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The Friars house Cafe gallery in Ilkeston

A welcoming art cafe in Dale Abbey offering light bites and a calm atmosphere for a casual dining experience within £1–10.

4.8 83 reviews £1–10 Art Cafe American · Southern

Dale Abbey, Ilkeston DE7 4PP, United Kingdom

FoodPlacee Passport United Kingdom · Ilkeston · 13086
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The Friars house Cafe gallery

Ilkeston, United Kingdom

Quiche Goats Cheese Tart with Salad Cream Tea Latte and Scone
Rating★ 4.8 / 5
Price£1–10
CategoryArt Cafe

Overview

About This Food Place

The Friars house Cafe gallery is a charming art cafe nestled in the quaint village of Dale Abbey, Ilkeston. Known for its cozy, historic setting, this locale blends the warmth of traditional English charm with a vibrant café atmosphere, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from numerous visitors, it promises a delightful experience focused on quality coffee, delectable desserts, and a well-curated tea selection.

Visitors can enjoy an assortment of small plates featuring fresh and healthy options, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. The café offers inclusive accommodations including outdoor seating, onsite services, and wheelchair accessible entrances and seating. Whether stopping by for a solo meal or meeting friends for catch-up, this art cafe caters to those looking for a relaxed, casual dining experience set in a picturesque and inspiring environment.

Gallery

Photos from The Friars house Cafe gallery

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This charming art cafe offers a unique blend of cozy atmosphere, quality food, and welcoming service perfect for both locals and tourists.

Great Coffee & Tea Selection

Known for freshly ground coffee and a wide range of teas, the cafe is ideal for a relaxing drink and a tasty treat.

Delicious Homemade Food

Menu features small plates, quiche, and healthy options made fresh, including favorites like goats cheese tart and cream tea.

Perfect for Groups & Tourists

The casual, cozy, and historic setting attracts groups, tourists, and solo diners alike, with friendly staff enhancing the experience.

Accessible & Comfortable

Features wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, along with onsite and outdoor seating options for comfort and convenience.

Convenient Location with Parking

Located in scenic Dale Abbey, easy free street parking and onsite parking make arriving hassle-free.

Ideal for Lunch & Solo Dining

Popular lunchtime spot offering quick bites, healthy meals, and cozy places to enjoy time alone or with friends.

Highly Rated with Positive Reviews

With a 4.8 rating from 83 reviewers, guests praise the friendly staff, generous portions, and delightful homemade cakes.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for casual lunches and solo retreats, this art cafe invites visitors to savor quality food and drinks in a soothing ambiance that fosters creativity and comfort.

The Friars house Cafe gallery stands out as a warm, welcoming spot ideal for art lovers and food enthusiasts alike. A peaceful venue to enjoy hearty lunches, fresh desserts, or a comforting latte in a historic setting, it offers both indoor coziness and relaxing outdoor seating during warmer days. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Solo Dining

Enjoy quiet moments with a perfectly brewed coffee or a pot of tea accompanied by homemade scones or quiche—an ideal retreat for reflection or reading.

Lunch with Friends

Gather around small plates and fresh salads while catching up with friends in a cozy, casual atmosphere surrounded by charming artwork and décor.

Casual Afternoon Treat

Indulge in delicious desserts such as cream tea or goats cheese tart, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with a rich latte or tea from the extensive selection.

Easy Access & Parking

Located in Dale Abbey with free street and on-site parking, this spot is easily reachable for both locals and visitors exploring the area by car.

Artistic Ambiance

Immerse in a unique experience where art meets eating, surrounded by gallery pieces that inspire conversation and creativity.

Best for

Great Coffee Solo Dining Lunch Dessert Free Parking Cozy Atmosphere Wheelchair Accessible Healthy Options

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

PT
pat turner 3 month ago

"Homemade cakes. Very friendly staff. Lovely setting."

MJ
Mark Jones 3 month ago

"Lovely cherry scone and butter. The Americano coffee was OK but nothing special. I thought it may have been filter whereas I was expecting something like a large espresso. My wife was happy with her Mocha which was definitely made from freshly ground beans. Lovely environment and lovely staff. I was invited back by the owner for a free coffee. This was excellent. Thank you, for taking the trouble to respond to my review. I would highly recommend this venue to everyone."

JL
Jenni Locke 4 month ago

"A great find in the pretty village of Dale Abbey. This art cafe is in the grounds of a family chocolate box cottage/farmhouse. It’s so English with the scones, jackets and quiche bubbling away in the Aga. The owner is very warm and friendly and nothing is to much trouble. We had the scones and they came with an abundance of butter - delicious They only open at certain times so keep an eye on their socials."

HF
Helen Foster 4 month ago

"Delicious home cooked savouries, cakes and tray bakes and very good coffee served by friendly owners and staff. The location is gorgeous too. Have been in the past to functions here (lunch once and afternoon teas) and it's perfect for small to medium groups to get together for a birthday or treat."

DO
David O'Byrne 4 month ago

"Cosy cafe with freshly cooked and hearty lunches (goat's cheese tart pictured) and tasty cakes. Friendly and accommodating staff. Nice walked route nearby (i.e. Hermitage). Lots of good reasons to return."

J&J
Jim & Julie White 5 month ago

"Excellent on all fronts - cannot wait to go back, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. We had the Lasagne with garlic bread and side salad - absolutely delicious. Plenty of rich meaty beef mince and lovely layers of thin pasta. And the cheese topping was 10/10. The staff were friendly and efficient and the food was delivered quickly (and piping hot). Be aware that they do not take credit/debit cards - only cash - but for the food and experience we are happy to accommodate that."

L
Leah 5 month ago

"This place is such a little gem, absolutely gorgeous food and cakes. All homemade, and the best place in dale abbey by far. I love the quiche and salad the best, and if you haven’t tried it you must! I also really enjoy the crispy cakes and rocky roads. It’s a real treat, and the staff are always so helpful and always ensure your looked after and they also accommodate any dietary requirements. I’ve gone up many times while being at weight watchers, and they’ve made me a lovely ham salad. It doesn’t feel like your in a diet, as the food is always fresh with lots of variety."

DH
Dennis Henshaw 5 month ago

"Lovely quaint cafe/tea rooms. This place is very popular for those who know it's there. When you have visited for the first time you will go back again and a again I assure you. Nice place to catch up with a friend over a coffee and a piece of cake. There is room for a few cars but you can park on the road outside. Toilets are a little tricky to find on the first visit"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

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Best time to visit

Visiting during lunch hours provides the best dining experience, whether enjoying a quick bite or catching up with friends in a cozy atmosphere.

Weekday Lunch Hours Good for Group Visits Enjoy Outdoor Seating in Summer Plan Ahead for Weekends

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to The Friars house Cafe gallery in Ilkeston .

Address Dale Abbey, Ilkeston DE7 4PP, United Kingdom
Phone +44 115 930 9152
Area Ilkeston
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about The Friars House Cafe Gallery, an art cafe in Dale Abbey offering great coffee, desserts, and a cozy atmosphere.

The cafe serves coffee, healthy options, small plates, and quick bites including popular dishes like quiche, goats cheese tart with salad, cream tea, and latte with scone.

Yes, the cafe is good for kids and welcomes groups and tourists. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, ideal for lunch or solo dining occasions.

The venue offers wheelchair accessible entrances and seating to ensure comfort and ease for guests with mobility needs.

Service includes onsite dine-in with outdoor seating available. There is no delivery or table service, but catering options for lunch and dessert are offered.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing convenient options for customers.

The cafe provides free street parking as well as on-site parking for visitors.

Dogs are welcome, making it a pet-friendly spot for visitors wishing to bring their furry friends.

With a rating of 4.8 from 83 reviews, the cafe is praised for friendly staff, tasty homemade food, and a lovely historic setting. Review details and menu offerings may change, so checking current information is recommended.

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