If you’re after somewhere lovely and relaxing, Folly Lake Café—hidden away between Beverley and Cottingham—is well worth the short trip. Tucked beside Risby Park’s ornamental ponds, it’s a family‑run place with real charm and great food.
We arrived and immediately fell for the scenery: a south‑facing veranda and benches looking out over the willow‑lined lake and the atmospheric ruined folly beyond. Inside, the vibe is calm and welcoming, with cosy cabin seating or outdoors where you can soak up the views over calm water.
We started with a pot of tea and a deluxe hot chocolate topped with marshmallows—decadent and warming. For lunch, we tried the full English breakfast (served until 11.30)—hearty and properly filling. The pastrami hot ciabatta with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut was standout, paired equally well with the prosciutto and mozzarella version. The leek, cheddar and chutney quiche was light yet full of flavour, and we couldn’t resist finishing up with double scoops of salted caramel and cherry ice cream—which hit the spot perfectly.
Everything feels freshly made with locally sourced ingredients—from Yorkshire Dales suppliers to the gelato from local maker Abbyo’s—and they serve hot food until around 3pm.
With the Risby Round walk trail on the doorstep, coarse fishing available across several well‑stocked ponds, and a genuinely calm atmosphere, it’s one of those spots where you can truly relax, soak up nature and refuel.
The café is located at Risby Park, Dunflat Road, Risby (near Beverley), East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 8SS—about a mile south‑west of Beverley and around 10 minutes’ drive from Hull. It is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.
You can find out more at follylakecafe.co.uk, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/follylakecafe and instagram.com/follylake to see the latest updates, specials and snapshots from this lovely lakeside spot.
This is a sponsored article on behalf of Folly Lake Cafe. Please support our sponsors and advertisers who help support our work.
