Janie's Pantry at Hamsterley Forest
Since 2018, we’ve been serving up fresh, homemade food and drinks right in the heart of Hamsterley Forest. Whether you’re here for a family walk, tackling the mountain bike trails, riding out with friends, or simply enjoying the peace of nature, our café is the perfect spot to refuel and relax.
Family—orientated
We’re a family-friendly café with plenty of favourites for kids, as well as fresh coffee, snacks, and wholesome meals for hungry walkers, cyclists, and riders.
Treat yourself!
Our counter is packed daily with homemade treats — from cream scones to biscuits! Whether you stop by for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, Hamsterley Forest Café makes your day in the forest even more enjoyable.
Breakfast Menu
Start your day in the forest with a proper breakfast. Whether you’re heading out for a long walk, cycling the trails, or just enjoying a slow morning with the kids, our breakfasts give you the fuel to make the most of the outdoors. Available from 8am to 12pm
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Large Breakfast
A full plate to set you up for the day — hearty portions of all the classics, cooked fresh and served hot.
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Small Breakfast
All the essentials of a good breakfast, just in a lighter size. Perfect when you want something tasty but not too heavy.
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Eggs on Toast
Simple, comforting, and always satisfying. Freshly cooked eggs on golden toast, made just the way you like them.
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Beans on Toast
A homely classic — warm baked beans over crisp toast, perfect for a quick and filling bite.
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Cereal & Oats
A lighter start to the day, with classic cereals and wholesome oats. Add fruit, honey, or keep it simple — a breakfast that’s comforting and full of goodness.
Lunch Menu
Take a break and refuel. From hearty hot meals to lighter bites, our lunches are perfect for sharing with a friend, grabbing before another lap on the bike, or enjoying while you soak up the scenery. Available from 11am to 5pm
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Sandwiches
Freshly made with a choice of fillings, using soft bread and crisp salad — a simple lunchtime staple.
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Toasties
Golden, crunchy, and oozing with melted cheese or your favourite filling. A warm and comforting choice.
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Paninis
Hot, pressed paninis with a variety of fillings — crisp on the outside, soft and tasty inside.
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Jacket Potatos
Oven-baked until fluffy inside with a golden skin, topped with your choice of fillings. Hearty and satisfying.
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Homemade Soup
Made fresh with seasonal ingredients, served with bread for dipping. Warm, wholesome, and full of flavour.
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Hot Roast of the Day
Tender slices of roast served hot with trimmings — a proper meal to keep you going.
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Specialist Pizzas
Hand-finished pizzas with a choice of fresh toppings. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
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Burgers
Juicy burgers served in soft buns with all the extras you love.
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Sharing Platters
A mix of savoury and sweet favourites, served ready to share. Perfect for groups who want a little bit of everything.
Desert Menu
Nothing rounds off a forest trip quite like something sweet. Treat yourself after a long walk, surprise the kids with a cake stop, or sit back with a scone and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Available all day.
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Creamcakes
Light, fluffy, and filled with cream — a sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
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Scones
Freshly baked and best enjoyed with jam and cream. A true café classic.
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Biscuits & Cookies
Crisp, chewy, or chocolatey — the perfect partner to a hot drink.
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Jam & Biscuits
A simple sweet bite, combining fruity jam with buttery biscuit.
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Cakes
Freshly baked slices with a variety of flavours — from light sponges to rich, indulgent treats.
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Cheesecake
Smooth, creamy cheesecake on a crisp base. Classic, rich, and indulgent.
Drinks Menu
Whether you’re after a warming cuppa on a chilly day or a refreshing cold drink after a ride, our drinks menu has something for everyone. The perfect companion while you pause, chat, and take in the beauty of Hamsterley. Available all day.
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Speciality Coffee & Iced Coffee
From smooth and milky to strong and bold, our coffee menu is made to suit every taste. Choose from favourites like flat whites, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and chai lattes — with decaf options available. Fancy something chilled after a walk or bike ride? We also serve iced coffee for a refreshing pick-me-up.
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Tea & Herbal Infusions
Whether you’re after a classic brew or something a little lighter, we offer a range of everyday teas, speciality teas, and herbal options — perfect for warming up in the forest or enjoying a quiet break.
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Cold Drinks & Refreshments
A great mix of chilled drinks to grab on the go — including still and sparkling water, premium soft drinks like Fentimans and Dash, plus popular favourites such as Red Bull, Monster, Lucozade, and more.
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Smoothies & Milkshakes
Fruity smoothies and thick, creamy milkshakes — ideal for kids, a sweet treat after the trails, or a little extra energy before heading back out.
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Non-Dairy Milk Options
We offer a choice of dairy-free alternatives, including oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk — perfect for lattes, teas, and hot chocolates.
Souvenirs & Gifts
Alongside our food and drinks, we also have a small souvenirs and gifts section in the café — perfect if you’d like to take a little something home from your visit to Hamsterley Forest. From jams, biscuits, and packaged treats to small gift items, it’s a lovely way to pick up something local for yourself or a thoughtful present for someone else.
Things to do at Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is a favourite spot for walkers, families, and outdoor adventurers alike. With miles of woodland trails, exciting mountain bike routes, a children’s play area, and plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. After exploring, why not stop by the café for a hot drink, a hearty meal, or a well-earned slice of cake? We’ll be ready to welcome you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Forest Café at Hamsterley Forest is easy to find once you’re on site. Park up in the main Hamsterley Forest car park and follow the signs towards the visitor centre and main facilities.
We are open 7 days a week from:
- 10:30am to 3:30pm on Weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).
- 9am – 4pm on Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
Yes, we take dietary restrictions seriously. We have a range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available. This ranges from our regular menu items, to non-dairy milks and drinks. Please let us know your requirements in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Yes — we have both indoor and outdoor seating available, so you can enjoy your food and drinks whatever the weather. Sit inside for a warm, cosy break, or make the most of the fresh forest air outside on a nice day.
No booking is needed — you can just walk in. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or sitting down for food, we’ll do our best to get you served as soon as possible.
Find Us at Hamsterley Forest Café
Your go-to spot for delicious homemade meals and events. Reach out to us anytime!
Get in touch with us anytime!
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Address
Hamsterley Forest Café, Hamsterley, DL13 3NL
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