The Arches Coffee House

A gem of a small cafe in the centre of the city! No wonder it's so busy. Lots of choice on the menu, good-size portions, food cooked to order and well done. Coffee good quality (Lavazza). Ask for milky coffee if you normally have a latte. Good choice of delicious desserts. Great value and friendly, efficient service. Highly recommend.

Nice quaint little cafe serving food that would rival most restaurants I have been to and I've been a chef for 19 years I can full heartily say that I will return

Love this Coffee Shop. Staff are very friendly and food is very good quality - a regular visitor here

A superb little coffee shop hidden down the pleasant back-streets of central Carlisle. Fortunately we visited the place mid-morning with the shop half-full of customers. There's around 12 tables, roughly 5 at ground level and the remainder up four steps - which may prove a little awkward for people who are unsteady on their feet and have to rely on sticks or crutches etc. That said, the shop feels very cosy, fresh and clean. The tables were always cleared of old food, cups and plates within a couple of minutes of customers leaving; and the plastic table clothes were always wiped down properly, with no obvious mess on chairs or surrounding floor. The menus are quite typical for a coffee shop - scones, cakes, sandwiches, soups, hot toasties, full breakfasts. And some of the walls do carry special deals and/or chef's specials. And the good thing is that there is a waitress to take you order at your table. So you can always ask questions or ask for variations to your choice, and they are happy to do that for you. In my case I went for ham & cheese on wholemeal bread (the menu doesn't offer this combo, but by simply asking, they will oblige). I also had the soup of the day (home made thick and creamy vegetable), which was rather excellent! The ham & cheese sandwich came with the usual lettuce, tomatoes & mayo side, but the entire meal was delightful, filling and very tasty. To follow I went for a slice of apple pie and two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a pot of tea. Again all very nice, especially the pie, which was rich with flavour and very filling! During the hour I spent there the shop was beginning to reach capacity, and yet the three waitresses kept on top of things with ease; always patient, always with a smile on their faces and ready to help when needed. Even though the final bill was around £14 or so I would definitely make a point of coming again, not least for the pleasant staff and surrounds; but also for the quality of food on offer.

Came here yesterday morning between our train connections. Fast, friendly service & does a gorgeous coffee. The food is lovely & fresh. Look forward to coming back soon!:)