Café Autisan

Whalley Abbey, 2 The Sands, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9SS, United Kingdom
+44 1254 828937
$$$ Cafe
(80 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Step into the heart of Whalley Abbey and discover the charming Café Autisan, a delightful café that is not just a treat for your palate but also a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals with autism. Nestled in the serene surroundings of the abbey's grounds, this café serves as a social enterprise, creating meaningful work experiences for its staff while offering delicious food and beverages to its patrons.

Café Autisan features a lovingly curated menu that appeals to both casual café-goers and food enthusiasts alike. Start your day with a comforting bacon butty or sausage butty, both highly praised by customers for their hearty portions and delightful flavors. For those seeking lighter fare, the café offers freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, jam, and butter, an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with their range of Rijo luxury teas and coffees. A warm cup of coffee alongside a slice of cake promises to elevate your experience, making it a perfect pit-stop during a stroll around the historical Abbey ruins.

The ambiance at Café Autisan is as warm and inviting as the food itself. Customers consistently mention the friendly demeanor of the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcome and taken care of. With its cozy decor and relaxed vibe, the café provides the ideal backdrop for a catch-up with friends or a quiet moment of reflection after exploring the lush gardens surrounding the abbey.

Patrons have shared glowing reviews that capture the essence of why Café Autisan stands out. Dave Jones emphasizes the café's unique mission, noting, "What an amazing place and a brilliant idea." Others, like Pauline Lee, appreciate the quick service and generous portions, stating, “The food arrived quickly, hot and plentiful,” making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.

Despite the bittersweet news of its upcoming closure, Café Autisan has left a lasting impression on the community and visitors alike. Regulars like Andy Doublett cherish the ambiance and extraordinary cause, remarking, “The best bit is that it's all for a great cause!!” This café is not just about food; it’s about fostering a sense of community, skill-building, and understanding.

If you find yourself in Whalley, make sure to stop by Café Autisan not only to enjoy delightful fare but to support a beautiful initiative that empowers individuals with autism. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem that delivers more than just a meal; experience the heart and soul of Whalley Abbey.

Service options
Delivery
Offerings
Coffee
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
80 Reviews
Dave Balding

19 Sep 2025

The cafe is a wonderful place for vulnerable people with autism to learn new skills with a view to applying for jobs in the wider world. Situated in the abbey square the cafe has a pleasant ambience and is very handy for having a stroll around the abbey ruins (or the village) before or after sampling the refreshments on offer. We had a bacon butty and a sausage butty at the cafe. Both were good. I ordered a black decaffeinated coffee which came in a cafetière. It proved to be excellent; a second coffee was ordered with an excellent piece of carrot cake. My friend’s pot of tea was good too. Service was good and staff were very pleasant. We shall return. NB. Having read a previous negative review it is obvious the writer wasn’t aware that the young staff were vulnerable and were being trained. As he was unhappy he ought to have approached the manager and made his concerns known. Without feedback the issues he experienced couldn’t be resolved…

Dave Jones

15 Sep 2025

What a great place,A lovely little cafe located in the grounds of Whalley Abbey that employs and supports people with Autism. What an amazing place and a brilliant idea. The food, drink and the service second to none

Leslie Jones

27 Aug 2025

Situated in the grounds of Whalley Abbey, café Autisan serves great food and also gives people with differing degrees of autism work experience in a friendly atmosphere to build up confidences. We visited in late September and had lovely carrot and coriander soup with good bread and a sausage butty. This set us up for exploration of Whalley Abbey gardens outside the café. The café was reasonably busy but we were soon served from the menu which features some delicious looking home baked cakes.

Jim Wolstencroft

06 Aug 2025

Very sad day Heard that after 8 years Cafe Autisan is closing permanently. Have had many nice meals there. staff have always been lovely.

Andy Doublett

05 Jun 2025

Lovely cafe with great food and ambiance. Staff are great and really friendly, they can't do enough for you. The best bit is that it's all for a great cause!! We shall be back again......

Pauline Lee

02 Jun 2025

Very friendly, reasonably priced coffee shop in the grounds of Whalley Abbey. We had a coffee,then stayed for lunch. My friend had a bacon butty and I had a jacket potato with Lancashire cheese and beans. The food arrived quickly, hot and plentiful. I would recommend a visit.

Cheryl Thorne

30 May 2025

Really cute little place with very friendly staff. Lovely decor. Food was really nice and just what we needed after our walk. Prices good, well worth a visit.

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