We embark on a Scottish highway journey exploring a handful of distinctive cafés, from Edinburgh to Skye.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Images courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
Embarking on a highway journey via the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, I discovered myself drawn to the allure and heat of its native cafés. From the quaint streets of Edinburgh to the serene banks of Loch Lomond, every store I visited supplied a novel expertise, showcasing the perfect of Scottish hospitality. Be a part of me as I recount my visits to 5 exceptional cafés.
Fika – Forres
Nestled within the coronary heart of Forres, Fika is a captivating, Swedish-style café that exudes heat and hospitality. Upon coming into, I used to be greeted by the pleasant employees and the pleasant aroma of freshly baked items. Fika is a haven for vegetarians, providing a number of soups, quiches, and sourdough bread made completely in-house with natural elements.
I indulged in a bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and basil, paired with a wonderfully brewed espresso from Cairngorm Espresso Roasters. The café’s cozy ambiance, full with rustic decor and a welcoming ambiance, made it an ideal spot to chill out.
Birch – Portree, Isle of Skye
Within the picturesque city of Portree on the Isle of Skye, Birch attracts inspiration from the Melbourne café scene, mixing it seamlessly with the wealthy flavors of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Established by Niall Munro in 2020, the cafe’s ambiance is fashionable but cozy, with a welcoming ambiance that makes you are feeling proper at dwelling.
I loved a hummus and pesto sandwich, a pleasant mix of textures and flavors, complemented by a wonderfully brewed espresso. The espresso, roasted in-house since 2021, was so tasty I had to purchase some beans to deliver again dwelling. All in all, Birch is an excellent place to unwind and savor the essence of Scotland in each chunk and sip.
The Wildcat – Fort William
Positioned on Fort William’s bustling excessive avenue, The Wildcat is a vibrant café that focuses on wholesome, moral, and animal-free meals. The café’s inside is shiny and welcoming, with a vigorous ambiance that attracts you in. The menu is a pleasant array of healthful and artistic dishes, all made with a dedication to moral sourcing. I attempted a slice of their vegan lemon cake that paired completely with an espresso from Pricey Inexperienced espresso roasters, based mostly in Glasgow. The Wildcat additionally affords a spread of specialty teas from Pekoe and creative chilly drinks, making certain there’s one thing for everybody. Whether or not you’re vegan or just love good meals, The Wildcat is a unbelievable cease to take pleasure in scrumptious, acutely aware delicacies within the coronary heart of Fort William.
Wild Highlands Espresso – Loch Lomond
Perched on the promenade overlooking the gorgeous Loch Lomond, Wild Highlands Espresso is a hidden gem for espresso lovers. This family-run store focuses on small-batch, hand-roasted espresso beans, completely sourced from Scotland. As I sipped on a clean filter espresso, I soaked within the breathtaking views of the lake. The store’s rustic allure and pleasant ambiance made it an ideal pit cease throughout my highway journey. I couldn’t resist buying a pouch with three small baggage of their distinctive espresso beans to take dwelling.
The Milkman – Edinburgh
Located on the backside of the quaint Cockburn Road in Edinburgh, The Milkman is a captivating espresso store with a wealthy historical past. Opened in November 2015, proprietor Mark reworked an outdated sweet store into a comfy café that pays homage to his nice grandfather. The café’s design blends nostalgia and fashionable consolation, making it an ideal retreat from the bustling metropolis. I loved a cappuccino, brewed from beans by Pricey Inexperienced. The Milkman additionally affords a pleasant vary of truffles from native bakeries, catering to numerous dietary necessities. This café’s distinctive mix of historical past, ambiance, and distinctive espresso make it a must-visit in Edinburgh.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major give attention to the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.
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