Located in the heart of Red Row, Gingerbread Cafe is a beloved gem that captivates visitors with its homemade offerings and quaint charm. Reviews reveal a consensus on the stellar quality of their bread, described as sensational and fresh, elevating their sandwiches to an unforgettable status. Patrons like Ken Scott and Wendy Woo rave about unique creations such as the Ploughman's lunch sandwich and delightful cakes, reaffirming that this cafe knows how to blend flavors perfectly.
While the bustling atmosphere, marked by long queues, can challenge the wait, many find the experience worth the time. Phil Rodgers notes its dog-friendly environment, ensuring even furry friends feel welcome, while Julie Healy highlights the deliciousness of their sweet treats like chocolate Guinness cake and strawberry cheesecake. However, some guests like Julie feel the service could be warmer, despite acknowledging the effort put forth by the friendly staff member Bob.
In essence, Gingerbread Cafe is not just a place for food; it’s an experience filled with scrumptious bites that invite you back. From freshly brewed coffee to decadent desserts, it’s a must-visit for anyone in the area, promising unique pleasures and delightful moments.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Gingerbread Cafe
Ken Scott
Jul 13,2025
First up, the food was sensational. I don't know where they get their white bloomer bread from but it was amazing. I marked the service down, not because it was bad but because you have long queuing times. This is due to only 1 person running the ordering, making coffees and milkshakes, all time consuming. Looks to be a family business so can't be helped, don't blame them in the current environment of additional costs being forced on employers.
Phil Rodgers
Jul 11,2025
Great place to stop for a coffee and cake. The sandwiches are on the freshest and tastiest bread i’ve had in an eatery. They cater for dogs too so dog walkers need to make sure it’s on their route. There is no dedicated parking (street parking only) and they don’t do hot food. But that doesn’t take away anything from what they do. Highly recommend a visit if in the area.
Julie Healy
Jun 7,2025
Visited for a take out sandwich and cake to enjoy in the country park. We both had bacon, egg mayo and tomato relish. The bread was lovely but the sandwich was so difficult to eat due to so much mayonnaise with very large pieces of egg. It fell out everywhere. The bacon was nice as was the tomato relish but I wouldn't order it again. The chocolate Guinness cake and strawberry cheesecake were delicious. I do feel the owners could be a bit more welcoming. It's always very busy but a smile, a hello and thank you go a long way. It's almost as if they don't enjoy what they do. 'Bob' who helps them out is so friendly and welcoming so that helps. I have read the other reviews and have thought this before but gave them the benefit of the doubt. However after visiting 5 or 6 times now, the welcome is always the same. I would still return as the food is lovely, especially the cakes. 22/12/24 Attended for festive afternoon tea today. It was simply delicious. Lovely fresh rolls with cheese savoury, festive filling, egg mayo & beef. The cakes were outstanding with orange cheesecake, gingerbread loaf, almondies, mixed berry pavlova, mince pie crumble slice & vanilla & chocolate cupcakes. This was as well as a cheese scone, a plain scone, quiche and pigs in blankets. Phew! Needless to say we couldn't eat it all and were given boxes to take away. We both had 2 hot drinks and I can honestly say this is the best festive/afternoon tea we've ever had. The cheesecake was so light & melted in the mouth and the gingerbread had a kick. No complaints at all. Thank you so much. See you in 2025. Friends had suggested this cafe to us when we were on holiday to find a house 2 years ago. We kept saying we'd go and today we did. We met the same friends there and I enjoyed the best sandwich I've ever had. The bread was so fresh. Proper doorstop sandwich. Chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo. I did squeeze a piece of sticky toffee cake in but next time, and there will be a next time, I will take it out. The cake was so moist and fresh. I have absolutely no complaints at all. Dog friendly with water, bowls and treats at a self service dog station. Highly recommended!
Wendy Woo
May 22,2025
What a great little place. First time visiting on a recommendation.Was busy when we turned up which is always a good sign. Ordered a Ploughman's lunch sandwich on a malted bloomer and I can honestly say it was the best ploughman's sandwich I have ever had! Plenty of homemade cakes/scones too. Pricing was extremely reasonable. Can't wait to go back with family. Dog friendly overing pup chinos and doggy treats and water. Love this quaint place!
Jon Bennett
May 12,2025
Spectacular little cafe in Red Row. The scone and coffee I had were great and the sandwiches and cakes looked lovely too. Definitely worth a visit. Pro tip 1: it can get busy, so be prepared to queue for a bit if you're unlucky with your timings. It's worth waiting, though. Pro tip 2: there is some parking opposite the cafe. Pro tip 3: they have a contactless card machine, so cash isn't a necessity. Pro tip 4: the sandwiches looked great, but that was as far as it went on the menu for savoury options. It's more of a coffee and cake establishment rather than a full-on lunch extravaganza. This isn't a downside, just a 'be aware'.
Braydon Simons
Apr 30,2025
The best sandwich I've ever had the pleasure to eat. It featured thick, crusty bread with a soft interior, filled with tender corned beef, crisp lettuce, and a sweet, tangy caramelized onion chutney. Each bite was a perfect balance of flavors—fresh, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It was a simple yet unforgettable experience.
Ian Collins
Apr 22,2025
Called in today, luckily only had to wait a short time for a table to become available. Had two sandwiches, one brie and cranberry, one corned beef both on malt bread. Excellent food and a lovely cup of breakfast tea. The cakes looked lovely but couldn't fit one in. Highly recommended.
Rusty Y
Apr 10,2025
1st visit today ashamedly living a couple of miles away for last 4 years. Lovely lovely place and sandwiches and cakes to die for. Will be heading back soon
Reviews For Gingerbread Cafe