Lakeside Living in Autumn: Why September Is the Sweet Spot

Nestled at the “Gateway” to the breathtaking Cotswold Water Park, The Gateway Café is pure autumn magic, especially in September. Picture yourself curling up with a steaming cup of coffee, freshly brewed to perfection, and paired with warm, homemade cakes or our famous brunch. It’s the kind of bliss only a lakeside café can deliver.

1. Still Summery, Turning to Autumn

September is transitional in the best possible way. The heat of summer lingers just enough to enjoy alfresco seating by the lake, but with a gentler touch. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons golden, and the lake reflects the changing scenery like a living painting.

2. Homemade Food That Warms You Right to the Core

The Gateway Café is a local haven for diners craving hand-made, locally sourced food. Every breakfast, brunch or lunch, and coffee is crafted with that special cotswold goodness by our talented chef team, and all the ingredients come from close to home. It’s food that tastes like community.

3. Autumn Views That Steal the Show

As the leaves begin their slow transformation, dusk arrives just a touch earlier, turning the sky into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples. It’s the kind of moment you want to pause and maybe sip a second cup of coffee or take it all in on your walks around the lake.

4. Relaxed Vibes & Easy Walk-Ins

Just walk-in to a friendly atmosphere, where the company is good, and the coffee is even better. From 9am to 4pm, you can stroll in, grab a window seat, and let the world fade into that perfect autumnal rhythm, with your favourite brunch dish.

5. Perfect for Families, Explorers & Dogs

Whether you’re part of a family ramble, a brisk walk or cycle along the paths - The Gateway Café welcomes you. Well-behaved dogs are always welcome. It’s the kind of ease and warmth that turns visitors into regulars. 

Why September Truly Is the Sweet Spot

September at The Gateway Café is where summer’s lingering warmth meets autumn’s soft embrace. It’s the months when lakeside living feels most alive, with cosy comfort, genuine local flavour, and views that feel like a warm invitation to pause and savor the moment.

Come, Stay, and Soak Up the Season

If you’re craving real food, proper coffee, and a serene lakeside pause, September is calling you to The Gateway Café. Come for a slice of homemade cake, stay for the golden light, and leave with that gentle heartwarming memory of lakeside living at its sweetest.