If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of Whitby, North Yorkshire, then discovering the café-gem that is Lush Coffee on Silver Street is a treat you won’t want to miss. Here’s a deep dive into why this place stands out, what to expect, and how you might make the most of a visit.
Lush Coffee is tucked away at 25 Silver Street, Whitby YO21 3BU, United Kingdom. It sits slightly off the main thoroughfares of the town centre, which means it’s a bit quieter, lending itself to a more relaxed breakfast or brunch session—away from the hustle of the very tourist-packed zones of Whitby.
Its positioning contributes to a “hidden-gem” feel: even some visitors note that the one-way street system in Whitby makes finding it slightly tricky, but worth the detour. The café has an inviting exterior (some reviewers even call it colourful and welcoming) and an interior that feels cosy and approachable.
Ambience & service
One of the strongest features of Lush Coffee is the warmth of the welcome. Guests regularly comment that the owner (often named Ross in reviews) and staff are friendly, personal, and go above-and-beyond in making people feel comfortable. For example:
- “We entered as customers and feel like we left as friends.”
- “Ross is the owner and a more cheerful person you couldn’t find.”
- The café is dog-friendly, with some reviews noting that dogs were given a little treat or bowl of something.
The atmosphere, then, is informal, friendly, and local-in-flavour—not overly slick or impersonal. For café lovers who prefer authenticity over brand style, this is a plus.
There is indoor seating (but note: only a handful of tables inside are mentioned by some reviewers), and outside (or semi-outside) space too. One review warns: “As there are only four tables inside you need to go early but there’s an outdoor area – both covered and uncovered.”
Menu highlights & food quality
Lush Coffee offers a menu rooted in breakfast and brunch classics, with some extras and good value meat-and-eggs options. Key highlights:
- Full English breakfasts: Generously portioned, freshly cooked. Multiple reviewers say this is their go-to.
- Breakfast sandwiches & rolls: Bacon, sausage, egg, black pudding options are featured. For example, the “Sausage Egg and Black Pudding Sausage Sandwich” appears on one menu list.
- Toasties, burgers, hot & cold sandwiches: The café isn’t just breakfast — some menu items cater to lunch or a later brunch.
- Homemade cakes, scones, cookies: Ideal for a lighter break with coffee or tea.
- Good coffee and Yorkshire Tea: The coffee is well-praised; tea often comes in quirky teapots (according to reviewers) which adds charm.
- Dietary/version options: While full vegetarians/vegans may need to check the specific items, the café is noted as being vegetarian-friendly and having some vegan options.
In terms of quality, the common theme: freshly prepared, well-cooked, good value. For example, one review states:
“The goat was friendly, and welcoming… Good coffee… Portion sizes are sizeable!”
That said, some less perfect moments are mentioned: for example, one review flagged a scrambled eggs dish that seemed overcooked/like an omelette. So, as with many enthusiastic independent cafés, while most experiences are high quality, the odd variation will happen.
Pricing & value
From reviews and menus, Lush Coffee seems very reasonably priced for town centre Whitby fare. Some comments:
- “Prices are very fair unlike many eateries nearby.”
- Another: “£5.50 for a sausage and egg sandwich and a pot of tea!”
Given the quality, generous portions and service, the value stands out as a strong selling point. For budget-conscious visitors or those who want a good breakfast without high tourist-mark-ups, this café is a smart choice.
Accessibility & practicalities
Some logistic notes to keep in mind:
- Opening hours: According to multiple sources: 09:00 to 14:00 (9 am – 2 pm) on most days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) with Thursday being closed. If you’re heading there later in the day, check ahead.
- Location: As mentioned, somewhat tucked away. Visitors say navigating the one-way system of Whitby can be tricky. Good to allow a little extra time.
- Dog-friendly: If you’re bringing a canine companion, this is a plus. As mentioned, they’re welcomed with treats in some cases.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility is listed as a feature.
- Payment: Most modern cafés take cards; reviews suggest Lush Coffee accepts card payments. (Though I recommend having a bit of cash just in case.)
- Seasons & crowds: Being a favourite café, at peak tourist times it may get busy, especially the outdoor area. Arriving earlier for breakfast is a good idea if you want a table.
What makes it special & why it’s worth a visit
Here are a few “stand-out” reasons why Lush Coffee stands out among many cafés in Whitby:
- Warm, personal service – A recurring theme: customers feel they’re treated more like welcome guests than just paying diners. That kind of service makes a real difference in the café experience.
- Quality food, generous portions – Especially in the breakfast/brunch slot, people say you get more than just a token plate. For example, the full English is described as “plentiful and tasty”.
- Good value – One of the few places in a tourist-town where the reviewer explicitly says “unlike many eateries nearby” re: fair pricing.
- Local charm – It’s not a chain. It’s a small independent café, which gives it more character, more flexibility (e.g., accommodating dietary tweaks, being dog-friendly).
- Hidden location – Because it’s slightly off the main thoroughfare, it offers a break from the busiest café zones. That can make the experience more relaxed.
- Well-reviewed – On platforms like Tripadvisor, Restaurantji, Google reviews, etc., Lush Coffee consistently receives very positive feedback. For example: “4.9 out of 5 (423 reviews)”.
- Positive recognition – It was voted as the favourite café in Whitby by readers of a local newspaper’s “best café” list.
Best time to visit & tips
To make the most of your visit:
- Go for breakfast or early brunch: The kitchen is open from 09:00, and this is when you’ll get the full, freshly-cooked breakfast and less of a rush.
- Arrive early if you want a table: Especially during summer weekends when Whitby is busy. The indoor seating is limited; outdoor/semi-outdoor helps but still gets popular.
- Ask for recommendations: The owner and staff seem friendly and helpful, so if you’re unsure what to pick, ask.
- Bring your dog: If you have a furry friend, they’re welcome. A “dog treat” bonus is mentioned in reviews.
- Consider non-food treats: The cakes, scones, etc., mean you could visit just for coffee + cake.
- Check the Thursday closure: If it’s Thursday, the café is closed, so plan accordingly.
- Nearby parking / walking: Since Silver Street is a bit off the main zones, check parking or be prepared to walk a little.
- If you have dietary needs: There are vegetarian-friendly and some vegan options, but as always in small cafés it’s good to ask for any special requests.
Who it’s ideal for
- Breakfast lovers who want something hearty and local.
- Visitors to Whitby who want a café experience that’s less “tourist-trap” and more authentic.
- Locals looking for a good value café with character.
- Dog owners or people traveling with pets who’d like a friendly spot.
- Bloggers / bloggers-in-training / café reviewers (like you, perhaps) who appreciate independent café culture, good service and a relaxed vibe.
- Families (though note space is limited) – the staff’s accommodating nature suggests children are welcome too.
A few caveats
- Because the café is popular, wait times can creep up. One review mentions a 45-minute wait for a full English when only a few tables were full. If you’re on a tight schedule, go early or check to see how busy it is.
- Indoor seating is small – if the weather’s poor and outdoors isn’t comfortable, it may be more cosy than spacious.
- While most menu items get high praise, there are occasional comments of the odd dish not performing as well as expected (e.g., scrambled eggs in one case) so as with any café, specific dishes may vary.
- Location: If you’ve not visited Whitby before, finding Silver Street may take a little navigating; but that also adds to the charm of discovering a hidden local find.
Final thoughts
In a town with plenty of seafood restaurants, café chains, and busy tourist-oriented establishments, Lush Coffee stands out as a genuinely warm, good value, locally loved spot. Whether you’re starting your day with a full English, grabbing a coffee and a cake after a walk, or looking for a dog-friendly venue for brunch with friends, this café is well worth pencilling in.
If I were summarising in one sentence: Lush Coffee offers excellent breakfast/brunch fare, friendly service and real local charm – all at reasonable prices – making it a standout café in Whitby.
If you like, I can check out their full current menu for you (with prices) and even see if there are any seasonal specialties they run (e.g., weekend brunch specials) so you have a full preview before visiting. Would you like me to do that?
