Ben Lorna in Argyll & Bute

This was a great find on a rainy drive from Oban to Fort William. The staff were particularly welcoming, the food was excellent, and I was able to start my Christmas shopping in the bookshop!

They were not serving meals the day we went but the scones were very good and the coffee was excellent if I lived nearby I'd be here very often.

stopped off here for a quick drink and a toasted sandwich. Place was busy but luckily there was seats available. hot and cold drinks available, plus crafts beers etc. food is of the snack bar, pizza etc variety. nice décor and lovely and clean and cozy inside. helpful and friendly staff too. well worth a stop !

Excellent food and service as usual. Friendly welcome and efficient service from waitresses. Much appreciated.

During our walk along the old railway ling we came across the village of Benderloch and Ben Lora Cafe and bookshop. Interestingly all tables had Reserved on them. We were warmly greeted and shown to a table for 4. They are very dog friendly, at least in the outside seating area. We were given the menus and decided we only wanted a hot drink and a slice of cake. The waitress advised that what is in the menu may not be what they have on offer and told us to go check what was in the counter. We found that a bit strange as we felt you should have been able to advise what they had available. Overall, it was a pleasant cup for tea/coffee and a slice a cake and in a good location for those who cycle/walk along the old railway.

We have driven past this place for years and never stopped but we had a break on the campsite a ten minute walk away and visited 4 times! There is an outside seating area under cover, where dogs are welcome. We had a light lunch on day which was ok but there strength is their cakes! A 9 out of q0 from both of us for their carrot cake and brownie cake too. Would have been a five star rating but coffee was bland and lacked flavour, sorry but we have to be truthful, even with an extra shot. Dark haired waitress lady super efficient and how service should be. We will be back! As we had dogs, we didn’t get the chance to check out the interior of the cafe.

It has been a few years since I have visited Ben Lora and I am very glad to say it hasn’t changed one bit, great service and delicious food.

Really tasty toasted sandwiches and great coffee served by friendly staff. Bought some cake to take away and can't wait!

A good coffee shop and together with the books made it an interesting stop. Chocolate brownie is gluten free and delicious!

I ordered a fruit scone which contained two raisins? Really? How mean. Was sooo dry. Coffee was a bit tasteless. Overpriced for what you get.

We visited twice during our nearby stay and the cakes are delicious. Service very good and adhering brilliantly to the Covid rules. Definitely recommend.

We got three takeaway pizzas on Friday night and they were delicious! Simple order and collect process, and good Covid procedures.

Well managed and spotlessly clean. Good choice of food. Good service and excellent attention to Covid cleaning practices and distant serving too. Recommend a visit if in area.

We went here for a brunch of soup and toasted sandwiches. Nice soup. Pleasant cafe with lots of seating inside and out.

Went here a few times and it never disappoints. Staff are welcoming and friendly. The scones were freshly baked absolutely gorgeous with lovely cream and local jam. Hot chocolate was a feast, with marshmallows on the side to top it off. Conveniently located along the main road.

We had fabulous service at lunchtime, the staff could not have been more helpful. They have the best covid restrictions in place that we have seen in England and scotland. Decent menu and loved it's atmosphere. It seems a shame to not have any vegan options seeing as the owner is apparently vegan...that would of made this place perfect.

We visited this venue 10 years ago! Revisiting on this holiday did not disappoint... the selection of light bites and cakes are delicious. We have visited 3 times in 12 days and enjoyed everything we have tried. Their track and trace and sanitising etc is spot on and reassuring.

We ordered pizzas to pick up as this is the only option for dinner at the moment. Paid over the phone, almost £20 for 2 x 12" pizzas seems a bit pricey but we understand businesses are struggling and perhaps have rising costs. We were given a time to pick up which was convenient. Pizzas were ready on time and very tasty. Recommendation would be less semolina in the dough as it was quite generously added and bit messy on eating as it was falling off. Would recommend.

A lovely quirky cafe. Fabulous home baking "the scones are world famous" great coffee and music. Friendly staff. And they gave us some scones to take away!

Visited while in Oban. Very pleasant atmosphere in this nice tearoom. The only criticism is that my wife is Coeliac and there was very little choice of Gluten free items available.

We stayed at the Tralee Bay holiday park and visited this cafe nearly everyday! The food was excellent - just what we were looking for after a nice walk with the kids. My son can highly recommend the kids hot chocolate delux drink! 5 stars! Really lovely staff who always had a smile.We sat outside most days under cover - thoroughly enjoyed our time here and finding this lovely cafe made our holiday to Benderloch extra special - thank you!I wish there were more places like this!!

Nice place for food and coffee was excellent. We visited while staying at Tralee holiday park , would recommend

Milkshakes were good but the scones were not great, menu is good and varied . Books are a bonus and nice outside seating area if the scones were better would have made an excellent choice ( maybe just a bad baking day we all have them )

My husband & I were staying locally for a few days & came here regularlyThe cakes are absolutely delicious & the staff very friendly - we had takeaway cakes on a couple of occasions We had breakfast on one morning & the porridge with honey is lovely- my husband had a bacon & egg roll & we had a pot of tea & large coffee all for just over £11 A definate visit if you're in the area

Called in for lunch as recommended by other campers. Good tasty homemade food delivered by staff that do nothing but laugh. Even had us in giggles. What a happy place to work and visit. Homemade scottish raspberry scones are to die for.

1st visit which was a really nice family treat, great service, lovely tea, coffee, milkshakes and ice cream sundaes plus great selection of cakes. Sat outside in nice covered patio area. Nice touch having a bowl of water for pets. Definitely recommend a visit, looking forward to our next one. Check times as daytime service switches at the end of the week to evening pizza service.

Not to be missed as the scones are light and delicious, sweet and savoury! And the bookshop offers a collection of books on all things Scottish for adults and children, including the wonderful Katie Morag stories.

Lovely place to eat and even though it was raining (I know! In Scotland who’d have thought) it was nice to sit outside and eat as it was still a warm day. We ordered a toastie and scampi, both were lovely. We’d go back and try the cake and explore the book shop when we haven’t had such a long drive.

Lovely food. Great service. Pet friendly. Scones to die for. Our whole family descend on this wee place regularly during our annual visit to Tralee. Feels like we're coming home the welcome is so friendly.

Lovely pleasant staff - waitress knew exactly what vegan option they had - cheese, spread and cake. Also pizza with vegan moz available.

Only had a snack but the raspberry scones are FANTASTIC!!! Staff were very pleasant and if in the area again we will try and stop for a meal

Walked from caravan park along the old railway line close to the sea shore to the highly recommended little cafe in the center of this tiny village. Sun shining so we sat outside under the canopy with our 2 dogs. Struggling to get a table as it was so full, we waited a few moments before the lovely young waitress ( turned out to be the daughter of the owners) came to leave us a menu, and explain that they were particularly busy but someone would be with us as soon as possible and apologised for the possible wait. We didn’t wait much longer and only wanted tea and scones with jam and cream.

Nice place to go after a walk food nice coffee good staff very helpful we loved the books that were on sale

Stopped here as part of our long drive to Scotland.

Tidy little place with 5ables inside and outside. Good range of food choices and reasonable prices. Service was very quick and all the staff were very friendly. As soon as a table was vacated the staff immediately cleaned it and the next customers were shown to the table. A very slick operation and all carried out with a smile. Would most definitely return.

At lunchtime my family and i went to this cafe for a bite to eat, the food was delicious and all handmade, the service was great too.

I attended with my family for breakfast- toast and scrambled egg ordered- 1slice of toast- at least 4 bits of shell in the scrambled egg- and milkshakes - poor value for money not even 150 mls of a milkshake for £3.50. Felt it was very over priced- and portion sizes very poor- surely scrambled egg on toast- is a standard two slices- or here’s an idea- give the option of two slices. Definitely would not recommend. I expect better standards. Small portions over priced- won’t be back!

Everything is good about this place. Plenty of room, seats in and out, fresh baking, home cooking, nice coffee, lots of staff - it`s a great cafe.

An easy walk from the campsite and great value quality food served by cheery hard working people. Soup always good and salads are substantial. Wish it was open all year.

We have a coffee stop here en route to Fort William. So glad that we did - coffee and cakes were just amazing. Very nice friendly staff and good prices. Also an option to sit outside if you wished. Highly recommended a visit.

Lovely wee cafe with chairs inside and out so you can decide where to sit depending on the weather. Staff are very courteous and friendly. Food was delicious and fresh. Amazing cakes and coffees too.! Do try the milkshakes if you visit on a warm day!

This is a place definitely worth a visit the food is homemade and delicious. Staff are inviting and friendly. The shop inside has decent stuff to buy and you cannot leave without buying several good books.

This is a real wee gem of a find. Food was super. Bright, cheerful and great service. Just what we needed after the walk up Ben Lora. Thanks!!

Called in here for lunch as a party of five last week as a welcome break from the lashing rain.

Had a lovely snack and a couple of coffees. Inside and outside seating. Large parking area and handy for the local beach. Staff genuinely friendly and helpful.

After hiking Ben Lora we stopped in for a drink. We noted how nice the Café looked and how good the food was presented. Later that day a High Tea at our fancy pants hotel we spoke with some members of the service staff and commented that the scone served at Tea were quite good. They each told us that Ben Lora Café makes "the best scones in the UK". After check out of the hotel the next morning our first stop was back to the Café for some scones and Sticky toffee pudding which turned out, indeed, to be the best in the UK. Met the baker who was charming and a true professional. Bravo! Sure to return on our next trip to the Oban area.

This was our third visit to this gem in the country. Once more the owners and staff were just like old friends. We ate there on two ocassions last weekend and on the Saturday evening we had a smashing pizza washed down with beer and wine. We had their delicious scones for breakfast the next day.

Lovely local place Cakes all wonderful and staff very friendly. Dog made to feel welcome and nothing an issue. Great value and have now been back served times.

Came here during the sweltering days of July (to avoid the midday sun on traigh li beach). Food great and staff lovely. Couldn’t ask for more.

Right on the cycle path between Fort William and Oban excellent food lovely staff lots of outdoor seating some undercover Dogs Welcome

Stopped briefly on a motorcycle trip out, nice feel to the place, efficient staff and very clean. Lovely setting and a base for cycling by the loch

We visited this cafe twice. The first time for a coffee, and the second one to get a takeaway. All 4 of us enjoyed the excellent pizzas and the quick and cheerful service.

There can't be many places which are within walking distance of a beach and where you can get a Greek salad and a Mythos beer and not be somewhere in the Aegean - but this is one of them! We dropped in here for lunch before doing the walk up to Beinn Lora and being a lovely sunny day we were able to sit outside. Apart from the excellent Greek salad we also had the smoked salmon and cream cheese on cheese scones - another winner.

Do make sure you stop here - really good food, good value and they stock a good selection of books novels and interesting history/ travel books to buy. The owner is very friendly and this shows in his team. Thank you for the lovely raspberry scone you gave us as we were leaving!

Fabulous coffee stop with freshly baked scones. Great outdoor space too for the sunny days. Right on the cycle track so easy access to the waterside path.

We stopped in on the way back from the Sea Life Sanctuary as it was an ideal place to stop the car and walk down to the beach.

Lovely cafe - really friendly staff. I was staying for the week in North Connel and initially just popped in for coffee - but went back twice! Really interesting selection of local-interest books too. The scones are a must!

Well folks... The Ben Lora cafe, (or as locals call it, Jimmy's), is open again for the Summer. Scones, cakes, shakes and all things lunches and snacks but OMG The wood burning oven is lit and it is 'on fire' producing Argyll's only pizza worth eating. Sensational thin base with just the right amount of toppings. Not heavy either. We walk from Connel along the old railway track and it's sooooo worth it. Honestly! There is no other place in Argyll making this quality of authentic wood burning pizza. It is a must. Sitting under the flower drenched pegoda.

Locale caratteristico con una scelta ottima di panini e caffè e te. Gli scons sono fantastici in doveroso stile britannico. Il personale è molto cordiale e veloce. Ritorneremo sicuramente

This delightful cafe sits on the main Oban to Fort William road and it is also on one of Scotlands many cycle paths. It is also at the bottom of Ben Lora as the name states. This is a hard walk but the views are to die for.

We've recently visited this cafe for a family meal, staying local at Tralee bay caravan site. The Wood fired pizzas were amazing and the best we've eaten in a long time!!

Had a quick stop off here on way to our holiday home and we're very glad we did, it was a great find.

Came a couple of weeks ago for a pizza night. Food was absolutely delicious and I obviously wasn't the only person that thought that as every table was full!! There was a slight mix-up with our order with another table but our waitress quickly came over and apologised and told us what was happening which I really appreciate (nothing worse than a waitress making up excuses when you can see whats happening). She dealt with the situation professionally and what was a short delay anyway was not a hassle at all (especially as we were given scones to take-away which were incredible!!) . We sat outside which was lovely and unusually warm!

Visitamos recientemente para almorzar. La comida era adorable, pero me dio la sensación de que era muy caro. Mi marido y yo tuvimos que eran alrededor de baguettes 7 - 8 cada uno y me pareció que eran muy pequeñas y con nada más. También nos preguntamos si era posible tener una mermelada para mi hijo, me dijeron que no podía hacer esto, pero me brindó con pan, mantequilla y mermelada a hacerlo yo, realmente? ? En general nos gustó la comida, pero como ya he dicho hay otro restaurante cerca, que vende comida increíble por un precio mejor.

Un café que es ahora abierto en la noche para nuestro deleite, haber llamado en muchas ocasiones a lo largo de los años mientras viajaba en Argyll. Una cálida bienvenida, como se había previsto y genial, la comida familiar. Pequeños detalles como una copita ofrecieron después de la cena hacen toda la diferencia. Grandes libros. . . . .

Habíamos estado en una reunión de cerca de Barcaldine y decidimos parar para comer algo rápido en el café. Yo conocía a los dueños de hace muchos años y me alegro de que han mantenido su nivel de servicio durante un largo período. Las chicas que sirven las mesas eran luminosas y champán y todo el mundo parecía disfrutar trabajando allí, lo cual es una ventaja real. La comida era buena y a un precio razonable, así que volveré. . . . .

Visitamos durante las vacaciones cerca. Un pequeño café restaurante con personal muy amable. La comida está bien preparada y sabrosa. El costo es muy razonable. Obviamente, la gente use el café, lo que sugiere que se debe como también. El café tiene un aparcamiento, justo...

Bonito y pequeño parada. Nos detendremos aquí cuando voy a la playa de remolque. Frescos batidos y tortas. Servicio cálido. Y aún cuando hemos cortado de para el inodoro hemos estado siempre bienvenida

A poca distancia en coche del Parque de la bahía de Tralee vacaciones y buena comida recién preparada y bocadillos, el personal era muy cortés y servicial. Sopas caseras son excelentes, probarlo si en la zona

Vi este lugar mientras conducía de camino a otro sitio, y me alegro de haberlo hecho. El personal era amable y la comida era estupenda, también buena relación calidad-precio. Puede criticar el lugar. También tienen una buena selección de libros escocesa. Definitivamente vale la pena...

Also known as Jimmy's to the locals, which I am. If you are in the area, this cafe is worth a visit for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee or tea, It is also has a drinks licence if you are not driving. You will always be welcomed with a friendly smile and can give you information if you are a tourist. Great service and great meals.

Whilst on holiday in Oban we popped along to this lovely wee coffee shop . Staff very friendly had our dog with us but that wasn't a problem we sat outside and still got table service which was first class . Coffee really nice and they offer 1 shot or 2 which for me is fab also they're scones are delicious and very moreish ! Would recommend this to everyone if your passing pop in they have plenty of parking too

We live locally, know all the cafes and consider ourselves to be scone connoisseurs. We love this place and find any excuse to drop in for coffee (and scones) or lunch. We often use the cycle trail which runs just behind the cafe and find it impossible not to stop off for coffee or lunch. It has become out favourite cafe in the whole area. It's light, bright, clean, friendly, the bookshop is interesting and the food is good value and excellent quality. They also do excellent Pizzas in the evening, some nights. The raspberry scones....oh the raspberry scones...Bliss!

We came here after going to the sea life sanctuary and being very disappointed by their "cafe" so we were extremely happy to see this cafe at the side of the road. Lovely lovely waitresses, sat promptly. Food was delicious and we were pleasantly surprised with the bill (cheap but amazing food). Loved the option of the half toastie for those not feeling too hungry. Will be back very soon, thanks guys, you're doing a great job.

Great service, seated quickly, coffee was lovely hot choco mint drink was fabulousBoys had a scone and jam and cream, cabinet good looked great, toasties looked good,Recommend for a pit stop

Die Angestellten waren alle nett, das Essen hat sehr geschmeckt. Ben gab uns noch Tipps für unsere weitere Reise. Super Sache, weiter so!

Great service for a good cafe. Nothing amazingly outstanding, just a good solid cafe. Well worth a stop.

We stumbled into this place after trying and failing to find a place serving a light lunch in Connel after a Sunday visit to Dunstaffnage Castle. Headed north toward Fort William, we noticed the Ben Lora bookshop and cafe and thought it might do the job. We were very happily surprised with the whole experience--really nice food with creative salads and well-executed versions of standard fare. We were seated just across from the counter piled with delicious-looking baked goods, including many kinds of cakes and scones, but regrettably we didn't have room to fit them in! The service was very pleasant and friendly. All in all a much better-than-expected random stop in a small town!

went in here after a walk along the beach with my wife and dog lovely warm welcome cheery staff lovely toasties would certainty return

Don't be put off by the plain exterior the staff and the homemade food make this place a little gem. Ideal stop just north of Oban and you really should try the scones

The food is good. Its cafe food (toasties, bagettes, cakes, etc) not fine dining, but it is great. They have specials and amazing cakes/scones.Staff are all friendly and happy.Lovely area outside, both covered and not covered. Which allows dogs too join you.Lots of bird feeders attracting siskens, goldfinches, chaffinches, etc.

After a walk to the shingle beach at Ardmucknish bay we stopped here for coffee and cake. A warm friendly atmosphere in this busy cafe which seamed to be frequented by locals out for mid morning brunch or late breakfast.The ginger flapjack was delicious, if not a bit sweet for me.

We live just down the road and often have a coffee or lunch here. It has become one of our three or four favourite lunch spots. Clean, bright and very prompt and friendly service. they have a good range of inexpensive and enjoyable lunches. The scones are among the best that I've eaten and I can never resist the tiffin. It's just off the Argyll cycle path and it has become very difficult to ride past without stopping

very friendly waitress, the older gentlemen on the till was very nice too. Had a toasted sandwich...very quick and well made. Dont order a portion of chips unless you are hungry....it was huge!!! :)Very small inside so can get busy at lunch time...we went in october and it was still very popular.

Called in for breakfast rather mediocre not an extensive menu, rather disappointing after visiting before for lunch which was great

Don't be put off by the pink building opposite, this is a brilliant cafe - restaurant - bookshop with great service and spectacular cheese scones. Also great access point for Benderloch beach, a gem for dog walkers.

Gluten free friendly, sure to have something for everyone. You can taste the love that goes into the food. Homemade pizza and scones great for those who can do the gluten. ;-)

Revisited this cafe in Benderloch and I am pleased to say the scones were just as good!If you are within a few miles of this great little cafe in Benderloch near Oban pay a visit.It is a clean place to eat service is fast and its all home cooked food.

Delicious scones, lovely staff, fabulous coffee! Beautiful outdoor seating, although when we arrived, it was raining buckets! Still quaint, and really enjoyed our numerous visits. Thank you!

I visited this cafe after a walk up Beinn Lora and the hot chocolate was a treat! Mid range pricing, good selection of food (though we were there late in the afternoon so most of the cakes were gone). Service was really friendly.

Fabulous pizza. Food generally rather good. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Nice combination of café and books. We will definitely return.

Party of nine attended a farewell party of the local Post Mistress at the Ben Lora today and the staff, food and service were fantastic, although the tearoom was full to bursting!If nine in a party can all be delighted with nine different meals then little more can be said! It is not expensive, I picked up the tab for my staff attending and value for money is outstanding for the area!!Thank you Jimmy and staff for today, this IS the best "Little Tearoom in The West"

It's not often you see a bookshop/cafe, especially in a small village in Scotland and then you add plenty of parking, a great and very helpful staff and a great and tasty menu and what more could you want?We walked down from our rental with 4 Grandkids (4-12) and had a very enjoyable lunch. Had great afters and the kids really loved it.Oh and I went back today and looked through the books and picked a nice one I think I will enjoy. We will be there another time or two before we leave here.

Called in for lunch, sat outside in the sun!!!! That makes a change in Scotland. Delightful menu for all appetites,we were not at all disappointed in our choice and will call again when in the area.

Had coffees and cakes or scones here twice and both times excellent service and food. We were sat outside with our dog and were invited inside to eat as there was a cold wind blowing, lovely. The cakes and scones are really good and there are a great variety of excellent books for sale too. What a lovely place with reasonable prices and friendly staff.

Found this delightful tea room and bookshop on our holiday to Oban. Very friendly staff and great service. The treacle scones were delicious as was the Ginger Crunch both served with a delicious latte. A fantastic range of books for sale and some lovely gifts and art work as well. Will definitely return for some more delicious cakes!

Staying down the road in camp site and stopped here for a welcome break from the rain. Had egg sandwich and treacle scone both excellent. Great service and good beach 2 mobs away.go it's fun!

As Craig says this is one of the best little cafes in the UK, its quite amazing, location, food, bookshop and friendly proprietor makes it a must!! Always busy but the service is excellent . Not to be missed when in North Argyll !!!

We stayed at a campsite in the area and popped by here for food, good home cooked food and freshly prepared sandwiches (they also serve alcohol). The set up is great doubling as a book shop, especially for kids and the staff are friendly. As we were leaving the owner gave us some home cooked scones for us to take for breakfast which were delicious!They do home cooked pizzas some nights which sounded great - unfortunately only Thurs - Sun and we were there on a Tuesday!

Great cake, coffee and bacon rolls can be found here! A nice seating area under an awning lovely place to sit on a summers morning and enjoy the attentive service and great food