Vegan-friendly
Organic
Western
Bakery
British
Breakfast
Shop downstairs, cafe upstairs. Family friendly vegetarian cafe offering daily lunch specials, plus burgers, salads, potato bakes, pasta, and cakes. Has cooked vegan breakfast. Secluded patio garden. Small children's play section. No wheelchair access. Located above Single Step Cooperative. Open Mon-Sat 09:00-16:30, Sun 10:00-15:00.
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Last update on 25 Apr 2020 by Guest
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82 Reviews
First Review by jacqui2
Frijoles
Points +420
chocolate cake! - Edit
The vegan chocolate fudge cake was amazing! And a huge portion big enough for 2. Nice coffee also. Update: return visit - I had one of the daily specials - a seitan burger with chips, slaw and salad. Really good. Beautiful presentation, tasty and generous portion size. Recommend this place.
Read moreGuest
ejthiggs
Points +147
Worth a visit - Edit
Busy on a Saturday lunch time but we got a table. The BLT and the salad bowl were nice, and the coffee was really good. Reasonable prices and generous portions.
Read morePros: Good prices, Lots of choice, Great coffee
Cons: Busy
Guest
craigmc
Points +35482
great all day breakfast - Edit
a slight diversion off the M6, but well worth.
Read moremy other half had the veggie homity pie whish came with four small side salads. the wee one went wild with her tofu sausage, beans and chips which she lived. I went for a vegan breakfast, toast, tofu, beans, sausage, fried tomato and fried shrooms. tasty as.
great cafe. has a really nice vibe and was pretty busy which always makes me happy. lots of vegan options and plenty of healthy options.
now for the cake!
Had a stop again and the all day breakfasr which was great. My other half really enjoyed her tofu blt. Worth a stop.
Pros: lots of choice, great space, good value
Guest
healthie.veggie
Points +2084
Yummy and cute - Edit
I had the Smokey tofu BLT (delish!!!) The garlic ‘mayo’ is incredible :)) Mum had the bean burger (yum too) and the hot cross buns. The hot chocolate is sooo yummy!! Must try
Read moreGuest
VickiWanSlattery
Points +1396
Great place to have dinner (lunch), quick service - Edit
Stopped here for dinner (lunch).
Read moreCafe upstairs. There was only one table remaining so I was concerned about the waiting time on food but it was quick as they reassured me it would be! I opted for the falafel and houmous salad, it was a generous portion with 2 wholemeal pitta breads given, I also got ice cream for afters and a soya latte to drink. I got carrot cake to take away.
The food was ok, the service was quick, the staff were friendly, patient and informative (I was having an indecisive day!)
They provided takeaway containers for me to take.
Bustling atmosphere, a little crowded with not much room to manoeuvre around the tables but manageable! Most things on the menu could be made vegan.
They accept card payments over £5. Reasonable prices.
Great central location therefore no free parking nearby.
Toilets downstairs, didn’t match the quality of the cafe, cold and uncosy.
There’s a whole foods shop downstairs but I didn’t have enough time to browse as I had to get back to work! * Visited the vegetarian shop - they had such a wide selection of items to choose from, lots of organic produce, nuts, seeds, vegan bars and chocolate, baking items, teas, coffees, bread, as well as well stocked fridges with many vegan options.
Pros: Many vegan options, Quick service , Friendly, knowledgable staff
Cons: Not fully vegan , Toilets could be improved, More space around tables wouldn’t go amiss
Guest
Pips
Points +1596
Fantastic Big Vegan Breakfast!!! - Edit
Love this place. It was a saviour when traveling through the area. Good coffee and great food. Thank you Whale Tail!!!!
Read moreGuest
RuthyRaLaing
Points +58
Yummy breakfast - Edit
I stopped here for brunch whilst driving home from the Lakedistrict. I was not disapointed. I had the vegan breakfast (they remove the egg from the veggie breakfast and you get an extra sausage). It was delicious. Girlled/fried smoked tofu,baked beans,tomato,hash brown's and 2 sausages. They had vegan black pudding in stock so I added some of that. Lots of milk chooses for my coffee as well. They also had a cabinet full of cake with at least 4 vegan options. So I bought some home for the kids. I will be stopping there again :-)
Read morePros: Nice atmosphere, Many vegan options, Lovely cake
Cons: It is upstairs so access could be difficult for so, It wasn't cheap,but it was worth it, Toilets could do with some maintenance/freshening
Guest
midlandspubs.co.uk
Points +85
Best In The North-West - Edit
There are a couple of veggie places to eat in Lancaster. During our stay we used The Radish in New Street on several occasions for the wonderful porridge breakfast. We enjoyed a lunch in the Roots Café on George Street but once we discovered the Whale Tail we were hooked. Delicious food, friendly staff, a nice vibe as most of the city's leftfield use both this café and the Single Step Wholefoods shop on the ground floor. I am posting a few photographs including the specials board - great food at reasonable prices. Top stuff!
Read morePros: Delicious Food, Reasonable Prices, Friendly Atmosphere
Guest
RedAmaranth
Points +248
Cheap and cheerful - Edit
Buzzing spot in the centre of Lancaster. Tons of vegan options. Simple but effective.
Read moreGuest
vineeta9
Points +1058
Buzzing and positive - Edit
Absolutely beautiful place, catered for vegans.
Read moreBanana chocolate cake was delicious.
We really enjoyed the smoked tofu BLT, and the spicy bean burger.
Absolutely will visit again!
Pros: great tasting food
Guest
manchestervegan
Points +56
Great for breakfast and lunch - Edit
My favourite place in Lancaster. Wonderful vegetarian cafe with loads of vegan options for breakfast and lunch. They are also very good about marking GF options. The soups, salads and potato skins are always a favourite! Plus the cakes of course...
Read moreI took an omni friend who also really enjoyed it. It is very child friendly, and there is an outside seating area for good weather.
I wish it was open in the evening for dinner!
Guest
UKkj3
Points +81
very good food, and very popular - Edit
This place is great. It's tucked away a bit, but there is a sign pointing you in the right direction. It's vegetarian but it's very very vegan friendly, so there are loads of options, in fact im fairly sure that even the vegetarian options can be made vegan if you want.
Read moreI've had the full brekky soo many times, because it's an absolute winner - they do really good veggie sausages and smoked tofu and hash browns - it's dreamy
I've also the tried the TLT - tofu lettuce and tomato - comes with vegan mayo and it's delicious
The specials are usually really good - they tend to come with a selection of salady bits, which I enjoy very much.
If I'm being picky I feel like they should just go the whole hog and go full on vegan, but I'm still grateful to them for being a shining example of veggie food
Pros: Delicious food, Big menu
Cons: Only open during the day
Guest
Libra77
Points +3520
Fresh food and quick friendly service - Edit
Popped in while in the area and was not disappointed we chose here to eat. Luckily it was a sunny day so we were able to sit in the courtyard with our dog, dogs unfortunately not allowed in the cafe. I ordered the burrito and a side of chips. Food came very quickly despite being freshly prepared. Really flavoursome and full of colour. Unfortunately no room for cake as the portions were of a good size, but the cake on offer looked delicious. Good choice of vegan options, over half the menu, and the specials board was packed with choices too. I wouldn't hesitate to return next time we are in the area.
Read morePros: large choice of vegan options, quick service, freshly prepared food
Cons: dogs not allowed in cafe, but are allowed in the c
Guest
sophiefp
Points +854
Lovely little gem - Edit
Nice space and tasty simple well priced food. About 65% is vegan or can be.
Read moreTucked down a short little alley, above pretty wholefood shop.
It's upstairs with a great airy space, though stairs would be hard if you have mobility problems.
Pros: Tasty , Good value
Guest
findingfay
Points +191
Nice lunch - Edit
Very nice atmosphere and beautiful lil room. Easy to find and pretty much in the city centre.
Read moreI had the spicy bean burger with chips plus salad and mum had falafel salad with pita bread. The chips seemed like oven chips and there was too much tomato relish in my burger. We both agreed there wasn't a lot of flavour and was a bit boring.
We took home a chocolste fudge cake that was very hearty and very yummy!!!
I don't know if we'll come again in the near future as we want to try out the other veggie restaurants in Lancaster!
Updated from previous review on 2016-03-31
Pros: Lots of choice - vegan cakes!, Lovely atmosphere , Very affordable
Cons: Boring flavours
Guest
Helenggvv
Points +431
amazing food - Edit
This places offers a good variety of vegan food. It was so yummy that we got the cookbook!
Read moreGuest
RalphWilliams
Points +224
This time we didn't have the breakfast... - Edit
For quite a number of years we have been stopping off in Lancaster to eat at the Whale Tail on the way to the Lake District or Scotland and every time we go for the breakfast, because it is excellent and usually provides enough sustenance to get us well north of Glasgow. This time we finally visited when we were too late for the breakfast and were forced to choose something else, but this was also excellent and very tasty.
Read moreSo this five cows rating is for a number of visits over the years when we have never been disappointed by the atmosphere, service and food.
Pros: The breakfast, Good variety of main dishes and cakes, Over a fanstastic veggy/organic shop
Cons: None
Guest
radiocaz
Points +960
good choice of vegan cakes! - Edit
lovely little cafe. comfy and nice atmosphere. not everything is vegan but lots of cakes are and they even have vegan cream and ice cream to go with them.
Read morePros: did I mention cake?, vegan mains as well, health food shop downstairs
Guest
Westcomb
Points +135
A Lancaster Institution - Edit
The Whaletail's run with passion, not profit in mind. It's a solid Lancaster institution, a great cafe serving a wide array of veggie food and quite a bit vegan.
Read moreIt's especially child friendly, with toys and books and a sense of freedom for the kids to play and make noise.
Do get a salad cresecent (half salad bowl) to add to eg soup or BLT - it's not on the menu!
Pros: Free papers, Child Friendly, You know half the room
Cons: You know half the room!>)
Guest
MarkGillatt
Points +80
Better than ever - Edit
I've been to the Whales Tail quite a few times over the years but Fridays Brie Potato Bake was the best meal I've ever had. Various main courses available along with snack items and cake. It's licensed and they have an outdoor seating area too. Great place in this great little City.
Read morePros: Choice, Relaxed atmosphere, Food
Cons: Restricted opening hours, Can get very busy 12/2 & weekends
Guest
Tasha1993
Points +74
love it - Edit
I love it here the food is amazing and the cafe is lovely! I love the shop down stairs
Read moretoo! The chocolate cake is AMAZING! :)
Guest
Pipsar6
Points +10
A nice bowl of soup! - Edit
Found this place by chance - wasn't looking particularly...
Read moreDropped in for a soup and a roll having made some Yogi Tea purchases downstairs in the little shop.
Service was quick and the place was ticking over. I have been told since that had I gone a little earlier in time for the lunch rush then I would have had a long wait but I went quite late on so missed that.
The soup itself was spot on!
There was a relaxed ambience and i felt quite comfortable at my table with my head in a book while my hot brew cooled. I noticed also there was some informal sofas too to sit on and I believe they may have wi-fi too but not certain on that.
Would definitely go back next time I am in Lancaster
Pros: Good food, relaxing atmosphere
Cons: stairs up to the cafe, pokey toilet downstairs
Guest
Stevie
Points +11765
The Whale Tail Cafe, Lancaster - Edit
There's many positive things about this place. Staff are nice, the location is central and the food was pleasant enough but the dish I had I wouldn't have described as being exceptional. Defo worth a visit if you are in town.
Read morePros: Vegan vego friend;y, Central
Guest
Shezza1
Points +74
Old favourite still going strong! - Edit
I have been veggy since 1976 and have been eating at the Whale Tail since the early 80's. It rarely disappoints, but my recent convert to a vegan diet (well I didn't want to rush into it!!) and my latest visit there (yesterday) made me view their menu in a different light.
Read moreThe soup, broccoli and almond, was very tasty, but the vegan options on the specials board were uninspired and uninspiring - felafel or potato skins with salad and garlic mayo. Admittedly my visit was just at the end of the lunch-time rush but the choice on the daily menu just comprised jackets with hummous or salads and pitta bread.
I view this lovely cafe as an old friend, it has been part of my life for so long, and I will keep going there, but I will try other new places in future to see if their choices are any better.
Pros: Fresh food, Very friendly staff, Lovely environment.
Cons: Limited vegan choice for mains.
Guest
Jemima
Points +484
Wish this was my local - Edit
Set back from the road - you will reach the entrance after this, up stairs. You will see the food coop on the ground floor.
Read moreAfter making it through the door the community/co opy vibe changes to clean lines, shiny black and blonde. The kitchen is open to view. It is a cool and warm vibe. They have live music there sometimes which you can be informed of the date of by putting you name on an email list.
During mealtimes on a Saturday it can be very busy, but in between it can be quite quiet. On the occasion I went there were a couple of other couples coming and going and a couple of singles chilling.
Food is cafe fare - cooked breakfasts, ciabatta, soup. Beverages available include soft drinks, wine and cider and tea and coffees.
I asked for a variation of one of the ciabattas - egg, veggie bacon and mushrooms - which they obliged. The egg was poached perfectly, mushrooms sauteed perfectly and the bacon was really good. It came with a choice of chips or kettle chips (crisps), I chose kettle chips and salad garnish with tomato/ red pepper tapenade. It was pretty much perfect. Prefer crusty ciabatta but it wasn't the softest. I had fennel tea.
Service was great from attractive young Lancastrians!
Value was great at around ten pounds for a great lunch, listed above and recharge time.
Pros: Great space, great food and value, great service
Cons: toilets could improve
Guest
khb
Points +141
What a find! - Edit
Our train broke down in Lancaster on the way to the Lake District. Fortunately I had brought my copy of Vegetarian Britain - otherwise we would never have found this place. Just a delightful place for a tasty, fresh, and filling veggie lunch. The food is fairly standard, but they add their own original twists. And they have vegan cake.
Read morePros: low prices, quick service, nice atmosphere
Guest
marcstevens
Points +114
Would persuade me to move to Lancaster - Edit
The epitome of what veggie lunch food should be - fast, tasty, fresh, healthy, nice and informed staff, spacious but friendly eating area, good prices. We loved this place and would certainly return. The good news is that they are testing the waters to open evenings too. The bad news we were on on holiday in the area and it may be some time before we can visit again.
Read morePros: Tasty vegan options, Attractive & open seating, Reasonably priced
Cons: Walked past first time -, keep your eyes peeled!
Guest
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