Ettrick Bay Cafe
Quick info
About Ettrick Bay Cafe
Ettrick Bay Cafe sits directly on the beach on the Isle of Bute, with views across the bay to Arran. Baked goods are made on site, with stuffed doughnuts and brownies displayed near the entrance alongside a case of cakes. The lunch menu runs alongside a specials board and includes seafood dishes such as lobster. Seating combines indoor booths with a counter area for ordering. The cafe operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations taken, and waits of up to an hour are common at opening times when it gets busy.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention stuffed doughnuts and brownies, sea views of arran, long wait for food and chorizo hash.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention stuffed doughnuts and brownies, sea views of arran, long wait for food and chorizo hash.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often return for the baked goods, especially the brownies and doughnuts, with several also praising the cakes and one diner buying two boxes to take home. Close behind, the seafood and lunch specials draw repeat praise, from a chorizo hash and a square sausage and tattie scone roll to a lobster dish that had a neighboring table "raving." The beach setting and views of Arran are mentioned constantly alongside friendly, smiling staff. The recurring caveat is speed and consistency at busy periods: multiple diners describe long waits, one citing roughly an hour for food and another describing 15 minute delays at each stage before even ordering. One visitor also reports a disappointing plate, cold bacon, undercooked eggs, and thin, vegetable free lentil soup, calling it a departure from the tea room's earlier years. Despite this, most describe staff apologizing sincerely and the food ultimately arriving warm and well received.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often return for the baked goods, especially the brownies and doughnuts, with several also praising the cakes and one diner buying two boxes to take home. Close behind, the seafood and lunch specials draw repeat praise, from a chorizo hash and a square sausage and tattie scone roll to a lobster dish that had a neighboring table "raving." The beach setting and views of Arran are mentioned constantly alongside friendly, smiling staff. The recurring caveat is speed and consistency at busy periods: multiple diners describe long waits, one citing roughly an hour for food and another describing 15 minute delays at each stage before even ordering. One visitor also reports a disappointing plate, cold bacon, undercooked eggs, and thin, vegetable free lentil soup, calling it a departure from the tea room's earlier years. Despite this, most describe staff apologizing sincerely and the food ultimately arriving warm and well received.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Had a square sausage and tatties scone roll with a chai latte. Was prob the best I've had. Roll, tattie scone and scone my wife had are all home made on site with herbs in the tattie scone! Probably made there own lorne sausage too. Great selection of cakes and has been decorated since the pics shown to have booths so very comfy Delicious!”
- Google user
“Lovely lunch for my mum's birthday. Good service. Kids happy with their meals and ice cream afterwards. Good range of specials. Very reasonably priced too.”
- Google user
“A surprising find! Not only an outstanding view of the bay and Arran, but a completely delicious lunch. I was raving, and the people at the next table were raving about their lobster too..”
- Google user
“Few things to note, if you go at opening times (they are busy) we waited abour an hour for food (we were the last table they let in) I have no complaints or regrets even though it was a little bit before we got food, the staff were so sweet and kept apologise (which is not their fault, they are busy for a reason) we went with the special menue, it was amazing, gorgeous views too, some of our group also had a takeaway from their fresh pastries ( I was too full haha ) they gave it raving reviews. TL;DR If you get there before opening, make sure you're first in the queue, you wont have to wait, if you don't id expect an hour wait after opening, however seemed to die down a bit by that point, so if you go later should be fine. Alo food was amazing. Defo worth it!! Also the lady that served us was such a delight 😊”
- Google user
“Beautiful spot, right on the beach. The cafe was busy but unfortunately it was chaos. Waited 15 mins to get seated, thete were empty table, then 15 mins for someone to come to say they weren't taking orders just now, about 15 min wait. Then a 25 min wait for food. Maybe an option to have a waiting timd displayed at the dntrance, or take a name and come back at an agreed time. There were liads of staff in the kitchen/ counter area, with only 1 lady on the floor. Maybe a 35-40 covers. Place is nicely decorated, cakes looked really good. Menu was varied.”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Browse more
Explore more of Isle Of Bute, or find Cafes in other cities.