Laughing Llama

Front St, Acomb, York YO24 3BJ, United Kingdom
+44 1904 863431
$$$ Cafe , Children's cafe , Coffee shop
(137 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Laughing Llama on Front Street in Acomb is a family-friendly café that strikes a comfortable balance between quality coffee and a welcoming spot for children. Tucked into the heart of this York suburb, it’s clear this café understands what local families need: a relaxed space where parents can enjoy a well-pulled cappuccino or a peppermint mocha while their little ones explore the play area upstairs.

The interior carries a casual, unpretentious vibe—nothing flashy but thoughtfully arranged to suit busy parents and kids alike. The play area is modest but provides a variety of engaging options, making it a practical retreat especially on rainy days. It’s the kind of place you’ll find families returning to for toddler birthday parties or a weekend treat because the staff are friendly and accommodating, offering a hassle-free environment that takes the stress out of outings with young children.

The menu leans into comforting café classics with a few standout picks like the Cinnamon Swirl and Rhubarb Slice for those keen on homemade-style baked goods. Savoury options such as the Cheese and Tomato Toastie or smoked salmon with cream cheese offer a solid light lunch choice, while the milkshakes—ranging from classic vanilla to a more playful "Thunder & Lightning"—are popular with kids. Banoffee Pie and Blueberry Bakewell invite a sweet finish, pairing naturally with the café’s strong coffee selection.

Locals seem to appreciate this spot not just for the food and drinks but for how the café fits into everyday rhythms—ideal for a mid-morning coffee break, a casual lunch, or as a sanctuary when the weather turns typical North Yorkshire gray. The staff's warmth and willingness to engage with guests, along with the occasional friendly banter, set it apart from a standard coffee run. It’s a place where the community gathers in a low-key way, making it especially valued by families looking for a reliable, enjoyable spot to combine playtime and a proper cuppa.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

137 Reviews
Natalie M

03 Jan 2026

The perfect toddler birthday party venue! We have booked Laughing Llama for two kids parties now and been super impressed both times. The food is lovely and Chantal makes the experience completely stress-free!

pauline

30 Dec 2025

Sandwiches, cakes and various hot drinks available. Dairy free options available. Brilliant children's play area on first floor. Great place for a cuppa on a rainy day

Abi

12 Dec 2025

The best cakes, coffee and atmosphere and such amazing value. Great for families. A must go if you're in the area!

Dale McGlone

05 Dec 2025

We entered and spoke to the two friendly staff members that were behind the counter and asked a few questions about their food and drink options. They said we could leave my son's bike inside and we went upstairs. Although fairly minimal, the upstairs kids area provided lots of different play options which were each met with enjoyment from my boy. The presentation of the food was great and tasted good too. The price point was maybe a little higher than I'd have liked but it wasn't too far over to be a problem. Would recommend and would go again.

Samantha Smith

29 Nov 2025

Laughing llama is one of the local cafes, so we brought our Scottish family here for coffee & cake. The staff gave us a very warm welcome along with a little banter towards the scots! The coffee & walnut cake was delicious and so was the fruit scone.. it was actually full of fruit which makes a change from other shops. The peppermint mocha was just perfect! Our friends commented on how much nicer the coffee was than Starbucks and specifically wanted to pay the compliment forward. Thanks for making our visit worth while

Erin Gardner

15 Nov 2025

We had my daughters birthday party at Laughing Llama this weekend and it was fantastic! The facilities made it easy with lots of space and toys to play with! We had use of both upstairs and downstairs so plenty of room to eat/play and relax. The staff couldn't have been more helpful, setting everything up, and being super helpful throughout. The food was great - perfect for all children to enjoy (including dietary requirements!) and they also opened the cafe for parents wanting a cuppa whilst their children were partying! Thanks to Chantal and the team, you gave our daughter a party she won't forget!

Anna Walton

14 Oct 2025

What an amazing place! The food is s9 delicious, we had chicken & bacon panini and a biscoff waffle was to die for. Great location, easy access into cafe. There is no lift upstairs but space for pushchairs provided. Great play area for children. Heaven for my little one. We had great time! A bit of a shame toilet is downstairs, but can live with that. And a small suggestion, maybe a low playing music in background upstairs. Just so you can't hear all the conversations people have. We will definitely be back soon. Thank you Laughing Lama!

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