Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, FRC café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs. Whether you are strolling up to visit the waterfalls, or on a longer hike over Wansfell, up to Kirkstone or beyond, a welcome awaits. Although predominately catering to walkers, we do offer limited car parking onsite, along with two accessible parking bays.

Coffee at Force Cafe Ambleside with a scenic view

FRC café is open every day for brunch and lunch, as well as coffee, tea and cakes. We serve barista coffee from Cumbrian roasters, Carvetti, a wide range of teas and soft drinks, with local ales and a small but perfectly formed choice of wines and spirits. During the summer months we are open in the evenings for pizza, and over autumn and winter we open on Saturday evenings for dinner.

A variety of dishes and drinks at the Force Cafe

We aim to offer a unique customer experience, top quality dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from some of the many quality suppliers we have in the area, along with freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. We also have a small shop that stocks a range of locally sourced gifts and mementos. We aim to be a force for good, donating 1% of our turnover to charities that are involved in climate change and regenerative leadership - Tythe.org.

Join us for...

a first-rate

BRNCH

Whether you’re stocking up for the day with our Full Force Breakfast, or looking for a sweet start with our famous Pancakes, we’ve got you covered. Paired with the sublime Carvetii Coffee, we do Brunch the right way.

a top-notch

LNCH

From our chef's special Jamaican Jerk Bowl to the ever-reliable Avocado on Toast, there’s something for everyone at Force. Soups, Burgers, Curries, all made with local ingredients to the highest standard.

How to find Force Cafe - Map

Café Opening Times

9.30am - 5pm weekdays, 9am - 9pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday.
Hot food served until 3.45pm. Saturday evening hot food served until 8pm.
We can cater for any dietary requirements. Please speak to a member of our team upon your arrival.

Parking

Limited car parking available onsite and is available to café customers only.
Please note there is a maximum stay of 3 hours. You must enter your registration into the café tablet immediately upon arrival to avoid a fine.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the café and on the terrace.
Please keep dogs on a lead. Thank you.

Bookings

Please note we do not take bookings for breakfast or lunch.
We have a spacious terrace and plenty of seats inside, our host will seat you on arrival.
For special events and evenings, bookings are essential.

Events

Explore exciting events at Kelsick Assembly, from talks and workshops to community gatherings.
Whether you seek inspiration, entertainment, or a fun night out, our calendar has it all.
View our upcoming events.

Private Hire for your party or event!

Need a unique venue? Force is ideal for corporate functions, parties, or intimate gatherings.
Available year-round with amazing food and one of the best views in Cumbria!
Email for more information [email protected]

Force Cafe Christmas Banner

Available from Friday 15th November - Friday 3rd January

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Two- Course Office Christmas Lunches:

Gather your little elves and sleigh the workday with our festive lunch special!
Perfect for teams of 8-15, just €28.95 per person. Santa hats, jolly table decorations, and crackers
included-because what's Christmas without a pop?

Your Private Christmas Party Evening Do:
Private Hire - available Thursdays or Fridays.

Looking to rock around your own Christmas tree?
Private hire available on Thursdays or Fridays-ideal for groups of 30-70.
Enjoy a two-course Christmas buffet at £25.95 per person, from 6pm-10pm.
Hats, crackers, and festive cheer included.Want to jingle those bells?

While we don't have room for a dance floor,
you can sleigh your way over to Ambleside's twinkling lights for a festive boogie!

Christmas Party Shared Nights:

LJoin us every Saturday evening for a holly jolly festive feast!
Gather your group of 8-15 for a merry meal at just £28.95 per person.
Open to the public so be sure to deck the halls and book your spot!

To unwrap more details or reserve your festive cheer,
jingle Gavin an email at [email protected]