Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, the 200-year-old farmstead of Comrie Croft is set amongst the rugged hills and glens of the Southern Highlands.
Offering a variety of glamping, eco-camping and hostel options within its grounds, it is an ideal place to get away from it all for some rest and relaxation.
But if a day trip is more your style Comrie Croft is home to a charming cafe that has been called Scotland’s “dreamiest.”
Gorse cafe at Comrie Croft is known for its “delicious salads, homemade cakes and wonderful coffee” according to one reviewer. It opened on the site of the former Tea Garden cafe.
Open from April–October, 8.30 am - 4 pm, seven days a week, the team at Gorse Cafe pride themselves on their garden to plate ethos, with a focus on wildlife-friendly food.
Sign up to our free Scran food and drink newsletter here for weekly news, recipes and reviews
And if the dishes haven’t been homemade - such as the jam and brownies - it’s likely to have been locally sourced from places like David Comrie and Sons butchers, Wild Hearth Bakery and Mossgiel Farm.
On the menu you'll find sandwiches, soups, pies, salads, cakes, pastries, brownies, and breakfast rolls as well as barista quality coffee and a variety of teas—including onsite-grown teas.
As well as providing a wonderful, seasonal breakfast and lunch, visitors can pick up fresh produce from Tomnah’a Market Garden on-site.
If it’s a sunny day, visitors can sit outside on the bistro style tables, or quirky covered seating, otherwise there’s seating inside and it’s dog-friendly with ample parking. There’s also children’s play areas.
The outdoor terrace seating, which has a vine covered ceiling and hanging teapots, overlooks the courtyard and is an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch.
Opened in April, the team posted: “Hello everyone! Isaac and Keri here from the exciting new Gorse Café, soon to open at the beautiful Comrie Croft—and we honestly can’t wait to meet you all!
“For those of you who knew, loved, and regularly visited the Tea Garden here, you’ll know what a huge responsibility taking the baton from Ally is.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to reminds us how much of a rock-solid pillar she was in the Crofter community. Thanks to her, we’re stepping into a thriving space, with so many of you eagerly waiting for us to reopen!
“A little about us: we’re the new café managers—Isaac is a barista who loves connecting with people (and brewing a tasty cup of wake-up juice), and Keri is a baker with a passion for flavourful, seasonal food that looks as good as it tastes. More than anything, we’re just two people who really care about building something special—and you’ll be a huge part of that.
“So follow along, say hi, and come on this journey with us as we create a magical little place at Comrie Croft. Welcome to Gorse!”
Gorse Cafe is part of a vibrant eco-hub offering camping, glamping, mountain biking, bushcraft, sauna, weddings, and more.
Comrie Croft has become known for its cycling escapes as they offer fully supported off-road trips through ancient woodlands, wild glens and lochside trails, with everything from bikes and bags to route planning and local tips sorted for guests.
Explore the striking local landscape on foot or on two wheels, with bicycles available to hire from the onsite bike centre. With a relaxed and informal atmosphere, Comrie Croft also makes for a great wedding venue for those who would love nuptials with a house party or festival vibe.
Outlander fans may recognise the local area of Kinloch Rannoch where the scenes of the ancient stone circle at Craigh na Dun were filmed.