The Gate Café

Station Rd, Cumwhinton, Carlisle CA4 8DJ, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(38 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Gate Café, a delightful escape located on Station Rd in Cumwhinton, Carlisle. This charming café combines exceptional coffee, homemade delights, and a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing break or a hearty meal.

The menu is carefully curated, offering a selection of hot and cold drinks to quench your thirst. Indulge in a creamy Cappuccino (£3.80) or a smooth Flat White (£3.60), both crafted with precision and love. For those seeking something sweeter, the Hot Chocolate (£3.90), particularly the Loaded Hot Choc, promises a delightful treat for your taste buds.

The Gate Café does not just excel in beverages; it also serves an array of delicious food options. Start your day with a fulfilling Full Cumbrian Breakfast, featuring the finest quality sausage and bacon, homemade hash browns, and eggs, prepared just the way you like. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Savoury Croissant (£6.50) or a selection of Speciality Sandwiches (£8.50) guarantee a satisfying bite. And let’s not forget the tempting selection of homemade cakes (£3.70) that local patrons rave about—try them with a cup of locally sourced Carvetii coffee for the full experience!

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a friendly smile and a warm atmosphere. Reviewers consistently highlight the café’s beautifully designed interior and the inviting ambiance. Catherine Green describes it as "a blend of love, care, and attention to detail" that truly enhances the dining experience. Ross Friend calls it a "real little gem," and customers can be found spilling onto the charming outdoor courtyard on sunny days. This affable space is perfect for small gatherings, but be aware it can fill up quickly—making it even more of a cozy nook to unwind in.

The Gate Café stands out not only for its delightful offerings but also for its commitment to exceptional service. Customers have noted how the staff are not only welcoming but also genuinely invested in creating positive experiences. Whether you’re stopping in during a road trip, like Hilary Angus did on her way to Edinburgh, or coming back for a lunch with friends as Kerry Morrow plans to, each visit feels special. With a limited yet thoughtfully varied menu, there’s something to please every palate, and the homemade cakes are often described as must-tries.

If you're nearby, The Gate Café isn't just a pitstop; it's a destination in its own right. With a reputation for quality and comfort, this café invites you to create memories with every visit. So next time you find yourself in Cumwhinton, indulge in the authenticity and warmth of The Gate Café—you won’t regret it!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Thursday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

38 Reviews
Catherine Green

13 Sep 2025

Great cafe which is beautifully designed. The food is made with love,care and attention to detail.The cumbrian breakfast is so tasty with the finest quality sausage and bacon homemade hash brown,egg anyway you like,mushroom and cherry tomato.Pulled pork wrap also lovely.Homemade cakes and bakes,local carvetii speciality coffee. I liked the lovely kilner bottle of water to cleanse your palate for each table. 100% recommend.

Kerry Morrow

02 Sep 2025

Gorgeous cakes and coffees with friendly service. Coming back to try lunch next time! Great little cafe with outdoor space x

Paul Ratti

27 Aug 2025

This place was lovely, very friendly staff and beautifully decorated. Lovely ambience. Much better than the motorway services!

Joshua James

23 Aug 2025

Thoroughly enjoyed a visit to this lovely little cafe two weeks ago on our way to The Lakes. Beautifully cooked breakfast baps and a fantastic Mocha coffee and cappuccino! Super friendly staff with a warm and kind welcome from all. 100% recommend a stop in at The Gate! Bravo!

Tracy Ward

12 Aug 2025

Always a warm welcome. Menu is small but varied each day. Cakes are home made. Enjoyable venue and staff are lovely.

Ross Friend

18 Jul 2025

A real little gem! Truly lovely little cafe, very friendly staff who were welcoming and incredibly helpful.. Loved my avocado and cream cheese sandwich. I rated the service four stars only because some of the food took a little while to appear but I do and would still highly recommend the place. NOTE - It is a small place so it might be a problem to accommodate a large group.

Hilary Angus

07 Jun 2025

This place was the perfect stop on our drive up to Edinburgh! Delicious pastries and sandwiches, very friendly staff, cute little patio and very thoughtful design touches. Couldn’t have picked a better place to pull over. Get the chilli jam! :)

Lesley Norman

30 May 2025

I’ve been quite a few times with different friends and we always find a choice we enjoy, even though the menu is small! Delicious and tasty treats in my opinion. Love the wee courtyard too, when the weather is fine. Lovely friendly service too

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