Crinan Coffee Shop in Argyll & Bute

After a walk in the area, this was an ideal stop off for a cuppa. I didn't have any food, so I can't comment on that, but it's in a great location. I sat outside: relaxed and with great views, but I do agree with another recent review to say it could be so much more. For instance, the seats outside were fairly basic and broken plastic chairs. That said, service was friendly and it definitely ticks the box!

Arrived on a sunny Sunday in September to find great location with a very limited menu consisting of just ham and cheese toastie and some small selection of cold filled rolls. Service was good but could do with another member of staff. Had some cakes that were good. Also the toilets could also do with being check more often.

Popped in for coffee and cakes on 19th of September. Stood at the counter for a good 10 minutes whilst a young chap completely ignored us making coffee with his back to us. Decided he was not interested in serving us or even acknowledging our presence so left and spent our money somewhere else. All he had to do was turn his head and say ‘be right with you’ and we would have waited patiently but no that seemed like too much trouble. The place was not even that busy so it’s not as if he was rushed off his feet. Courtesy and manners cost nothing. Please take 10 minutes to teach your staff how to work in hospitality, pretty sure there are free videos on YouTube that they could benefit from watching.

Lovely day. Fantastic location right on the entrance to the Crinan Canal. Sun blazing. All outside tables occupied by patrons enjoying the day. The food was excellent but the service was poor. The staff were really nice people polite and trying their best but so inexperienced. The custom was steady and the turnover relatively slow. Yet they couldn’t keep up. We waited 30 minutes for our order of Mince Pie and Toasted Cheese sandwich. Only to see customers after us having their orders completed. To be fair on enquiring when we would be served we were greeted with profuse apologies and a refund of £10 the cost of the order. Within 5 minutes our free order arrived. We enjoyed our time there watching the world go by but be prepared for slow service.

Not a lot to look at (inside) but the view outside is beautiful. And the menu is a great deal more exciting than we expected. And the staff were sweet. What’s not to like?

Had coffee and toasties ( cake for my colleague! ) after taking our work boat through the canal. Not been in here for years! Really good food, lovely coffee, cracking setting and lovely friendly staff

An absolutely fantastic spot to get a coffee and a scon, it was super busy but everything was on time and super tasty. I would definitely recommend the scones and the toasty. The staff are absolutely lovely , and the place has a few local regulars one who was part of a Gaelic choir, who is very lively even braking out into song providing amazing entertainment.

Last year we took a run to Crinan and were disappointed to find the coffee shop closed, so when we were in the area again recently we decided to go have a look. Well, we needn’t have bothered. We went to the counter, purchased some baking and 2 coffees. At £19 it was expensive enough without the guy behind the counter putting the change straight into the tips jar. The only place to sit outside on this bright April day was a table that was no longer fit for purpose or even suitable for firewood. 2 lattes, one all milk the other all froth, shortbread that was soft, possibly undercooked and macaroons that were so dried out they fell apart on contact. We would advise people to give this place a wide berth.

This cafe is in a great location right at the end of the Crinan Canal. We arrived late morning on a sunny Wednesday and found ourselves the only customers. We ordered a tea, a coffee and a couple of cakes. The coffee and cakes arrived immediately but I had to wait at least five minutes for my pot of tea; five minutes later I had to go and track down the chap who served us because he had disappeared without giving me a cup! By this time my wife had finished her coffee and had to wait for me to drink up. Not sure what was going on with the chap behind the counter; he didn't seem fully engaged with the job, almost as if he was just someone who had been asked by the owner to keep an eye on the place while they popped out for an hour. Shame about the service because this is a pleasant cafe and the cakes were actually quite good.

Have been coming to this coffee shop for many years - it’s always been good and it’s location is amazing but the food this time was exceptional. We had rolls and a toastie, coffee, tea and a scone - all were really delicious - quality ingredients and I think the scone is on a par if not better than brambles of Inveraray which is a compliment indeed ! We can’t fault our lunch which was served with a smile - what’s not to like :)

Visited Crinan to see the canal and coastline and nipped in for a cuppa and cake. Liked it so much had more before heading home. Great rooms and view from either inside or outside on the canal side seating. Could not ask for friendlier more efficient staff than Niamh and Jock

Absolute disaster. Travelled over 40 miles to arrive at the Crinan cafe 6th September, asked for menu only to be told only serving drinks and cakes on display. Was really looking forward to a toasted sandwich. Even after Covid when the inside seating was closed you could get drinks and warm food from the serving hatch at the side. On walking back to the car park people eating scones never even told about them they were not on display. Extremely slow service after ordering, sorry will never return.

Text: I’m actually writing this while I’m still here! There are 4 people here my wife and I are 2 of them,I walk in to order the girl says I’ll be with you in a minute,fair enough no problem,she then waffles about serving the other couple no problem then she chats to them for like an age!! She then comes back in and starts talking to another bloke who’s just arrived for work she doesn’t serve us but tells us Robert will get you in a minute!! Honestly!!! Is this the type of Service we get in Scotland these days?? appalling service!!!! And just to add Robert is a great guy!

What everyone wants (in particular the outside tables in good weather) however it opens later than many want, has appaling slow staff practice, and runs out of the best cakes etc.

Stopped for a sandwich and cuppa on our visit to Scotland. The young girl in the kitchen was really friendly and explained that they were trying to catch up on orders. The young lad serving not so chatty. A bit over priced but very nice sandwiches and my other half said the lemon cupcake was amazing! Nice to sit outside and watch the boats

Nice little cafe on the Crinan canal complex as it enters the sea. Service was a bit slow but nice coffee on a cool wet day. They need to take the wall to wall ceiling to floor perspex screening now. It’s probably unnecessary now and puts up a real barrier in more ways than one

We had coffee and scones at Crinan coffee shop , staff were very helpful and the scones were amazing , best scones Iv ever tasted , highly recommended

Fabulous smoked salmon with capers sandwich on brown bread with salad and a bag of Kettle crisps. I had the whole bag as I wanted it to take away. Beautiful home baking including cream sponge, Empire biscuits, large slabs of shortbread and brownies. The shop also sells great books and holiday activity sets for children. Friendly service ! Perfect spot nest to Crinan Lock.

Passing through Crinan on a Sunday morning we were lucky enough to stumble on this real gem. Debbie gave us the warmest of welcomes and really looked after us. If you are lucky enough to call when baker Paul delivers his extraordinary baked good then you might get a little taster as we did. Can’t think of a better way to start a Sunday morning in the Highlands

3 pounds for a cup of tea to take away Rip-off How can you justify charging thst amount for a cup of tea?

We were moored in Crinan basin for several days. This coffee shop became a meeting place for our 18 crew members. It gave us space off the boats and fantastic service (often the same staff as the Sea Food restaurant and hotel) we built up quite a rapport. The cake is good and if you have never experienced it try the irunbrew!

Not a great experience! The service at the takeaway hatch was very slow- it took 30+ mins for our order to be made despite being at the front of the line. The lady serving was quite unpleasant which was uncomfortable as a customer. Overall a disappointing experience as it's in a great place and has lots of potential.

We enjoyed coffee and toasted "sammie" next to the Crinan Canal - great atmosphere. Fun to watch the canal activity.

This used to be a wonderful place to have superb cakes in a charming environment. Now the range is tiny, everything has to be ordered at a hatch round the corner even if you are already inside eating, the outside seating is flimsy plastic garden...

Awful. Just truly awful. The lady who served us was curt and rude. She gave us attitude when we walked into the indoor seating area, which we didn't realise was still closed (because of covid restrictions), and again when we asked for extra hot coffee....

We stopped here for some lunch after a walk along the Crinan canal. It was a lovely day and we sat outside to watch the world go by. There were were boats constantly coming and going through the locks. The staff were very friendly and...

A coffee served in a paper container. Outdoor tables. No wages for waiting staff , no toilets yet coffee price more than £1 per cup dearer than most cafes with full facilities. We were charged for £7 for 2 cappuccinos ! Normally c £4.60.

We finished our "car tour" along the Crinan canal and wanted a small refreshment. Next to the basin we found coffee shop which served take away (COVID rules) and offered seating outside - this was quite pleasant as the weather was OK. We had two...

A rip off and wasting too much plastic. It's a nice spot but they are just taking advantage of that and that it's the only place about. I'd hold off and go somewhere else. This coffee shop is owned by the hotel which is also...

We had a wonderful wander along the canal, and got some drinks and treats from the coffee shop beforehand. The scone was tasty but was presented in a plastic Tupperware tub, which was rather disappointing given there were no obvious recycling points nearby so we...

Great to find this little place emerging from lockdown after exploring the Crimean Canal. Thoroughly enjoyed hot chocolate and a delicious cream tea with a particular big and well risen scone.

Went for a lovely walk by canal noticed coffee shop open and closed at 4 - went in at 3.45 to be told ‘we are closed ‘in an offhand manner by the guy working there . No apology or ‘ we are closing early ‘...

Quaint little coffee shop situated at Crinan Harbour. Currently closed for eat in. Can take away on. It is very slow as only one person is operating the hatch. See my photos for prices. A small coffee served in a paper cup £3.50!!! Nothing short...

Visited on a glorious sunny day when out cycling and found this great wee coffee shop. Take away only just now sadly, but bacon rolls were amazing and scones tasty. Not an extensive menu, but when the basics are done well, it doesn't matter. Will...

The joys of Covid have made the cafe only offer a take away service at the moment (when we visited at least). Great position with lovely views outside- so actually an advantage to be outside with you’re coffee rather than inside the cafe. If you...

Even in these covid times when you cannot go it the Crinan Coffee Shop maintains its place as simply one of the very best in Scotland. The offering is great - but nothing, nothing - can beat sitting outside in the sunshine in this most...

Crinan coffee shop has to have one of the best locations in Scotland, the scenery is just stunning. The building itself is quirky, being an old canal building. There is often paintings and crafts on sale, with a good selection of books too. The cakes...

As someone who’s been going to Crinan since a boy, day visits, taking the boat through the canal, walking & cycling This wee coffee shop is a little Gem, but was very disappointed with the service on my recent visit. Tables dirty & really slow...

It was a lovely warm day when we visited for a coffee and a cake. So enjoyed the views as well as the coffee. Nice choice of lovely cakes and you can eat inside or out. Crinan is a nice place to spend an afternoon...

I visited early August and found it very pleasant. Busy but the chap serving was great and served everyone quick;y. Outside table was "rustic" to say the least. I visited again in september and was very disappointed. Different staff. Inside tables were left dirty outside...

Mi dispiace non aver fotografato gli scones che in questo posto sono galattici!!!! Comunque sia... siamo venuti qui per un...

love that wee coffee shop cream tea is fantastic..... service was not that great this year I think it was due to staff how ever just got to be patient the staff can only do there best ..they did well t

Nice place to walk along the canal towpath. The cafe does snacks and hot drinks and let's dogs inside. We saw an otter feeding outside in the loch!!!

Great selection of sandwiches and fresh baking beer and wine if you wish cakes and scones great and roll freshly made dog friendly also great for a stop of before a walk

nice place, good staff but cake was dry and the regular coffee was cold and tiny. it was more small cup off tea size not a mug of coffee. Not sure how big large is sorry but I hope its more than a mouthful!

Good place for a coffee and a cake, situated perfectly and great staff. Good value but no hot food available.

Has a lovely cup of tea here in the afternoon before going for a walk. The lady who served us was very friendly, very knowledgeable and we spent some time chatting with her.

Stumbled on this lovely little coffee shop with lovely views across the Crinan basin. Interesting little place, with some nice areas to explore surronding it.

Beautiful location, lovely coffee, well worth a visit. Sat outside in the sunshine, it was gkorious, friendly staff, give it a go you wont be disappointed.

This coffee shop is very friendly. It serves homemade cake and snacks. We had a lovely coffee and some homemade lemon cake absolutely lovely. This shop is also dog friendly. You can sit inside or outside overlooks the beginning of the Crinan canal. Also sells...

If your visit to Argyll includes a wet day, head to this cosy haven next to the Sea Lock on the Crinan Canal. Great coffee, scones and cakes plus a gallery and shop. It’s good on sunny days too: sit outside and enjoy a spectacular...

Nice cakes, good service and a friendly atmosphere. Great place to either enjoy the views or warm up after a cold day outside. Great views from the canal over the water

It may be the only spot in town (it’s a very small town), for coffee, tea, and bakery/ lunch items, but they don’t skimp on quality, friendliness, or value.

Had afternoon tea with cream scones in this little busy coffee shop and was pleasant. There was a good selection of cakes however on checking the menu board everything appeared to be expensive. This is maybe due to the fact there is no alternative place...

Visited just last week and enjoyed coffee by the waterside. A memorable location aided by superb weather however we were surprised by the very high prices. I know that it costs to get product to these remote locations but £2.00 for a bottle of water?

Great cream teas. Plenty of jam cream and large scones. Big tea pot and mugs which was nice. It's in a lovely location with nice food. You can sit outside overlooking the canal or inside which is cosy. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Have...

Enjoyed coffee and cake here while staying at the hotel. All the food is reasonably priced and the scones and cakes are delicious. Lovely staff couldn’t do enough for you.

Friendly staff,great location - if you’re lucky you’ll get a plum table by the water. Menu of filled rolls,soup & baking.Our rolls & baking v good - only slight negative being its not cheap -£5 or thereabouts for a filled roll & salad leaves felt...

Visited today. Beautiful place, lots to see with boats coming through the locks. Had lovely coffees and tea. The selection of home baking was excellent, particularly good scones and strawberry tarts. Staff very pleasant and helpful.

We found the Crinan Coffee Shop when we ventured to the end of the Crinan Canal to see the Sea Lock whilst on holiday in Oban. We stopped for cake and tea and very nice it was. There was plenty of freshly baked produce and...

Been here quite a few times over the years when we visit Kilmartin. It's a real cosy and friendly cafe, just what you want after a good walk. We had soup (tomato & basil) and a smoked salmon sandwich. Very nice as was the home...

Been coming here for years and it has never let me down. Delicious coffee and fabulous cakes. The chocolate cake is particularly scrumptious! Sit outside on a warm day and watch the boats go through the Locks. Perfect. Delightful, friendly service too.

Very simple canal side coffee shop with some interesting memorabilia on display, and some good Scottish books for sale. Very friendly and attentive service.

Having cycled along the canal on a fairly bracing day we were very glad of the welcome shelter afforded by the Crinan Coffee Shop. Nothing flash here, but a really nice atmosphere, great coffee and eats and stunning views. You will travel a long way...

We came for to the cafe for a coffee after our walk. It appeared there was only one person behind the counter who was actually working, the other four were standing doing nothing. Before we had even ordered our drinks, some drinks had been brought...

We came here after our walk. We visited a year ago and the service was pretty shambolic and today was as bad. This cafe has a lovely location and this is the start of the season. With many more lovely holiday days on the way...

Lovely setting for a coffee shop so it could and should do so much better. Our cakes were dry and cups were heavily stained.

Stumbled across the Crinan Coffee Shop on my wandering and was warmly welcomed in by the very friendly staff. Visited twice and on my 1st visit I enjoyed a very big bacon roll, in fact the best portion of bacon I've seen on a roll,...

I don't think this place sets out to be anything other than a good coffee stop. Cakes and coffee are really good and staff friendly. Its basic but in a beautiful spot.

Following a first class boat trip we stopped for lunch at the coffee shop. Ordered three cold drinks, one glass was stained with lipstick and one contained a live spider. We ordered rolls from the very limited menu £5.00 for a roll ( very cheap...

Situated right beside the Crinan Canal basin, this cafe was ideally situated for the start of our walk along the canal. As we went in, we could smell the aroma of very freshly baked scones - which the majority of our party promptly decided they...