The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin has announced that it is leading the refurbishment and reopening of the former Castle Stalker View Cafe on the A828 between Ballachulish and Connel.
A popular stop-off for visitors and the local community for over two decades, the cafe closed in April 2025 following the departure of its previous tenant.
That closure resulted in the loss of local jobs and left the area without one of its key visitor attractions.
Following a winter makeover, the award-winning team from The Pierhouse aims to breathe new life into the cafe – which is just two miles from their venue – and re-open the doors to visitors before Easter.
The revived cafe will offer a choice of indoor and outdoor seating for visitors to enjoy the panoramic views over Loch Linnhe; Castle Stalker; Sgeir Bhuidhe Lighthouse; and the islands of Mull and Lismore towards the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
Scheduled to be open seven days a week throughout the year, the newly managed cafe and shop is expected to support 10 full-time and part-time local hospitality and retail jobs.
General manager at The Pierhouse Hotel, Fiona McLean, said: “It’s a privilege to be leading the revival of this iconic Argyll coast venue and ensuring its continuation as a local community and tourism asset.
“The cafe has been an integral part of Argyll’s tourism offering for more than 20 years, so we’re committed to preserving its legacy, while enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.”
As part of launch plans for its new cafe, The Pierhouse is ‘actively seeking to rebuild the cafe’s team’, combining resources from The Pierhouse Hotel with previously employed team members and any new recruits.
“With its uninterrupted panoramic views over Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker, we hope that our new look cafe will quickly become one of Scotland’s most popular food and drink destinations,” said McLean.
“We’re already developing a daytime menu for visitors and the local community seven days a week with a focus on classic home baking and local, seasonal produce. A small shop will also offer a choice of authentic Scottish and local products, and some store cupboard essentials.”
She added: “For those looking for an a la carte dining experience showcasing the best local seafood, our award-winning hotel restaurant at the nearby Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin is also open for lunch and dinner all year round.”
The Pierhouse Hotel restaurant has three silver stars, two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
