Force Cafe Ambleside

Home
United Kingdom
Ambleside
Force Cafe Ambleside

Brunch, lunch & coffee with the best views in Ambleside - a stones throw from Stock Ghyll Force.
(2)

16/06/2026

Standing proudly beneath Wansfell, has been part of Ambleside's story for well over a century.

Built in 1906 through the vision of the Kelsick Educational Foundation, the building began life as a co-educational grammar school, shaping generations of local young people. Over the years it became part of Charlotte Mason College before falling into disrepair and facing an uncertain future.

Thankfully, Kelsick's story didn't end there.

Saved from demolition by David Williams and lovingly restored, this remarkable building now serves as Impact's global headquarters, a hub for coworking and community, and home to Force Walkers Café & Terrace, welcoming walkers, runners, explorers and coffee lovers since June 2023.

At Force Café, we're passionate about serving great food and exceptional coffee while championing the incredible producers on our doorstep. We're proud to support local farmers, bakers, and artisans who share our passion for quality and sustainability. Every bite and sip is carefully considered, using ethically sourced produce, fresh Cumbrian ingredients, and independent suppliers wherever possible.

And what a location it is. With Wansfell rising behind us and Stock Ghyll Waterfalls just a stones throw away, adventure starts right from our doorstep.

Feeling competitive? Take on the Wansfell Dash... the ultimate fell-running challenge. Starting at the café entrance, it's 1 mile up to Wansfell Pike and 1 mile back down. Touch the gate at the summit, race back to Force, and let us know your time to earn a place on our leaderboard. ⛰️🏃‍♂️☕

A building with a rich history. A café rooted in community. A challenge waiting outside the door.

📸 Beautifully captured by

14/06/2026

Life's too short to skip cake... and some slices are simply too good to share!

From indulgent cakes to freshly baked treats, our selection of bakes are available all day long and pairs perfectly with your favourite coffee.

13/06/2026

Two brunch heavyweights. One impossible decision...

🥑 The Re-Fuel Halloumi Stack
Crispy hot honey halloumi, smashed avocado, Spanish chorizo, poached free-range eggs, parmesan, pumpkin dukka... with the option to level up even further with bacon or salmon.

🥔 Loaded Homemade Hash Browns
Golden crispy hash browns topped with spiced ricotta, sausage patty, smoked streaky bacon, chilli jam, sriracha mayo, pickled onion, and a perfectly fried free-range egg.

Whether you're Team Halloumi or Team Hash Browns, we've got your brunch cravings covered. 👌

Which one are you ordering?

We're obsessed with this shot! 😍 Thanks for visiting us and sharing the love,

12/06/2026

Another type of sausage you might spot on your visit... A four-legged one, with a waggy tail and impeccable café manners! 🌭🐾

Just a very cute reminder that we're dog-friendly - pooches of all shapes, sizes, and sausage varieties are always welcome!

Thank you for the tag 📸 poppy_the_cumbrian_sausage

11/06/2026

🍕 Summer evenings are made for pizza at Force...

Every Friday & Saturday, our outdoor wood-fired oven is fired up and ready to serve freshly made pizzas alongside delicious light bites, all with some of the best views in Ambleside.

Whether you're finishing a day of exploring the Lake District, meeting friends for a catch-up, or simply looking for a relaxed spot to soak up a summer evening, we've got your table waiting.

And if we're lucky, the sunset might just steal the show 🌄

Not-so-summery weather? No problem. Our cosy indoor space is the perfect place to enjoy pizza night while staying warm and dry, whatever the forecast brings.

We're open until 9pm on both nights, but tables fill up fast, so booking is recommended.

📩 Email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

10/06/2026

Behind the scenes at 'The Pass ' with Head Chef Dex & Chef Thomas 🎬

09/06/2026

10/10 grub. 11/10 view. Show-off. 😏

Thank you for the tag ❤

———
📍 Force Walkers Café & Terrace, Stock Ghyll Lane, Ambleside
🥞 Brunch served until 11:45am
🥗 Lunch from 12–3:45pm
🍰 Cakes & ice cream available all day

📅 Opening Hours
Mon–Thu: 9:30am–5pm
Fri: 9:30am–9pm
Sat: 9am–9pm
Sun: 9am–5pm

🚗 Limited parking available – please log your registration at the café entrance
🐾 Four-legged friends welcome
🌄 Views worth lingering for
🎉 Private hire available

08/06/2026

What a birthday weekend! 🎉 Huge thanks to for these incredible cupcakes, and to everyone who came to visit us and kept us busy all weekend long.

See you this week?

06/06/2026

🎉 Force Turns Three! 🎉

Three years ago today, we opened our doors with a simple idea: great coffee, great food, and a place where everyone feels welcome after a walk, a run, a swim, or simply a wander up the hill.

Fast forward three years and we've poured more flat whites than we could ever count, welcomed thousands of muddy boots (and even muddier paws), watched spectacular sunsets from the terrace, and somehow become part of so many people's Lake District adventures.

The truth is, Force has never really been about the coffee and cake. (Although we're very fond of both.) It's about the people. The locals who know exactly where their favourite table is. The visitors who make us a must-stop on every trip to Ambleside. The runners, walkers, cyclists, families and four-legged friends who bring the place to life every single day.

And, of course, it's about this lot...

Not everyone made it into this photo, but every member of Team Force - past and present - has played a part in getting us here. They're the reason the coffees keep flowing, the food keeps coming, and the welcome stays warm, even on the busiest days. Their hard work, kindness, humour and dedication are what make Force, Force.

We're incredibly proud to champion local suppliers, support our community, and keep sustainability at the heart of what we do. The awards and recognition we've received along the way have been wonderful, but the real reward is seeing familiar faces return week after week, year after year, and knowing we've become part of your Lake District traditions.

Thank you for every coffee ordered, every brunch enjoyed, every lunch tucked into, every recommendation shared, every muddy paw print on the terrace, every special event held, and every bit of support over the last three years.

Here's to year four: more coffee, more community, more terrace sunsets, more adventures, and almost certainly a few more muddy boots!

If you're popping in today, grab one of our special birthday cupcakes from , join the celebrations, and help us mark three pretty brilliant years.

Cheers to you all ❤️

05/06/2026

Pizza night is calling 🍕

Join us on the terrace every Friday and Saturday evening as our pizza oven gets fired up for the night. Expect freshly made pizzas, tasty sharing plates and light bites, and if we’re lucky with the weather, some unforgettable Lake District sunset views.

We’re serving until 9pm, making it the perfect spot to wind down after a day exploring Ambleside.

Want to reserve a table? Send us a message at [email protected]

———

📍 Force Walkers Café & Terrace, Stock Ghyll Lane, Ambleside

🥞 Brunch served until 11:45am
🥗 Lunch from 12–3:45pm
🍰 Cakes & ice cream available all day

📅 Opening Hours
Mon–Thu: 9:30am–5pm
Fri: 9:30am–9pm
Sat: 9am–9pm
Sun: 9am–5pm

🚗 Limited parking available – please log your registration at the café entrance
🐾 Four-legged friends welcome
🌄 Views worth lingering for
🎉 Private hire available

Address

Force Cafe, Kelsick Grammar, Stockghyll Lane
Ambleside
LA220QY

Website

https://force.cafe/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Force Cafe Ambleside posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Food & Beverage Service in Ambleside?