Crathes Courtyard Café in Aberdeenshire

The service was fantastic from the staff, really helpful & friendly over the Easter weekend. The food is also really good quality. Particular shout-outs to the homemade split pea soup, scones & bread rolls which were some of the best we’ve had at a cafe in ages.

Situated in the beautiful, historic grounds of Crathes Castle, the cafe could be expected to be something special, particularly as it is an NTS property. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead of making the most of the lovely architecture, the NTS have constructed an unsympathetic, industrial-style building within the old courtyard to house the new cafe - totally at odds with the surrounding buildings. An architect no doubt persuaded someone that the juxtaposition of the uncompromisingly modern and the old would be cool and edgy. The courtyard itself, which the cafe looks onto, has so much potential but has a bleak, neglected feel. I see from a photograph in another review that the interior of the cafe used to be more welcoming and softened by tub chairs etc. - now they have gone all-out industrial with uncomfortable metal chairs and a stark atmosphere. Going further back, the cafe used to be housed in the lovely courtyard buildings, including the beautiful round one, with easier access for the disabled straight from the car park. It was a much more welcoming place altogether. Perhaps they wanted a bigger space, but I'm sure something better could have been achieved with a bit of imagination, using the original courtyard buildings. The two young men serving were trying hard, but didn't seem to be natural 'people persons'. They didn't engage with or listen properly to customers. Calling everyone 'Sir' or 'Madam' and telling them to 'Have a nice day' is a bit cringy and certainly no substitute for listening and responding appropriately rather than according to a script. The food we had was edible but not great, and the coffee was lukewarm. We recommend the castle and gardens, but next time will eat elsewhere.

A popular location after parkrun. Spacious and good choice of breakfast snacks. I wish though they had made the bacon roll after preparing drinks, to stop the food getting cold!

Whilst visiting the castle we had lunch in the cafe. There was a reasonable selection of food. Staff are very friendly and good.

Today, was a day to remember. I arrived at the mains of crathes courtyard cafe. Upon arrival I was greeted by what is usually called a staff member, however here it felt more like greeting an old friend. There is the perfect synthesis of both modernity, and conservation within the establishment. The modern river meeting the old courtyard wall. Now moving on the to panini. Let’s start with the garnish. Beautiful crunchy lettuce, drizzled with some salad dressing, the cawslaw, the potato chips all made for a great appetizer. Subsequent to this was the roasted gammon and mature cheddar panini. The flavors melted on my tongue. Then I concluded my meal with ice cream. All in all best lunch I’ve had this week. Many thanks!

Although we only dropped past for coffee and tea, it was evident that the cafe had lovely sandwiches and snacks.

situé a proximité de la boutique cadeau..cafe/cafeteria simple mais correct pour un déjeuner...formule soupe sandwich correct...

Visited the castle so popped in here for a cuppa & a piece. It was busy, but got served efficiently and pleasantly by the young staff. Coffee was good and the bacon roll yummy.

A sandwich lunch to help the day through. Great food and great service at a reasonable price. There was also hot food available which looked appetising but we had to leave a gap for dinner later. Lots of space both within and outside the cafe and staff attentive to clear tables as soon as they are finished with.

This is a lovely cafe in beautiful surroundings. The food is good but without a great selection. The grounds of the castle are fabulous there are plenty of walks and the castle gardens are beautiful.

We were very taken with this spacious cafe after we had visited Crathes Castle situated in the courtyard of the old stables this is a cafe with plenty of natural light ,plenty of seating indoor and out .There are tables provided for people who have brought their own food . There is a small but nice menu , the food is very fresh with sandwiches made to order