The Old Furnace Coalbrookdale
A modern industrial cafe in Coalbrookdale, serving delicious food and coffee, with free parking for spenders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
The Old Furnace Coalbrookdale
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern industrial cafe in Coalbrookdale, serving delicious food and coffee, with free parking for spenders.
"Food is a little on the pricey side but it is very good. "
🎯 Free Parking Hack
Spend £25+ for free parking. Great value if you're dining and visiting the museum!
👂 Be Mindful of Noise
The industrial space can be loud. Consider earplugs if sensitive to noise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Industrial Chic Cafe
Adjacent to the Museum of Iron
A bright, airy space with funky furniture, offering a cool industrial vibe for dining.
Delicious Breakfast & Coffee
The Furnace Kitchen
Savor well-cooked breakfasts and a variety of coffee options, including blueberry pancakes.
Proximity to Ironbridge
Coalbrookdale
Conveniently located within walking distance of the iconic Iron Bridge, perfect for a day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Perks & Museum Ties
Acoustics & Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Parking Hack
Spend £25+ for free parking. Great value if you're dining and visiting the museum!
👂 Be Mindful of Noise
The industrial space can be loud. Consider earplugs if sensitive to noise.
☕ Order at the Counter
Order drinks and food at the counter, and they'll be brought to your table.
♿ Accessible Entry
Ground floor, step-free access with ample space for wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Parking Hack
Spend £25+ for free parking. Great value if you're dining and visiting the museum!
👂 Be Mindful of Noise
The industrial space can be loud. Consider earplugs if sensitive to noise.
☕ Order at the Counter
Order drinks and food at the counter, and they'll be brought to your table.
♿ Accessible Entry
Ground floor, step-free access with ample space for wheelchairs.
💰 Pricey but Tasty
Food can be a bit pricey, but reviews suggest it's good quality.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Old Furnace Coalbrookdale is praised for its delicious breakfast and coffee, served in a bright, airy industrial-style cafe. While some find the food a bit pricey and the acoustics can be noisy, the friendly staff, accessible facilities, and convenient location near the Museum of Iron and Iron Bridge make it a popular choice. The perk of free parking with a £25 spend is also a significant draw for visitors.
"Delicious breakfast and coffees. Nice airy space, right next to the museum with free parking when spending £25. The cafe supports the museum, and is walking distance to iron-bridge.
The breakfast was all cooked well, the menu had many options including blueberry pancakes."
Arden
"A pretty cafe/restaurant.
Indoor and outside seating.
Appeared quite pricey.
Hot chocolate £3.95 or a special £4.95
Drinking water freely available.
You order your drinks and they are bought to your table, there was a wait.
Hot meals, snacks and cakes available.
Toilets available including a disabled one.
Nice soap and hand cream.
All on the ground floor, step free access.
Paid Car park, spend over £25 for free parking."
Elaine Wickwar
"Food is a little on the pricey side but it is very good. Not a huge selection but plenty to cater for most people’s taste. The staff are super friendly and do a great job of getting on with what needs doing while being smiley and pleasant"
John Davies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Furnace is located in Coalbrookdale, near the Museum of Iron. It's easily accessible by car and is within walking distance of the famous Iron Bridge.
Yes, there is a paid car park. You can get free parking if you spend £25 or more at the cafe.
Absolutely! The Old Furnace is conveniently located within walking distance of the Iron Bridge, making it a great stop during your exploration of the area.
While specific bus routes can vary, the area is generally served by local bus services. Checking local transport schedules for Coalbrookdale is recommended.
It's situated by The Museum of Iron, making it relatively easy to locate. Look for signs for the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Old Furnace operates as a cafe and restaurant, so no specific entry ticket is required to dine there.
Opening hours can vary, but it generally operates during typical cafe and restaurant hours. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
There is no admission fee for the cafe itself. You only pay for the food and drinks you order.
Yes, you can visit The Old Furnace cafe independently of the Museum of Iron.
The main 'discount' is free parking if you spend £25 or more. Specific food or drink discounts are not widely advertised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Furnace Kitchen offers a 'modern menu' with hot meals, snacks, and cakes. Popular items include breakfasts, croque monsieur, and pulled teriyaki beef flatbreads.
Reviews suggest that the food can be a little pricey, but generally considered good quality.
The menu has a selection to cater for most tastes, and while specific vegan/vegetarian options aren't detailed in all reviews, it's likely they have choices available.
A great selection of teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and cold drinks are available.
Yes, delicious breakfasts are served, with options like blueberry pancakes mentioned.
📸 📸 Photography
The cafe itself offers a modern, industrial aesthetic with funky furniture, which can be visually interesting for photos. The surrounding Coalbrookdale area is also very photogenic.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, offering a better chance for unobstructed shots. The natural light in the airy space is also a plus.
Absolutely! The food is presented well, and the cafe's ambiance provides a nice backdrop for food photography.
No specific restrictions on photography for personal use have been mentioned in reviews.
The iconic Iron Bridge, the various industrial heritage sites in Coalbrookdale, and the views along the River Severn are all excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the potential for noise if your children are sensitive to sound. However, the proximity to the Museum of Iron and the Iron Bridge provides excellent opportunities for a fun family day out, with The Furnace Kitchen serving as a convenient refueling stop. The free parking perk for spending £25 can also be a welcome bonus for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The main budget-saving tip is to aim for the £25 spend threshold to secure free parking, which can otherwise be a significant cost. Exploring the surrounding Coalbrookdale area, including the Iron Bridge, offers plenty of free or low-cost activities to complement your visit.
couples
Combine your visit with a romantic stroll along the River Severn or explore the historic Iron Bridge. The cafe's proximity to these attractions makes it an ideal starting or ending point for a day out together. Enjoying a meal here before or after exploring the industrial heritage of Coalbrookdale can add a unique touch to your date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Heritage of Coalbrookdale
This area was pivotal in the development of iron smelting techniques. The Vinton Furnace and Belgian coke ovens mentioned in some contexts highlight the evolution of these processes. The landscape itself tells a story of industry, with remnants of old works and canals still visible. For history enthusiasts, Coalbrookdale is a treasure trove, and The Old Furnace provides a comfortable base from which to explore it all. The proximity to the iconic Iron Bridge further cements Coalbrookdale's status as a must-visit for anyone interested in industrial history.
Understanding the historical significance of Coalbrookdale enriches the experience of visiting The Old Furnace. It's not just a cafe; it's a gateway to a landscape that fundamentally changed the world. The blend of modern comfort and historical context makes for a unique visit.
Dining Experience at The Furnace Kitchen
The menu at The Furnace Kitchen features a 'modern menu' with a range of hot meals, snacks, and cakes. Popular choices include well-cooked breakfasts, croque monsieur with salad and fries, and pulled teriyaki beef flatbreads. The drinks selection is also praised, with a good variety of teas, coffees, and cold beverages. Although some find the prices a bit steep, the quality of the food is frequently highlighted as a redeeming factor.
Service is typically efficient, with orders taken at the counter and delivered to your table. The cafe also provides accessible facilities, including step-free access and a disabled toilet, making it welcoming for all visitors. The option for outdoor seating adds to its appeal, especially on pleasant days.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit