Welcome to Marra, a delightful cafe tucked away on Branthwaite Brow in Kendal, United Kingdom. With its name meaning “friend” in the Northern dialect, Marra embodies the warmth of hospitality and the comfort of good food. The cafe's charming entrance, often missed by the untrained eye, invites you to explore its cozy atmosphere, accented by the exposed 16th-century timber beams of its principal room — a true feast for lovers of history and architecture.
Marra offers a menu brimming with enticing options, from the refreshing Rhubarb & Apple drink to the invigorating Ginger Switchel. The cafe's culinary highlights include the Roasted Chestnut Mushroom Salad and the rich Cajun Chicken Piadina, served alongside perfectly seasoned Dough Sticks. Each dish presents an array of textures and flavors that respect the ingredients' natural qualities while delivering on taste.
Step into Marra for a flat white paired with a slice of Carrot Cake, and you might just discover the best coffee experience in town. Diners have praised the atmosphere, where laughter mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. Regular patrons rave about the homemade sourdough bread, perfect for complementing dishes like the King Prawns or the delectable variety of Pizzas.
What sets Marra apart is not just its delightful menu but the friendly and laid-back attitude of its staff. Visitors often leave with a sense of belonging, eager to recommend this hidden gem to others. The cozy outdoor niches are also inviting, offering an enjoyable setting to sip drinks and relish the beauty of a sunny day.
In every visit, it’s clear that Marra is more than just a cafe; it's a community hub where friends gather to enjoy excellent food, whether that’s a simple cup of tea or a decadent Burnt Basque Cheesecake. This cafe genuinely reflects the essence of good company and delicious cuisine, ensuring that each guest walks away satisfied. If you find yourself in the heart of Kendal, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the charm and culinary delights of Marra.
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Mark Nicholson
21/07/2025
So easy to miss the entrance to this excellent coffee shop. Great choice of cakes and pastries to go with the mid morning flat white. Highly recommended.
Lyndon S. Smith
17/07/2025
Tucked away on the east side of Branthwaite Brow toward Kent Street and beside the jewellers, lies this hidden gem of an independent coffee shop—'Marra' which means friend in Northern dialect, the establishment is accessed through a charming ye-olde-worlde passageway. We had English breakfast tea, a slice of carrot cake, and a flat white—and everything was wonderful. What also made it special, was the setting. In the principal first-floor room, we marvelled at the exposed 16th-century roof timbers which had halved overlapping purlin members and a vernacular ridge arrangement and principal ridge beans—clearly assembled from reused timbers spanning different centuries. A real treat for lovers of old architecture. There’s also an outdoor niche by the entrance, covered and cosy, and another partly covered courtyard where everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves—sipping coffee and soaking in the atmosphere. We’ll most definitely be recommending it—and we’ll certainly be back when in town again. One recommendation is though for the coffee to be hotter as mine was not hot enough but otherwise it was good. Thank you, Lyndon, Peter & Sandy the dog.
Darren Webster
05/07/2025
Can't believe I've lived in town all my life (a shade off 50 years ), and never stumbled across Marra!! First visit today, small, cosy, fantastic food! and a warm welcome .. sourdough breads are perfection! .. I had the king prawns, with the bread sticks!! wow fantastic! Looking forward to coming back already
Prasamita Mishra
29/06/2025
We ordered the Cajun Chicken, Dough sticks, Roasted Veggie Piadina and Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Each savory item was seasoned to perfection. In my opinion, this was the best pizza I've had in a very long time. The cheesecake was just the right amount of sweet and soft. Staff was very friendly and service was fairly quick too. No wonder this place was nearly full on a Monday afternoon! Highly recommend this place if you are visiting/live in Kendal. Will definitely visit again
L E B
08/06/2025
Fabulous little hidden gem off the main street in Kendal. We're so happy we found Marra, the coffee was amazing and the pizzas were the best we've had in the UK for a long time. We're definitely going to be back! Staff were friendly, efficient and laid back. Great attitude from all of them, they're lovely. Takeaway cakes were delicious too!!
Anil Mohan
02/06/2025
5 Stars - Outstanding Experience! We had an amazing meal at Marra in Kendal! We ordered pizza and a sandwich, and both were absolutely out of this world. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and everything was seasoned to perfection. The atmosphere was just as impressive—warm, welcoming, and full of charm. You can really tell the care and attention that goes into both the food and the overall experience here. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Kendal. We’ll definitely be back!
Jan Simpson
01/06/2025
Have been gong here for a few years now. 10/10 for absolutely everything. Love it love it love it. And our little dog does too!
Mozzer83
18/05/2025
Marra is a fantastic spot and could be easy to miss, but absolutely worth finding. Staff were warm and welcoming, and the outdoor seating is a real highlight, which was perfect for our sunny lunch. Flatbread and sandwich were both excellent, despite being a slightly smaller portion than expected. It wouldn't put us off going back. A lovely place with great food, great vibes, and excellent service. Highly recommended!