The Old Bell

4.7 ( 299 reviews )
Checking... 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM See Hours
£10–20
Bashfull Alley Centre, Bashful Alley, Lancaster LA1 1LF, United Kingdom

The Old Bell, nestled in the charming Bashfull Alley Centre of Lancaster, is a delightful cafe that excels in both food and hospitality. Customers frequently rave about their experiences, with Jenna Hartley highlighting the exceptional service, especially for families, where even young children feel welcomed. The quick and friendly staff ensure that meals are served hot and delicious, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

Hywel Mortimer-Roberts fondly recalls the flavorsome Old Bell Breakfast, crafted without excess oil, showcasing the cafe's commitment to wholesome meals. Similarly, Mark Parkinson enjoyed a hearty breakfast after a visit to nearby attractions, noting the excellent service and clean facilities, which further enhance the dining experience.

Aaron Joseph praised the perfect bagel and generous portion sizes for a very reasonable price, indicating great value for money. Regulars like Paula Lumley appreciate the consistent quality, as she and her father are always treated with care during their weekly visits.

Overall, The Old Bell is more than just a cafe; it’s a community hub where good food meets warm hospitality, creating lasting impressions for all who dine there.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair accessible seating
    • Does not have assistive hearing loop
    • No wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeout
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Has free water refills
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves organic dishes
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has restroom
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cozy
    • Historic
  • Crowd
    • Family-friendly
    • Good for groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Popular with tourists
    • Transgender safespace
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu

Reviews For The Old Bell

Jenna Hartley
Jun 16,2025
Absolutely fantastic experience. Went as a family including 3 yr old and 10 month old and they couldn't have been more accommodating. Service was quick, friendly and welcoming. Food was served piping hot and was delicious. Would highly recommend.
Hywel Mortimer-Roberts
Jun 4,2025
Returned once again on our travels. The Old Bell Breakfast again is very tasty and not swimming in oil like some breakfasts. Very well run family business. We always try and support when we are up. Thank you all
Mark Parkinson
May 28,2025
Called in after visiting nearby Judges lodgings. Recommended by another diner as we approached. Food and service excellent. Breakfast is hearty and tasty. Day was hot and we were given water to go with our food. Toilets clean
Paula Lumley
May 22,2025
My Dad and I go for early lunch every Saturday, the girls and cooks look after us very well. Very obliging and patient. Always a lovely meal, fresh made and hot.
Aaron Joseph
May 17,2025
Amazing, we'd been putting off going here for a while, and I've no idea why! The bagel was perfect, and the side salad was great, its hard to find a fault! If I was being picky, the tape holding the sofa together was a bit tacky. We ordered two bagels, two hot drinks and came to 23.70, considering the portion sizes this was amazing!
skycamvideo
May 12,2025
This was my first visit and I loved it. Table service was fast and by the time my coffee was done my dinner was brought out. The food was excellent and hot. A little expensive as 2 drinks and 2 meals was over 30 but I will be going again soon. Great friendly staff.
Julie Graveson-Cronshaw
Apr 8,2025
Another lovely lunch at The Old Bell.... great welcome and service. I had a delicious fruity, chicken & bacon salad. Great coffee too! See you soon
Paul Fisher
Mar 5,2025
Tucked away in the amazingly named Bashful Alley in deepest darkest Lancaster sits a wonderful cafe called The Old Bell. We visited on a Sunday morning late October, it was easy to find as we parked on the carpark above the shopping centre for 2, the cafe is just a couple of minutes walk from the lift which takes you down from the second floor. We parked by the disabled spots as you drive into the carpark. As soon as we opened the door of the cafe we were greeted by the most wonderful lovely ladies who were super attentive and could not do enough for you. The place was spotless and decorated for halloween. We had between us the small breakfast and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs coffee, tea and hot chocolate. All were freshly cooked/made and piping hot. They were all delicious so much so we wished we had had the large breakfast. Anyway on the way out after paying we discovered the selection on home made cakes. My brother in-laws decided had a craving for carrot cake so secured a giant piece and we made our escape. We shall most certainly be calling again. Thank you ladies for a lovely breakfast.

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