THE BROCH CAFÉ

TRANSFORMATION

From the humblest of beginnings (a former public toilet block), The Broch Café is now a much loved lunch and coffee spot for visitors to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park – ideally positioned just off The Rob Roy and Lochs & Glens Way.

The family run business is owned by Bill Lindsay and Lesley Johnston, who purchased the premises in 2015.

The family’s Italian ‘Rossini’ heritage is evident in the café’s decor, famously good Lucaffe coffee, paninis and tasty burgers.

Bill said: “Our mission was and still is quite simple, to provide a warm and welcoming environment with the best coffee and food.

“Our food is locally sourced wherever possible and our bread, cakes and traybakes are all made in house.”

Bill and Lesley are supported by their loyal team of staff.

“Our baker Jill has been with us since day one and has passed on her expert skills to our young team, who have now developed a passion for producing the best quality baking and coffees.

“Lauren has been with us since she was fourteen and is now our number one barista.”

3 cyclists, with stone bridge n background

RURAL SETTING

The café is surrounded by the stunning Strathyre forest just off Sustrans Route 7.

Bill said: “Our magnificent, unique, rural location has always been a great asset but we’ve seen a huge increase in cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts in the past couple of years, as people seek to make the most of the wide open spaces and explore all the great outdoors has to offer.

“We have a huge regular clientele of two and four legged friends. For many our café is much appreciated pitstop where they can eat, drink and recharge before continuing on their journey.”

So much so that last year The Broch expanded its outdoor seating area to cope with customer demand for al fresco dining.

Bill explained: “The new full building width canopy and dedicated takeaway gazebo, has provided much needed undercover space.

“The Pétanque piste was also utilised for seating to facilitate social distancing rules however we are looking forward to our customers and locals enjoying many competitions once again.”

‘BEST CAFE IN SCOTLAND’

The café’s facilities and food have earned it numerous award nominations in recent years, not least being named the best café /bistro in Scotland at the Food Awards Scotland in 2021.

Bill said: “Our close affiliation with Sustrans and Forth Valley & Lomon LEADER has helped us improve our facilities with the addition of a bike maintenance stand complete with air pump and an ebike charging point.

“All of which have contributed to us being nominated as finalists for the Cycling Cafe of the Year awards for the past three years.

“Having previously won the prestigious awards of ‘Most Welcoming Cafe’ and ‘Most Wanted Cafe’ for Central Scotland, we were awarded ‘The Best Cafe/Bistro’ firstly for Central Scotland and then for the whole of Scotland at the Food Awards!”

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING

The Broch works closely with Love Lochs and Landscapes, a new social enterprise based in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Their campaign aims to reduce the impact of waste on the
planet and the natural environment of the national park.

Bill said: “We are extremely aware of our environmental impact and all of our packaging is eco-friendly and biodegradable.

“We encourage our takeaway customers to refill their own cups and containers whenever possible.”

The cafe is also a full member of the award winning LETI (Loch Earn Tourist Initiative) which promotes tourism services within the local area and also features in the Forth Valley Food and Drink trail.

Community is also very important to Bill and Lesley.

Bill added: “Over the years we have regularly donated to village and community events such as the Strathyre music festival and we have supported and catered for the MacMillan Mighty
Hike.”