The Apple Pie Café & Bakery is a much-loved independent family bakery in the heart of Ambleside. Established in 1975, it is known for freshly baked pies, bread, cakes and takeaway food, with a café serving breakfast, lunch and hot drinks. The bakery sits on Rydal Road close to Ambleside’s historic Bridge House.
A family-run Ambleside favourite since 1975
What began as a small café opened by David Fielding and his mother has developed into a busy bakery, café and accommodation business. The Apple Pie makes its breads, pastries, cakes and other baked goods on site. It is a useful stop for visitors exploring Ambleside, preparing a picnic or setting off for a walk towards Rydal and the surrounding fells.
The café is located behind the bakery counter. Its menu includes breakfasts, soups, baked potatoes, sandwiches, toasties, salads, coffee and homemade cakes. The bakery also prepares sandwiches and savouries to take away, making it a practical choice for walkers.
What to try at The Apple Pie
- The apple pie: the signature bake, alongside seasonal cakes and traditional treats.
- Fresh bread: handmade loaves, including sourdough and other bakery favourites.
- Pies and pasties: savoury options for a warm lunch or takeaway.
- Breakfast and lunch: a changing café menu with cooked and lighter dishes.
- Picnic supplies: sandwiches, cakes and baked goods to take on a Lakeland day out.
Selections and prices change. Check the latest café and bakery menus before visiting if you’re looking for something specific.
Opening hours and reservations
The Apple Pie is advertised as open seven days a week. Its main café and bakery pages show Monday and Friday–Sunday 9am–5pm and Tuesday–Thursday 10am–5pm, while its contact page currently lists 9am–5pm every day. Because the official pages differ, confirm the current opening hours directly, particularly if visiting early or during a holiday period.
Café reservations: The Apple Pie says its café operates on a walk-in basis and does not take table reservations. It has a children’s menu, high chairs and an accessible side entrance for prams and wheelchairs. Contact the team if you have particular mobility or dietary needs.
Location, parking and directions
Address: Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9AN.
Telephone: 015394 33679
Email: info@applepieambleside.co.uk
Official website: applepieambleside.co.uk
The bakery is close to Bridge House on Rydal Road. Ambleside has town-centre public parking; check local signs and charges. If travelling by bus, allow a short walk from Ambleside’s bus stops.
Get directions to The Apple Pie.
Rooms and accommodation
The Apple Pie also operates boutique-style rooms in Ambleside, including Rooms @ The Apple Pie and Apple Loft rooms, as well as self-catering cottages in Grasmere.
Check Apple Pie accommodation availability and deals. For visitor reviews and travel planning, see The Apple Pie on Tripadvisor.
Explore more of Ambleside
Discover other places to eat and shops in our Ambleside visitor guide, browse the Lake District Business Directory or find walking inspiration in our Routes & Trails collection.
Details checked 9 November 2026 against the business’s official website. Menus, opening hours and facilities may change; please check directly before travelling. This is an independent editorial directory listing, not a paid endorsement.