About Time Espresso Bar

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
About Time Espresso Bar
About Time Espresso Bar

About Time is a quirky little coffee shop nestled on one of Kendal‘s oldest streets, the cobbled New Shambles, a curious and picturesque part of town which is home to many quirky small businesses. Don’t worry – the butcher’s shops which used to line the drainless street in the 1700s have long gone, replaced with bijou food and craft places. About Time is rightly famous with both locals and tourists for its charming décor – bicycles hang from the roof and a selection of bare bulbs illuminate the alcoves – and the extra-friendly staff, who are marshalled by dynamic owner/creator (and local coffee celebrity) Bobbi.

The coffee includes, of course, the eponymous espresso, but fans of the cortado, macchiato, cappuccino and all the rest are catered for too. You can expect refreshing iced coffees in summer and warming spiced coffee in winter, plus a range of herbal teas and hot chocolates sourced from around the world. The coffee roasters and other suppliers are all local where possible, with at least four roasters represented at any one time. And if you need something particular, just ask!

You can also get your hands on delicious cakes and biscuits, from Tunnock’s tea-cakes to chocolate brownies.

It’s also just a really nice place to have a bit of a sit down, with wooden décor and candles galore. Weather permitting, you can sit outside on tasteful Parisian-style tables and chairs. About Time is much appreciated by the coffee-hounds of Kendal, some of whom say it’s the best place for coffee in the lakes. You can also join their buzzing social media community for a heads-up about new drinks and recipes.

Nearby, you’ll find the picturesque River Kent, which is great for a stroll. For lunches, why not try Comida, just down the road, or drop into Fell Bar for some real ale?

21 New ShamblesKendalLA9 4TS View map
Telephone: 01539232309 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday9:30am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday9:30am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday9:30am - 5:00pm
  • Friday9:30am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday9:30am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near About Time Espresso Bar

Bonfire Night in Manchester and the North
FestivalsLancaster
Light Up Lancaster

Festival of light and art Light Up Lancaster returns to the city with installations, projections, performance and fireworks illuminating the city’s historic buildings, charming streets and hidden squares.

free entry

Where to go near About Time Espresso Bar

The Joshua Tree
Kendal and Sedbergh
Restaurant
The Joshua Tree

The Joshua Tree is a family-run, homely bistro and restaurant housed in a sixteenth century building, specialising in coffee and exquisite fish and meat dishes.

Fell Bar Brewery
Kendal and Sedbergh
Bar or Pub
Fell Bar Brewery

Fell Bar is an outlet for the Fell Brewery and a great independent venue in itself, with a broad range of connoisseur-level craft beers.

Comida
Kendal and Sedbergh
Restaurant
Comida

Spanish inspired restaurant serves up Iberian classic dishes such as Spanish Omelette and Chorizo, plus many intriguing wines.

Kendal Museum
Kendal and Sedbergh
Museum
Kendal Museum

Kendal Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, both historical and natural, from Neolithic treasures through to beautiful animals.

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