It’s not that I am overly focussed on coffee shops, you understand, it’s just that ‘fancy pieces’ (that is cakes and homebakes in common parlance English!) and ice cream are two things they do very well round here! Of course you will find your Starbucks and Costa Coffee on the Plainstones in Elgin. However, here are a few pointers if you want to try something with a bit of local flavour!
2019 Coffee Shop
1 Covesea Links, Lossiemouth IV31 6SP
Phone: 07483 370833
www.facebook.com/twentynineteencoffee19/
The cakes here are particularly impressive, especially if it is some sort of theme day: at Halloween they are gruesome works of art! However my teenagers always find something savoury that takes their fancy, before the sugar rush begins!
If you are heading for a walk on the West Beach, why not stop at The Beach Hut at the end of the West Beach carpark. It is however closed on Wednesdays.
The Kula Coffee hut is in the car park for the medieval ruins of Duffus carpark. It serves artisan barista coffee and local sweet treats. Open thursday to Sunday 10-5.
The Harbour Lights Cafe, Lossiemouth
Overlooking the marina on Pitgaveny Street, 8.30am till 4pm 7 days a week, the Harbour Lights is a bustling day time cafe specialising in all day breakfasts, lunches, homebakes … and a stylish cocktail if you fancy a tipple!
The Bothy Bistro, Burghead
16 Grant St, Burghead, Elgin IV30 5UE
Phone: 01343 830006
Email: thebothyburghead@gmail.com
A hidden gem in the heart of Burghead. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or just Coffee. And a Pizza/Specials Restaurant and Take -Away on Friday & Saturday nights. Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
There’s a stone paved sheltered court yard outside for those sunny summer days and dogs welcome as well! What is there not to love!
Johnston’s of Elgin
Newmill, Elgin, IV30 4AF
Phone: 01343 554000
More commonly associated with cashmere, Johnstons is one of the best places to eat in Elgin, according to the Lonely Planet (and who am I to argue with them?). They have supplied cashmere since 1797, with clothing and home accessories in an elegant mill shop and the cafe boasts a sign showing the depth of the water in the last great Elgin flood (around a metre, I believe!). If you don’t want to shop, just cross the road to the impressive ruins of Elgin Cathedral!
Speyside Coffee Roasting Co.
Address: South Rd, Garmouth, Fochabers IV32 7LU
Phone: 01343 870226
Another dog and walking friendly type of place, in the Garmouth Hotel with freshly roasted coffee beans as well as cake. If you need to walk off your lunch, head over the old railway viaduct then along the bank of the Spey to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation centre.
I hope I have whetted your appetite! I think I may just have to stop and go and have lunch…! Please let me know if I have missed your favourite!
Cheers!
Wendy
