, with a cat by its side.

You need to book slots to go into the cat cafe itself, but there is a cafe without cats too.

Only 68 reviews but it’s averaging five-stars at the moment and 98 per cent of them are excellent.

Sherpa said: “Took my daughter and two grandaughters here today as a special pre Christmas treat. It was a surprise until we got to the cafe. They loved it. The staff were very friendly. We had the cat room to ourselves. The cats are simply adorable. All with individual personalities. The place is spotlessly clean. Lots of places for cats to play sleep or hide. If you love cats please go and support them.”

And the coffee’s supposed to be good too!

Read more: Cottam coffee roasting duo eye opening in Preston city centre

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

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