Bean for Coffee? in Aberdeenshire

Reviewed this place positively well over a year ago and - if anything - it is even better. Customers were queueing out the door and along the pavement. The staff, though very busy, seem to juggle every task with good nature and fun. Kelly, in particular, is amazing. The food is always fresh, hot and tasty. Just a pity it's not open 7 days, but then, everybody is entitled to time off and this is quality, not quantity. The home baking is in a class of its own.

Visited here a week ago and enjoyed a lovely piece of cracknel. We a made return visit today, only to be told they haven't made cracknel for years. I felt that the staff were trying to make me look stupid and that I didn't know my cracknel from my elbow!! Very dismissive and very disappointed in their attitude.

We hebben hier op het terras hier goede koffie en scones gehad. De bediening was vriendelijk. We willen eigenlijk room op de scones. We werden verwezen naar de collega- concurrent. Dat is netjes. We hebben hier niet voor gekozen.

The woman working the coffee shop was very friendly. The coffee was great. She shared with me her Yorkshire pudding recipe which I am ready to try. (She suggested adding a little mustard seed. Beyond flavor, I bet it adds color too. I did not splurge on the scones, but they were amazing to look at.

Friendly service in this coffee shop, pancakes to die for, fantastic coffee. Lots of other lovely cakes and savouries to choose from. Best place to go in Balllater as they’ve got outside seating too. Look forward to our next visit.

Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting ballater what a Lovely little cafe. Went with two friends and had good banter with staff and customers who have great good sense of humour and good local knowledge. Food was fantastic great authentic Scottish fry up and the coffee was also delicious.

A real gem of a coffee shop! We stopped by for breakfast & a coffee after staying in a hotel across the road, and we are certainly not disappointed. A great selection of food, cake and also lunch options to choose from, as well as a fab drinks menu. Prices are good & the service was extremely quick. Piping hot, homemade food served with a smile. If you’re in the area definitely stop by!

If you’re staying in Ballater, Bean for Coffee is a must-try. The fact that locals go too is a good sign. Would recommend the haggis rolls!

Service without a smile. Food ok, felt rushed when ordering. Distinct lack of a smile when food served and when paying the bill.

Went 2 days in a row ,I had the veggie breakfast and my husband the half full breakfast, really nice, we will be back when in Ballater again.

So many choices. The food, which is homemade at the shop, was DELICOUS! The banana bread with toffee frosting is a must! The folks working there were very friendly and polite. Excellent job!

Busy spot, best get there early if you want to eat inside. Great coffee. Veggie options available.

You know a place is great when locals and tourists both rave about it. Ballater has a bunch of places for coffee and a bite to eat but this was my favorite. Went here several times while visiting the area and the food and coffee are both fantastic. Friendly service and a cheery vibe.

Great cooking, helpful, friendly service and even the other customers helped make it a great experience. The home-bakes are devine, too. You can tell they've made the best of a very tight space and the toilet is accessible, clean and well-kept. A lovely wee cafe in the heart of the village.

Love this little gem in Ballater. Genuinely friendly and hospitable staff. It’s one of the best pancakes we’ve had in the UK. Amazing flat white, quiche, full breakfast and bacon. Quick service too!

They had great service, very delicious food, and fast service! The jam donuts were delicious and the bacon has this great flavour! We got our food in minutes.

Spent 2 fabulous days in Ballater. Lunchtime choice on day one was a really poor choice. We really didn’t have a whale of a time or meal. Day 2 we went to Bean for Coffee. Nice place, nice atmosphere, perfect food eand most importantly CLEAN. Nice to get a place that is run by professional caterers.

My partner and I visited Ballater for a weekend and came across this cafe in the heart of the village. The first day I took a coffee to go as we went exploring the beautiful area. The next day we sat down inside and I had another coffee and a bite to eat. The atmosphere inside was warm and friendly. It’s clear that it’s a place we’re locals go daily as well as visitors. Always nice causal conversations between staff and customers. The staff were very friendly and the food and drinks were great.

We enjoyed our pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Quick and friendly service and a reasonable price. Would come again.

Great coffee and bacon roll followed by some very nice walnut cake. Helped me up Lochnagar! Friendly vibes. Obviously enjoyed by locals which is always a good sign.

This was one terrific little restaurant for breakfast and coffee! Excellent food and service; I just wish we’d found it sooner during our stay!

The staff were really friendly and the service was good. The food was delicious and the portions were a perfect size (the prices were good too).

Came for breakfast. Great pancakes! The size of my face with lots of maple syrup and good bacon. Reasonable price too! Full English looked good and a decent size, came with a drink which was good as otherwise on the more expensive side. Was quite...

Saw this place online and we were nearby so thought we would come for breakfast. As soon as we walked in the service felt abrupt, the lady behind the till had no niceties or smile going on. Was just a Yes what do you want?...

Ordered a coffe anda cup of tea. First class service and product delivered to our table woilf recommen in furture

Great Scottish breakfasts, berry pancakes and baked goods. Ate there 3 times and it was excellent every time! Jack and the gals will take great care of you in their friendly, comfortable place!

We came here multiple mornings during our holiday in Ballater at opening before starting our adventures in and around town. Best place for a warm, fresh from the oven homemade scone. Good coffee, and open the earliest of any place nearby. Owners/staff are friendly, welcoming...

So lovely to visit again after 2 years. Excellent soup and sandwich for me and a amazing bacon and pancakes that made my Mum's day. Such friendly folk too and a lovely view over the green. Will be back - thanks so much :)

Fabulous service, great outside space around the back and in my opinion the best macchiato in and around Ballater.

Just 'Bean for Coffee' in Ballater accompanied by a very well presented Vegetarian Breakfast. The breakfast was freshly cooked ,tasty and great value. But the Flat White must be one of the best in Deeside this is definitely going to be regular stop off venue....

Coffee and freshly made pancakes were excellent. Well worth a visit! Would definitely come back if in the area again.

First time customer at Bean for Coffee, Ballater. Will be a returning customer. Great service - prompt, got the order exactly right, minimal waiting time. Hard working team behind the counter providing great customer service. Very extensive menu for a cafe. Surprisingly competitive pricing for...

Had little choice in Ballater because a few other cafes are closed on a Wednesday. I suppose I expected a nice coffee shop but this is unfortunately a glorified snack van. No real vegetarian options (other than the full veggie breakfast). Looks like they churn...

This was probably the worst cafe I have ever been in 😳 from the onset the woman who never greeted us and had as much personality as a wet sock was rude and abrupt. we had soup and a sandwich ..soup was cold and the...

Popped in for breakfast. Great service. Great coffee and food was excellent value. Staff very friendly and helpful. Would definitely return.

Called in there on Wednesday 21st July for a Chocolate Brownie and a decaffinated Latte, Chocolate Brownie Devine and caffe latte just perfect, quick service with a smile and clean spotless caffe. Would go back.

Best breakfast roll and coffee I've had in a long time! The roll was lovely, soft, light and not greasy. Coffee was spot on just the way I like it! Great start to the day!!

An indoor table came available on a busy Wed afternoon - many staycationers around Ballater that day. Coronation chicken toasted sandwich was delicious, fresh tastie filling and well presented plate of salad and tattie crisps. Coffee, by mug as requested was superb. The price scales...

We called in here for an early lunch on a busy Saturday. The coffee was very good but the sausage sandwich was incredible. In my opinion this is the best sausage sandwich I have ever eaten. The sausage was almost entirely pure pork without the...

Great coffee in this lovely coffee shop. Great service and selection of cakes, sandwiches and breakfast items. Loved it.

Very friendly people running this place. Stopped in for a Quiche, Bacon roll, and scone. The coffee and tea are excellent as was the food. This is a cash only place but worth the stop.

We stopped here for a quick coffee. The coffee was great and there were some amazing looking scones on the counter. The sandwich fillings looked a bit sorry for themselves though and wouldn’t really want to eat them. Decor needed a bit of a refresh...

Not many places open before 9 in Ballater so we were happy to find a pleasant, affordable breakfast with friendly service. Will return.

This place is perfect. Friendly staff. Eggs from their own hens. Sausage pastry. Cappuccino and lattes very tasty. Cash only!

Quick and efficient service, good coffee and hot chocolate. Clean and tidy and welcoming, friendly staff. Thank you and will return

Stopped in tea and scone. FYI they do not take cards. Scone and carrot cake were tasty. Did not feel rushed and enjoyed watching the world go by our window.

We didn't stay in just bought 2 cakes to take away. One was gluten and dairy free. Large portions. Friendly staff

Not the best cafe in the area Drinks and food were alright place is a bit small too many tables for the space available free wifi wasn't sure were the code was couldn't ask as there was a que of people waiting to order price...

Arrived at 8am on a Saturday before walking Loch Muick. Chose pancakes with bacon and maple syrup- pancakes were obviously just freshly made and were beautifully fluffy - bacon tasty and full jug of maple syrup given so could have as much as liked. Husbands...

Friendly staff, good service, nice ambience.. Good menu, stuff people want, not being ripped off, unlike other places in Aboyne.. Drive here from anywhere within 10 miles or so, its worth it..

We popped in for coffee and cake. Both were very good, done at fair prices, and served with a smile.

Hallo, ich war hier zwei mal frühstücken. Es hat mir sehr gefallen. Ich kann es sehr empfehlen. Man kann auch draußen sitzen und hat einen schönen Blick auf die Kirche.

What a stunning little place fantastic scones(huge) extremely tasty and fantastic sausage rolls and excellent service and great tea and coffee go find this gem of a place

Sausage & bacon bun, coffee and that was me set up for the day. Friendly service reasonably priced, the only drawback on outside tables, you would get your fair share of diesel/petrol fumes as it is situated at a road junction.

Fantastic local cafe! We spent a week in Ballater and made sure to explore all of the local culinary flavors. On our first night, we heard from a pair of fellow travelers that we should check out Bean for Coffee?, and we were not disappointed! On our first day in town we enjoyed a pot of tea for two and a delicious scone (plain, as all of their blueberry had been sold out for hours). We also saw a unique-looking pastry in the warmer, but sadly passed it up that day. The rest of the week, as we tried all sorts of scones, rolls, and meals from across Northern Scotland, we were continually impressed with and just wanted to head back to Bean for Coffee? for another scone and one of those sausage rolls that teased us on our first day. Finally, on our last full day in Ballater, we made it back in for another pot of tea, sausage roll, pasty, & cheese & onion. It was so delicious that we ended up going back to get two blueberry scones, a bacon, Brie, & cranberry Sammy, & a slice of bacon & leek quiche to take back for dinner that evening. Everything was outstanding; we wish we had a place even slightly close to the caliber of this cafe back home. Just make sure to bring cash, as credit is not accepted. Wonderful cafe; a must stop if you’re passing through Ballater!

We had breakfast here twice during our stay because they happened to be open earlier than The Bothy. Breakfast was tasty and the people very friendly.

Popped in here for a bite to eat after doing one of the local walks and very glad we did! There was plenty of choice on the menu, lovely paninis, coffee and cake to fuel us for our afternoon walk. Just sorry we didn’t get the chance to come back. Only downside is there is much space inside so you’ll have to be lucky to get a table but well worth it when you do!

I went in for a flat white, noticed the pastries sitting on the counter, big scones in different flavors. I asked who made them and they pointed to a lady sitting at the table. She was super friendly-taught me about clotted cream and jam on scones. They are amazing! I’m pretty obsessed with them-I wish we had them in the states. The coffee is good, I’ve yet to try anything else but their quiche smelled and looked amazing as well! Friendly service, very accommodating and nice to out of town visitors like me!

Had a coffee here. Young man that served us was completely charmless and uninterested. Coffee was virtually tasteless - Cheap Bean For Coffee perhaps!

Wife and I stopped for coffee and a muffin, and then decided to try the carrot cake. Was told it was a NZ recipe and it turned out to be the nicest carrot cake we've tasted. The service was very pleasant too and, judging by the number of folk there, it's a popular place for something to eat and worth a try.

Just had a lovely morning coffee at this cafe purchased scone and pancake both delicious Friendly service Recommend Ian & Ann

Service was excellent and the soup and sandwiches were great. A lovely table overlooking the green and the children also ordered cakes which they really enjoyed. Very good value for money.

Great Cafe to stop for a break while walking the area. Excellent breakfast and huge amounts of everything. I struggle to finish but always do Not much walking for a few hours after though.

We began our day with a quick and hardy breakfast. The coffee was good and they had real maple syrup. Just a quick note, they only take cash. We highly recommend Bean for Coffee.

Noticed this place frist day when was in Ballater .had a coffe withe the wife and probably the best coffe we had

It should tell you something positive that we went 3 times. I first found this cafe on my way to play golf at Ballater Golf Club. Thought I would stop in for breakfast. It's owned by Sue and her son Jack, so it is a family owned business. Sue cooks some of the items, maybe most. I'm not sure, but Jack cooks as well. My point in being detailed is that they care about their food, and it's "home-made." I had the mushroom and leek quiche and liked it so much that I had to bring my wife back to try them out. She isn't into mushrooms, but tried a different version and loved it. I also had the toffee/chocolate rice krispie treats...great. On our 3rd visit, she had the quiche again, and I tried the sausage roll and chicken pie. Wow, I'm getting hungry just thinking about that chicken pie. It was fantastic! Flaky crust, creamy filling and tender chicken!! The quiche was served with a light salad on the plate and a carrot salad. That's different than we would normally expect in the U.S., and it was a welcome addition. One important note. Be sure you take cash. I didn't have any on my first trip, because I always use my credit card. However, I was lucky that a gentleman offered to pay for my breakfast! Talk about Scottish hospitality!! I did remember that I had Euros in my wallet. I gave him that to make up for it, so everything worked out. Oh, I think their prices are very reasonable. They certainly can serve tourists (hence this review), but they probably have more local clientele based on my brief observations in that they seem to know everyone that comes in. Of course, this is exactly the type of place you WANT to find when you are traveling!

Never disappoints.....great breakfast roll filled with excellent black pudding and bacon....coffee was ‘Affa fine’ 🤪

This cafe is a no-fuss, no-frills place to plonk yourself down and have a cuppa and a typical Scottish home bake. There really is nothing fancy here, the prices are decent and you can basically trot inside in any kind of gear you like which makes it convenient for the walking set. The kitchen is visible which I like because you can see that it's clean. Fry ups spied at the other tables looked good, toilet clean, cupboard housing the cleaning gear was open and it looked like these people know what a mop and broom look like. These things are as important as what the food is like in my book. Recommend it for a simple spot of breakfast, lunch or an afternoon bite.

Quick visit to buy couple of their excellent scones before catching bus. All scones, cakes are home baked and 1st class.

Holidaying in Ballater went for coffee here- had an americano with an extra shot and warm milk- easily the best Americano I’ve had in ages- we also had a s fruit scone(which was warmed before serving) and a piece of lemon sponge cake- lovely staff clean premises and would recommend highly.

We've just returned home from our vacation that included a week in Ballater. My husband and I are early risers and the earliest breakfast we could find our first morning in town was here at Bean for Coffee? We enjoyed it so much we went there for breakfast every day they were open!

We had a cooked breakfast before hiking up Lochnagar. Sausages, bacon and eggs were all excellent. We were able to customize the breakfast at no extra cost (exchange baked beans for black pudding, get extra toast and marmalade). Service was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. We'll definitely return if we revisit the area.

The only place from ballater to banchory of which has the best and chunkys sausage roll .it's quite a filling and you won't be disappointed .service is great and you are always greeted by a smile ..the only place worth going for a good lunch also ..well done

There are quite a few choices for lunch in Ballater but this was a place I hadn't tried before. I will definitely be back. The coffee was good and the coronation chicken the best I have ever had!

Great coffee with quick efficient service. This is a great breakfast spot as well with many choices including awesome sausage rolls.

This excellent eating house in Ballater serves wonderful food including their not to be missed traditional full breakfast. My wife and I visit Ballater on a regular basis and make this friendly and well run establishment for Breakfast every day when we are in the area.

Food was great however there was a staff member that made us feel unwelcome from the moment we walked in.

We loved the atmosphere and the friendly, efficient staff. Great food and a lovely cup of tea. A perfect cafe for family, couples and youngsters.

I am a committed BLACK coffee drinker. When I asked the Barista for a CANADIANO ?

Loved the coffee, scone and quiche. Enjoy the food on the go or in the park, fast service which is always wonderful!

A full breakfast is what it is. Top quality, no stinting with ingredients and cooked to perfection. Additional.....quality staff service.

Highly recommended. I loved this place and ate here two mornings while in Ballater. Very nice savory and sweet offerings. I found it to be one of the only places open to serve breakfast before 8am. Had a scone and bacon/egg roll on first morning and sausage/egg roll on second morning.

We are here several times for breakfast. Very fast service with a smile. We tried the bakery a few doors down, but we enjoyed Bean for Coffee so much better. Their scones are big and yummy! And the pastry with the sausage in it was light and flakey. I read a couple of the reviews about the staff not being friendly but of the three times we went there we were very happy with the friendly service.

We stopped in for a late lunch and were left disappointed. We weren't given a warm greeting when we walked in and the lack of attentiveness continued throughout the visit. Although we were together we were served our food at different times and then had to wait for our drinks, one of which was just a tap water. I ordered pancakes which came with only enough jam for one and was served in a chipped dish. We were also both given dirty knives and forks which we cleaned ourselves with the napkins. After visiting another cafe in the village for breakfast the following day, we definitely regretted stopping at Bean for Coffee.

Visited this lovely looking and busy cafe earlier this week. Chosen because it was busy and therefore assumed it would be good. Regarding the food, the assumption was correct however, the welcome by the staff left much to be desired. Myself, husband and 2 friends arrived around 2ish and whilst the cafe was busy, we found a spot for ourselves and our motorcycle clothing in a quiet, out of the way corner. We were looked at from head to toe by the staff and there was no welcome or smile. When we ordered we felt as if it was an effort and the manner of all staff was quite rude/offhand with an almost "well if I have to serve you I will. No one offered to take our order whilst we we looking at the boards until we asked, in fact they busied themselves with other tasks. I would not go back here nor would I recommend. Shame, because the food we order was lovely.

Service was quick, staff very welcoming. Boyfriend had breakfast and I had lentil soup with cheese scone and it was all extremely good. I would go back tomorrow if it wasn’t so far away from where we are staying. We also got a sausage roll and fruit scone to takeaway. Highly recommended. Home made cakes looked well scrumpy too.

We had brunch here twice while visiting Ballater. Both times the scones were great! The quiche was wonderful, too! This is an authentic Scottish cafe where the food is locally prepared and the staff is helpful!

Staying in a holiday cottage in Ballater. Noticed it on first day when arrived but had just closed. Used it for a coffee sitting outside one morning. Another late lunch had cream teas their and this morning popped in for breakfast for full English including toast and tea or coffee for £7.85p. Hot, basic but just what we wanted. I added black pudding. Toast you can have white or brown and the lady even asked if the toast was done well enough for us. When we had the cream teas the scones were huge and very fresh. We have been around the village all week and this place always has people some others don't. The locals come here so that says it all. May be one more visit before going home. If in Ballater, don't miss it.

Throughly recommend this gorgeous little coffee shop. As a dessert expert (!!!!) I have to say the millionaires shortbread was the best I have ever had. Homemade and proper shortbread base. My first visit to Scotland and we have found this little gem!

The cafe was BUSY this morning. People in line out the door all morning I was there. Great for the owners. I’ve been here on cold january mornings when I was the only one. It was a beautiful morning so people are out. But good service and good coffee as always.

Best place for excellent coffee and delicious baked goods. We came here every day during our time in Ballater. The staff are incredibly friendly and they have a good selection of children’s items to keep the little ones distracted while you order.

We loved this place!! Each of the days we stayed in Ballater we went

We have been in Ballater for four days and started our days with breakfast at this wonderfully warm and welcoming place. We enjoyed the food (eggs,bacon, toast, beans, tomatoes) in a cozy and delightful atmosphere - listening to townsfolk visit - and chatting with fellow travelers. And, the lattes with an extra shot were perfect! Thank you, Jack! Hope to be back again!

Been out walking. Came back to Ballater for snack lunch. Good cuppa tea, others had coffee, good and strong. Family run business. Prompt service. Had tuna sandwich, good deep filling and fresh bread. Homemade sausage rolls, big and tasty £2. Lovely homemade cheese and leek quiche served with salad and coleslaw £4.25. The scones were huge and there was a big portion of lemon cake also homemade. Definitely worth a visit.

Great wee cafe. Coffee great. Service fast efficient & friendly. Had lovel roll with egg & haggis. Hubby enjoyed home made leek & potato soup which he enjoyed. Coffee great. Recommend this cafe for quick lunch or cake 🍰 tea or coffee

Great, friendly location for a quick breakfast roll, full platter or welcoming conversation. Good place to visit if feeling guilty about being on holiday as you can confess to the local minister who frequents the best coffee spot in town. The bacon rolls may be the best ever made while the brownies should contain a legible warning about being habit forming. In a hurry, take away of course!

Outside seating or for a take away, this place is great for a coffee + local pastry. Try the scone, they look hand made and were very good.

Coffee was excellent and the home cooking also. Friendly as well. Gave me the energy to climb up Lochnagar after.

A very solid place for coffee, breakfast, scones. The staff were friendly, helpful (let us know that snow cams are the way to go for figuring out the weather and it was an infinitely helpful tip for this time of year) and nice and the food was great for a breakfast, or on the go scone. Definitely dug the vibe and appreciated being treated so kindly.

Das Kaffee liegt zentral an der Ecke des Marktplatzes und bietet Handgemachtes zum Frühstück. Super nette Eigentümer, die Dinge auch außerhalb der Karte anbieten. Haben uns dort sehr wohl gefühlt.