Arches Coffee House

I haven't been here in such a long time, and I was glad to see that it hasn't changed one bit. The food is as lovely as it was 20+years ago! It's always busy which I can see why!

Homemade soup is delicious..had a jacket potato previous visit and my mum is fussy eater she got cheese and beans far too much on plate for her but she loved it..I got the mushroom jacket potato..was lush. I just wish they did reserve tables as it has been busy a couple of times when we have gone but no seats so went elsewhere..but I do love the soup.

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.

Love this place. The staff are very warm and welcoming. Food is always good and is great value. I would highly recommend.

Food was absolutely brilliant we couldn’t have faulted it. We are very glad we found this as it’s handy for a simple but hearty lunch. Good variety and something for everyone. We will be back!

We stopped off at Carlisle on our way back from Scotland to Shropshire and were looking for a place for lunch.The Arches is very close to the cathedral and looked clean and reasonably priced .Tables were well spaced and COVID friendly.We were given the choice of where to sit and the waitress was very friendly and attentive,not rushing us but there when we needed her. So,the food....The menu has a selection of sandwiches,jacket potatoes,cakes etc as well as full meals and specials on the board.I had steak pie,packed with meat ,very tender and tasty.My wife had the ploughman's which was massive and had everything on it,cheese,ham,cheese savoury,pickle,salad, onions, bread,all delicious.Together with two drinks it came to £18 so I'm not sure why a couple of people have criticised the price? Absolute bargain and filled us up all the way back to Shropshire.When we return to Carlisle,it will be our first stop! Thanks again