Favourite places - for devouring cake…
Our pick of the best UK spots for cake
Now it’s a bit of a mantra of Large Outdoors that a good walk needs to include at least one opportunity to tuck into a slice of cake, either on route or at the end of the hike.
So as you can imagine I’ve been doing quite a bit of research over the years and narrowing down the list to just six has been an effort but here goes:
1 Mannion & Co - Helmsley
From the moment you walk into Mannion & Co and catch the waft of freshly baked sourdough while eyeing up the gorgeous pastries on the counter, you’ll be hooked.
Inside there’s a laid back atmosphere and a lovely choice of daily specials. Located just one street back from Helmsley’s market square, Mannion & Co perfectly suits the town and is a must-visit during our North York Moors National Park walking trips.
2. YURTea & Coffee @ Skye Skins - Isle of Skye
This one is quirky, fabulous and one of those experiences that stays firmly in the bank of ‘good memories’.
We drop in at YURTea & Coffee, a pop up café which is, funnily enough housed in a yurt, during our Isle of Skye - Adventure & Explore trip.
After a day’s walking which includes spotting whales and dolphins at Waternish Point, we stop for cake in the yurt, sitting on sheepskins in front of the woodburner or looking out at the dramatic views. The cake ‘beauty parade’ is impressive with ingredients that make the most of Skye’s larder!
3. Bog Myrtle Cafe - Isle of Skye
Bog Myrtle sneaks onto our list for the cracking coastal views looking out at Struan between Dunvegan Castle and Talisker and the eccentricities that go with this café cum book shop.
During every Isle of Skye - Adventure & Explore week we’ve organised, we’ve taken guests here and each time it has consistently served fantastic cakes including some very tasty vegan options.
Don’t be deceived by the less than impressive exterior – once you’re inside and sitting surrounded by second hand books as well as an array of vintage clothing, the ‘bonkers-ness’ of it all will soon work its charm.
4. Mad Hatters Tearoom – Whitby
You could be forgiven for thinking that you really have fallen down the rabbit hole into Alice in Wonderland at this quirky tearoom in Whitby.
During our Whitby Walking Weekends guests who are in the know make sure they visit the Mad Hatter’s Tearoom which is part of the eccentric La Rosa hotel. The hotel is located in a townhouse where author Lewis Carroll once stayed (there’s a blue plaque on the wall outside) and the owners have ensured the décor mirrors his whimsical stories.
The best bit though is that this isn’t style over substance as the afternoon teas are legendary and with views out across the harbour, it makes for a very pleasant experience.
5. Artisan Cafe - Tyndrum, Scotland
There’s no escaping the fact that some of our trips, particularly those to the Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye, are schlepps. However to break up the journey once we’re north of Glasgow, we’ve found the beautiful Artisan Café to be a real tonic that sets us up for the road to the Isles.
Housed in a former chapel the café is close to the popular coach tour stop at Tyndrum but retains an air of ‘hidden gem’ about it. The café owners champion local produce and also run a shop displaying locally made crafts – a great place to get you into the spirit of Scotland before hopping back in the car for the last leg of the journey.
6. Mafon - Llanberis, Snowdonia
Since we’ve been staying at the lovely guesthouse Dol Peris in Llanberis for many of our Snowdonia trips, we’ve come across Mafon, a fab café run by Leah.
Leah started out making bespoke cakes for birthdays and weddings so you just know that the café’s line-up of sweet treats is going to be special including great vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
We always make a beeline for Mafon during our stay at Dol Peris mostly at the end of a day’s walking but I have to say that Leah’s team also do a fantastic breakfast (in fact I could probably spend all day everyday eating here!).
Share your favourite cake spot and pictures in the comments below:
