Up on the Argyll Coast, the award-winning Pierhouse Hotel team has breathed new life into the old Castle Stalker Café, which has now reopened as the Linnhe Storehouse & Café.
On the A828 between Ballachulish and Connel, the venue enjoys an epic view out across Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker – and is now welcoming visitors seven days a week.
Under Pierhouse management, the Linnhe Storehouse offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating to make the most of those sea loch views, which on a good day extend to the islands of Mull and Lismore, and the Adnamurchan peninsula.
Its daytime menu showcases home baking, seasonal soup, sandwiches, a selection of breakfast rolls and all-day cooked Scottish breakfasts, as well as hot and chilled drinks.
Rolling daily specials and rotating cakes and pastries will include classic savoury quiches and sausage rolls, as well as sweet treats like raspberry pavlova, lemon meringue pie, baked apple crumble cheesecake, and the ‘ultimate’ fruit and cheese scones.
Local producers and suppliers include family-run Letterfindlay Foods in Fort William, Ardfern Black Pudding and Argyll Bakeries in Campbeltown, as well as independently owned We Love Coffee in Glasgow.
Crucially, the revitalised café supports 10 new full-time and part-time local hospitality and retail jobs.
General manager at The Pierhouse Hotel, Fiona McLean, said: “With its uninterrupted panoramic views over Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker, The Linnhe Storehouse & Café is fast becoming the ‘go to’ café on the Argyll coast.
“As well as providing a much-needed boost to regional tourism, the café will also become a valuable local community asset.”
Chief executive of Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative, Cathy Craig, said: “We know from research that experiencing local food and drink while on holiday is important to visitors from all over the world, so we’re absolutely thrilled that the award-winning team at The Pierhouse, a highly respected member of the Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative, is leading the development of The Linnhe Storehouse & Café’.
“The Pierhouse is already renowned for serving some of the most delicious locally sourced food and drink with exemplary service at their two AA Rosette restaurant on Loch Linnhe, so we’re incredibly excited to see what their new café will offer.
“Argyll and the Isles is the perfect place to enjoy the finest local Scottish produce that supports our rural communities, all while taking in breath-taking views of our coastal landscapes.”
Chairman of the Appin Community Development Trust, Bob Cornish, added: “Our Trust is very pleased that locally based ownership and management of the business at Castle Stalker Café will continue to be secure.
“We look forward to their usual high standards of hospitality service for locals and visitors alike, while boosting economic support and prosperity in the community.”
