Arches Coffee House

Not the best This coffee shop was certainly busy, but I certainly couldn't vouch for it. Not terrible, by any means, but just a bit mediocre. Ham and pickle sandwhich, 6/10, quite dry, not a great deal of flavour, basic ingredients and just not much to it. Bacon bap, 7/10, bacon was alright, the bun was nice and soft, but it wasn't exactly winning any awards for innovation. Also, asked for brown sauce, got ketchup... Cappuccino, 6/10, coffee wasn't really coffeeing. Tea, 7/10, a decent enoigh brew i suppose. Overall, this place does it's job well enough, but if we were to stop by Carlisle again we would choose to go somewhere else.

A superb little coffee shop hidden down the pleasant back-streets of central Carlisle. Fortunately we visited the place mid-morning with the shop half-full of customers. There's around 12 tables, roughly 5 at ground level and the remainder up four steps - which may prove a little awkward for people who are unsteady on their feet and have to rely on sticks or crutches etc. That said, the shop feels very cosy, fresh and clean. The tables were always cleared of old food, cups and plates within a couple of minutes of customers leaving; and the plastic table clothes were always wiped down properly, with no obvious mess on chairs or surrounding floor. The menus are quite typical for a coffee shop - scones, cakes, sandwiches, soups, hot toasties, full breakfasts. And some of the walls do carry special deals and/or chef's specials. And the good thing is that there is a waitress to take you order at your table. So you can always ask questions or ask for variations to your choice, and they are happy to do that for you. In my case I went for ham & cheese on wholemeal bread (the menu doesn't offer this combo, but by simply asking, they will oblige). I also had the soup of the day (home made thick and creamy vegetable), which was rather excellent! The ham & cheese sandwich came with the usual lettuce, tomatoes & mayo side, but the entire meal was delightful, filling and very tasty. To follow I went for a slice of apple pie and two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a pot of tea. Again all very nice, especially the pie, which was rich with flavour and very filling! During the hour I spent there the shop was beginning to reach capacity, and yet the three waitresses kept on top of things with ease; always patient, always with a smile on their faces and ready to help when needed. Even though the final bill was around £14 or so I would definitely make a point of coming again, not least for the pleasant staff and surrounds; but also for the quality of food on offer.

I haven't been here in such a long time, and I was glad to see that it hasn't changed one bit. The food is as lovely as it was 20+years ago! It's always busy which I can see why!