Based on 182 opinions finded in 1 websites
Opinions
We were on a Highlands day tour and stopped for break. My wife and I had fresh baked scones and tea and it was lovely. The owners were welcoming, the place was comfortable, the scones delicious and the tea was proper hot. There's a back patio and the weather was nice so we sat outside to enjoy. Recommended!
Chris W . 2024-09-18
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Great cafe full of wonderful items just like a firestation museum. Great breakfast rolls, cakes, coffee etc on the main street of Tomintoul just before the square. Super friendly service, we always stop here when passing through Tomintoul, highly recommend.
TGTP . 2024-09-16
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Lovely little quirky cafe, nice food and drinks, and friendly staff. The home made scones were delicious.we will visit again if in the area
soophill . 2024-08-22
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We always love coming here for pancakes and maple syrup. Lovely place and lots to look at for kids.. Lots of fire station memorabilia. Nice coffee. Nice staff.
JennySki . 2024-08-11
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Whilst opposite at The Whisky Castle we popped in for coffee and cake.Lovely people who were more than helpful as my wife suffers from Coeliac disease so has to have Gluten Free food.They have a limited menu of mainly rolls,bacon or other items.They are mentioned on "biker"websites as they do get a lot of bikers stopping there especially after Dave Myers and Si King stopped there and they have done a charity event for Dave Myers.Inside there is lots of Fireman memorabilia.A veritable watering hole during an arduous ride.
David G . 2024-06-20
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After a 60 mile hike I stumbled on this place, the bacon & egg baguette went down a treat, washed down with a cup of coffee at a very reasonable price. I wasn’t in a good way, after some lousy weather the owner Paul offered to take me & my two dogs back to my car which was half an hour way. Couldn’t appreciate it more. Thank you so much to you & your team. I’ll be sure to pop in again & say hello next time in that neck of the woods! Take care guys & thanks again 👍🏼
Jack H . 2024-06-02
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I arrived here and my bike was wrecked. The lovely lady in the cafe rang a local in the village who gave me a lift all the way to a bike shop in Inverness to get my bike fixed. I was able to meet up with my friends in Findhorn and carry on my week long cycling trip. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME! Oh yes and the soup was really nice and it was great to see your fabulous cafe si busy and thriving. I'll be sure to call in again next time I'm passing through Tomintoul on my bike. Thank you again!
Philip A . 2024-05-26
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Fabulous little cafe in the Cairngorms. The staff are lovely and smiling even on a wet day. Would definitely recommend Food was tasty, had the soup and also catered for gluten free
Theresa J . 2024-05-23
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We always stop here for a pitstop on our way to Inverness. On a long ride from At Andrews this is a welcome break and a chance to grab a bite to eat and drink. There are always plenty of options soups,rolls,cakes etc. Great wee place, thank God it's there👍
BigDez33 . 2024-03-06
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A great stop and what everyone says about the bacon sandwiches is correct! This cafe closes from the end of September and re-opens in April. But it is not closing, although ot is up for sale in case anyone wants a change of lifestyle up in the Cairngorms National Park!
Imogen N . 2023-10-23
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I have to admit I didn't expect much here. We had been on the road for hours and were hungry, looking for somewhere to grab a bite. We went to the Whiskey Lodge first and had a tasting, then realized that there weren't really any other choices open, so we decided to give it a shot. The very limited menu had us asking if there was another restaurant in the area with a bigger menu, and the person behind the counter was so nice when she told us there wasn't, so we went ahead and ordered. Three of us had the broccoli stilton soup, and one had pancakes. The soup was off-the-charts delicious! It came with a roll, and was substantial enough to satisfy our appetites. In addition, the staff was super friendly and welcoming. We were sad to see that the restaurant was closing for the season and was for sale, because this place needs to keeping on serving!
Louise M . 2023-10-01
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We were dropped off just outside this place on a coach trip so we stayed for breakfast. Coffee was great, and we honestly had one of the best bacon sandwiches we've ever had! Great service, very welcoming. Absolutely wonderul building, contains lots of fire-fighter related paraphenalia from all over the world. The pictures of what it looked like before renovation are incredible, I'm so glad they have managed to keep this beautiful building alive! Big car park, biker and dog friendly. Quite a lot of toilets for a small place and they were very clean.
0utlier . 2023-09-23
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Stopped here for a coffee on our way through. Staff were friendly but the coffee was mediocre at best and no dairy free options.
RuthLizzy . 2023-09-22
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The Old Fire Station in Tomintoul is lovely. The staff are helpful and friendly and its a great place to stop for tea and cake. There isn't a huge range but the quality is fabulous and the location is great. Drop in to The Whisky Castle across the road, while you are there.
Bean_Limerick . 2023-07-06
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Eenvoudig maar goed. Eindelijk een fatsoendelijke koffie en niet zo’n waterige americano. Muffin was lekker vers en de bediening zeer vriendelijk
585piett . 2023-06-18
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Limited menu, a good thing though as the food was fresh and well prepared. Very efficient and friendly service. Best bacon and eggs rolls (was actually in crispy baguettes 🥖), good coffee. Nice and clean room, with interesting memorabilia. Chairs were original and very comfy. A perfect spot for hungry runners, popular with cyclists too (outdoors seating available too)
Co J . 2023-04-03
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First, I have to say my rating is not for the standard of food etc as we were unable to eat here. On a very wet lunchtime I asked if the cafe accepted dogs, whereupon I was very politely and apologetically told sorry, no. Of course it's the prerogative of the owners whether or not to allow dogs, but my point is this; Although it was peak lunchtime the cafe had no customers. It was pouring rain, no other tourists about and we and our quiet, well behaved dog would have spent about £40 there, given the chance. I'm just surprised that businesses can afford to turn away custom in the present climate
Houndwest . 2022-10-08
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On our final day in Tomintoul, we decided (6 adults and 2 children) to chance here for a ‘lite bite’ for lunch. It was an experience we shall never forget! We were aware that the menu was ‘simple’ and ‘short’ yet the bacon rolls, pancakes and lemon drizzle cake were tasty. The cafe was pristine clean. However the behaviour of the lady taking the orders can only be described as scary! Her snappy, rude and at times bullying manner is ill suited to front house duties. She shouted and demanded orders be made quickly. It was evident that the two gentlemen working the kitchen were embarrassed by her behaviour and attitude towards by visiting customers! We watched several potential diners decided against the Old Fire Station having received a similar welcome’. The teen with us felt so pressured to make a decision for lunch that she opted not to eat! Her dad realising this ordered pancakes and ice cream (some 15mins after the initial order). The pancakes were efficiently delivered by one of the men. The lady was heard to insist that she had repeatedly asked if we had finished ordering! While we tried to see the funny side of the experience and we giggled amongst ourselves, this reception is damaging to The Old Fire Station and to those colleagues who were efficient in their role, courteous and helpful. What a shame!!
GlobeTrotting592545 . 2022-08-20
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On a very hot afternoon we stopped in half an hour before closing time to sit and have a drink. The staff could not have been more welcoming, taking the time to talk to my fireman obsessed son, bringing down helmets for him to try on and telling us about how the building would have worked back when it was a fire station. Lots of interesting photos, uniforms and equipment to see around the cafe and we were pleased to find some fire engine toys to play with too.
fionaab1986 . 2022-07-20
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Quirky cafe. Owner must be new to the catering trade. Menu consists of bacon roll, bacon and cheese roll or bacon and egg roll. When I asked for sausage, I was told "we don't do them, as the boss says its too difficult". I had a roll and bacon, which was fine, but it was a baguette not a roll! Coffee? Yes "we do filter coffee, milky frothy coffee or Nescafe". Avoid the filter coffee, it had been filtered through a puddle and all the coffee taste had been removed. This is the sort of place that gives tourism in Scotland a bad name. Try the cafe across the road.
Laird O . 2022-07-20
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Was cycling Lands End to John O’Groats with 3 friends in mid June and was massively caught out with the weather. Bordering on hyperthermia, the Fire Station Tea Room in Tomintoul opened up an hour early to let us warm up and shelter from the biblical weather. They served us an excellent bacon and egg roll. Thick cut bacon and orange yolks, just what we all needed! Would highly recommend. Very welcoming and an relaxed atmosphere
Tjward . 2022-06-21
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Great bacon roll's, with realy crispy bread rolls.Good selction of roll's and pancakes, friendly service for a refreshment stop in the Cairngorm's.
peternI6763DX . 2022-06-04
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Perfect stop off enroute to Balmoral Castle. A decent cup of tea and breakfast rolls… easy to order and tasted delicious. We sat outside in the April ☀️ sunshine!
Busybee602 . 2022-04-22
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A unique unexpected experience in this fantastic village. Warm welcome and very nice frothy coffee, surrounded by memorabilia from the fire brigades of the world. A must do stop on a north east 250 road trip. Looking forward to going back.
N9411VAmarkc . 2021-12-26
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Expensive, packet soup, very limited menu and the food was awful. And to top it all, you have to pay 40p if you want sauce. The worst place I’ve eaten in a very long time.
652mhairim . 2021-11-09
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We made 2 visits in the same day (with a walk in between). The owner was helpful in recommending a local walk with beautiful views.
hjfletcher . 2021-09-26
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A bit basic, rather like a canteen but the Filter coffee was ok and hit the spot. The blueberry muffin was very nice and overall it was fine for. Quick break.
SJDevon21 . 2021-09-22
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We called in to Tomintoul to charge our car & popped into The Old Fire Station cafe at the end of the day. We had 2 filter coffees & freshly baked scones with jam. The man behind the counter was very friendly & the coffees...
768HelenH768 . 2021-09-14
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Been here more than once. Always had pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, as there isn't much else on menu. Pancakes are delicious! Seating is very plain, not too comfortable. Seems popular with bikers.
Jane L . 2019-10-31
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We stopped for a light lunch. The food was excellent and service likewise on what looked to be an exceptionally busy day. The man in charge was working like a slave but always polite, cheerful, and organised. Highly recommend this place.
outan3 . 2019-09-11
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We always stop at the Old Firestation when we are in the area, lovely coffee and egg rolls & cakes. Nice day you can sit outside and always popular with bikers.
TGTP . 2019-09-04
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Went in for a snack on the way home from holiday. Not very inviting and service ok but not friendly. Hot rolls on offer were bacon!! no sausage, black pudding etc, just bacon. Compared with the many other cafes/coffee shops visited over our holiday week...
Janis T . 2019-08-31
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Best bacon and egg roll I've had in a long time. Great big slice of crispy cake as well. Top drawer.
Matt C . 2019-08-10
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I took the time to write a review because the homemade carrot cake I got here was just absolutely delicious!! The scones looked good too but I was glad that I chose the carrot cake. We chose to eat outside because the weather was perfect....
Cwax . 2019-08-09
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Popped in on way from Inverness to Aberdeen. Looked ok from outside. However soup ("cream of leek") was clearly packet soup, watery and powdery-tasting. Asked if wanted scone or bread with soup - chose scone, but this was not included in price, which was not...
helenmarylairg . 2019-07-22
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I was delighted to find this little gem and I had just arrived in time for the cheese scones coming out of the oven. There is also an extensive menu of hot foods to choose from. Being an old firehouse there is lots of memorabilia...
joanne s . 2019-07-22
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Have heard that someone else is now running Old Firestation and are no longer open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Very disappointed a week ago, ended up in Grantown on Spey. Other half out on bike today and stopped to take phone call in car park...
Paradise38666483668 . 2019-07-15
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Over priced by far. Small containers with a thimbleful of long life milk for the tea. Uncomfortable chairs. Only because it was the first place next to the carpark that we unfortunately went in.
Dodnbunty285 . 2019-06-30
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Disappointing visit. Was having a late lunch on a very wet and cold day. The soup below average, the cheese scone was better. Arrived cold and left cold. We sadly wouldn’t make a point of returning.
TWSGkaren . 2019-05-30
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Quite disappointed today, I’ve been coming into the station as a loyal customer throughout the year and through winter too and have to say that the price of food was quite shocking today. A bacon roll at about £3.65 is far to much, then to add a slither of cheese to make it £4.15 is ridiculous.
W9031FImichaelp . 2019-05-12
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A nice tearoom that covers all the bases by offering bacon rolls, cakes, scones and more. It's not dog friendly inside but there are tables outside where consumed the scones and chocolate following our walk. Very nice.
468blackcountrybob . 2019-04-02
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We stopped in for a coffee whilst we waited for the snow gates to open hadn't had a rambouts coffee in ages was a real treat
geoffc931 . 2019-02-13
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We popped in on our way back from The Lecht ski centre - hot coffee and tasty hot soup. East parking outside. Perfect
terrygparrott . 2019-01-10
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We had pancakes with bacon and maple syrup and it was lovely! The people serving were very happy and welcoming and there were interesting things to look at and read on the walls.
EveNebbiolo . 2018-12-29
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Our visit to the Old Firestation was mixed. The girl that served us was friendly and chatty, but sadly, the food was poor quality and hugely overpriced. We had leek soup (which was not home made, but packet soup which was both watery and tasteless). We also had toasties which were basic - cheap white bread, ham, tomato and pre sliced cheese... not what you’d expect in a tourist town cafe. The cost for our lunch for 4 people was near £35! I would’ve only paid £15 for what we got - greasy spoon style food!
henny_penny_hee . 2018-10-29
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Excellent all round. We as Firemen & retired Firemen love travelling 400 miles there. Have been for years We rate it 5 stars all round, especially their date slices, we buy about a dozen.
hajie2018 . 2018-10-18
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Love the old fire station and the food as always was excellent. Had a bacon and egg roll which came on a baguette - awesome. Coffee was excellent. Proper romboulds coffee for hubby and a frothy coffer for me. This turned into two coffees and we had a long chat with the owner. Thank you so much.
405stevieh . 2018-09-11
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I noticed this place is for sale which is reflected in the staff performance. Bacon sandwich was ok but when I asked for fresh milk for the tea in lieu of the plastic stuff it was doled out like liquid gold no jug being offered. A pity really its a good site for a cafe perhaps a new owner might help.
Chris H . 2018-09-04
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Yes we could sit outside in the sunshine, lucky for us, or indoors in the gloom! Could be a really good place. Food was ok, get it anywhere sort of menu. Good parking though! Staff were friendly enough.
eggybreadUk . 2018-09-01
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We could not find a table at the other café we tried so we went across the road to the Fireman’s Café. I must say I now understand why it was so easy to get a table!
andybristol12555 . 2018-08-31
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These characters are stealing a living.
MH85 . 2018-08-18
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Travelling north , this is the first café/restaurant that you come across as you enter Tomintoul and it is also right next to a public car and bus park. You can eat inside or outside at picnic tables. The menu is as expected but our bacon and egg rolls were very good indeed. You can see the food being cooked behind the counter too. The owner serving at the till was very pleasant and efficient. Lots of home bakes too. Surprisingly good.
Tony D . 2018-08-08
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The coffee was so good I had to stop for a second cup on the way back from Inverness. Good scones and cakes, too bad it's up for sale, I really loved your fresh filtered coffee.
MIZT13 . 2018-07-30
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At time of writing, the place is up for sale. Let's hope that happens soon - although it's a lovely building, well situated for the passing traveller, sad to say the substance of the experience is currently rather poor. Our greeting by the counter girl was offhand, bordering on the rude. We took solace that subsequent visitors were treated likewise, so nothing personal. The lad in the kitchen area was pleasant enough though. Filter coffee was supplied via those awful plastic resevoirs that sit atop the cup. Freshly cooked pancakes were good but there's clearly a maple syrup shortage in Tomintoul judging by our paltry ration. It would be very sad to lose this place, but any new owners need to redeem the place with way more customer care than currently on offer.
uainegorm . 2018-07-30
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Such a friendly little café - my daughter cannot stand "runny eggs" and when we explained to the lady at the counter she replied "Oh, no problem, I just write on the order Jock's Eggs". Apparently friend Jock likes his hard and spread out too !! My husband and I enjoyed the bacon rolls - Scottish bacon is superb - and, for a nice change, these ones were served using mini baguettes instead of the usual white bap type that are used for bacon rolls. We sat outside in the sunshine at wooden picnic tables.
Rosalind P . 2018-07-21
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Im urigen Café gibt es sehr nette Kleinigkeiten, Kuchen und leckere Scones. Die Inhaber sind sehr freundlich und kundenorientiert.
Kalle H . 2018-06-18
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This is more of a basic cafe than a tea room. No teapots for tea, only mugs; no fresh milk, just horrible UHT pots; no clotted cream for scones, just whipped cream with a questionable taste. The business is up for sale, and I wonder if it's because the current owners are missing the trick. The cafe is on the main tourist route through the Highlands from Aberdeen to Inverness so could be raking it in done properly.
Liz M . 2018-06-05
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We visited on the Saturday before a Bank Holiday. The restaurant has a reasonable menu is clean and the staff are efficient and helpful. We only had sandwiches as we didn't want any more, but hey were fresh, on good bread and the filling generous. To be recommended
Edward A . 2018-05-29
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Amazing coffee and food. Friendly staff and made to feel welcome. Lovely outside seating area. Dog friendly
Richie B . 2018-05-12
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We stopped in for a quick bite to eat on our way across that area and were very pleased with our meal. The egg roll and scone were delicious and the service was friendly. I particularly loved the decor. We found our stop to be a very pleasant experience.
MKTravels5 . 2018-05-07
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Very friendly staff. Quirky fire station decor. Cafeteria style set up. Lovely coffee and bacon rolls. Tiny gripe is the charge for a sachet of sauce - in my opinion adding a little to the price of the dish would give a better impression. But I'm being picky because we enjoyed our visit and would definitely be happy to return.
EMaree15 . 2018-05-06
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We stopped as a family here on our way home from Carrbridge. An amazing place, so welcoming. Breakfast was freshly made to order with best bacon I have tasted. The pancakes, bacon & maple syrup were amazing. Great price for fantastic food.
Eleanor B . 2018-04-27
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Terrible cafe. Overpriced actoss the board. An embarrassment to the scottish tourist industry. Visited today with the family. Scone was very poor quality, ‘chef’ (?!? Really?) made a pancake for my daughter and it was of the english paper thin variety as opposed to the fluffy scottish version. Shockingly overpriced. Will never be back. Avoid avoid avoid.
Kirsty T . 2018-04-11
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Had breakfast here before our walk. Friendly service & well fried eggs in baguette. Returned after our first walk & enjoyed another large mug of tea. As a weak tea drinker, I liked the tiny saucers for depositing used teabags.
judith244 . 2018-04-11
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Popped in for a snack approximately 1 week ago. Selection very limited compared to other cafes visited in Aberdeenshire over the weeks holiday. Scones large, poor quality and expensive, too dry to eat with the 1 butter 1 jam provided. Might be better to serve smaller better quality scones? Service friendly enough, though.
Maisie-Jane . 2018-04-04
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What a load if rubbish some people put in here and no surprise to find a lot from southern England. I live in Tomintoul and you come up to our village expecting flash menus, this is not London. Fact is is that this is a...
mike j . 2018-01-28
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If I could give less than one star I would. Where to start! 60p to use a credit card, no matter the cost, 40p for some ketchup, then 50p to use the toilet if not a customer. (they shut both toilets to avoid cleaning all...
SimonHunter . 2017-11-19
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Wir waren für Kaffe, Kakao und Kuchen am Nachmittag dort. Service war super nett und Speisen waren zudem schmackhaft. DAs...
vdv-sg . 2017-11-17
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When I read some of the negative reviews I must say that the word "pedantic" sprang instantly to mind. I mean - to get into a lather re whether a baguette is a roll or not is a tad sad. Personally, we were happy to...
johnhouston2 . 2017-10-31
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Great wee place (it's actually quite large). Great selection of menu items - hot rolls, filled sandwiches etc. Oooo - and there's tempting cakes n things. Lovely couple managing, cooking and serving. Took the opportunity to 'use the facilities' - clean, dependable and all one...
Peroni10 . 2017-10-06
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In spite of the rash of terrible customer service reviews - we have to say the folks who served us were good humoured and gave us a few chuckles. The "frothy" coffee is a bit expensive, for sure, considering it is made with instant coffee....
Richard M . 2017-09-24
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Whatever you do and no matter how hungry you are, DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME going to this tearoom. It is truly ghastly!! We were staying nearby and needed some breakfast before heading off to a distillery tour. Upon arriving, we were told "the menu's...
Ewan A . 2017-09-16
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Do not go to this place - such bad customer service and manners. We paid £11.55 for 2 bacon "rolls" and two drinks - well overpriced!!!!! It was not a roll but a baguette, not what we were after at all. You don't even get...
PianoGill . 2017-09-16
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horrible food. Very little choice and VERY expensive. I will not be going back. £4.50 for a pancake with two slices of bacon. Complete rip off. Don't waste your time, so many people complaining in the short time I was there and the person behind...
beckycook001 . 2017-09-02
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Worst place in scotland for a bacon roll and coffee. Read a few of the recent reviews at one star. All true. The owner has no idea, guess this is his first restaurant/cafe...50p for credit card, 24 quid for a couple of coffees and bacon...
John A . 2017-08-27
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Don't go here. The owner is a miserly, miserable scammer with zero manners and even less customer service skills. I asked for a latte and a bowl of soup please. He said no you can't, we don't do those pretentious coffees here. Okay then I...
Jungle63 . 2017-08-26
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No wonder it has a sign for sale on the window!!! Was really looking forward to a treat but coffee was instant and then UHT milk....really! Scone was just about passable but only one pat of butter and the cheapest of pre packed jam....very overpriced..
ewe125 . 2017-08-17
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Just stopped here on our way to Aviemore for a coffee and a cake. Really friendly lady who served us and I think she was the owner. Home made cake was delicious and lovely coffee, but the friendly chat made all the difference.
Bob T . 2017-08-13
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Stopped for coffee, nothing special, very poor selection of cakes, no effort to cater for a gluten free diet. Its quite a quirky place lots of fire station memorabilia which is interesting, however I am not keen on the clothes hanging above the tables on the roof maybe that's just me but I found it very off-putting. Would not be in a hurray to go back.
Lynn M . 2017-08-03
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Dark, dingy and old-fashioned place in desperate need of some care. Such a shame as in a great location. Food and drink overpriced for quality.
lpeg500 . 2017-08-03
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At 4pm after visiting The Whisky Castle I felt in need of a bacon sandwich. This together with a mug of tea restored equilibrium nicely.The cafe itself is fine if functional, we were greeted pleasantly, our order taken and the food was well up to standard. As the cafe is called The Old Fire Station there is some firefighting memorabilia on display.Totally unpretentious honest food and service.
paul6111 . 2017-07-29
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Leckere Pancakes und Breakfast Rolls. Sehr freundliche Bedienung und angemessene Preise runden das Angebot ab.
Gerrit L . 2017-07-25
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Went here today for the first time (group of four) for cake and coffee and found it to be quite good. They also cater well for ceoliacs with a lovely meringue. Lots of parking nearby. Toilets are clean and well stocked.
Andrew B . 2017-07-21
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Visited for a quick cup of tea. The place was virtually empty and it lacked atmosphere. Our tea was nothing special, Service was O.K. We wondered why two of the three toilets were closed, notices on the doors said closed for the winter, but it's summer now. Puzzling.
Vancatwoman . 2017-07-19
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Very interesting tea room set in an old fire station loads of interesting fire station memorabilia and a great cup of tea.
ChristopherMcP . 2017-07-19
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We go past Tomintoul now and again and on this occasion, decided to go into the town after a weekend of mountain biking, hillwalking and wild camping. A decent coffee was definitely in order and from the outside, this place looked nice enough. I didn't pay too much attention to the decor simply because we weren't going to sit in. I did, however, have a look at the cakes but they didn't look that great so we didn't bother. Drinks were ordered but by the time we spotted what they were being made from it was too late. Yes, it was Nescafe instant coffee. Ok so the milk was frothy I'll give them that but seriously?? Instant coffee?? I could have made that myself on my camping stove for a few pence. Now I might have forgiven them for this if it had been cheap but it wasn't. It cost more than you would pay in the likes of Costa or Starbucks and the cups were smaller too. And the icing on the cake was the 60p charge for ALL card transactions. Note that the only ATM in Tomintoul charges £1.85 for a withdrawal, the closest free one is in Grantown-On-Spey. I drank the coffee but the only positive thing to note is that it was hot. Very disappointing.
suzysparkle . 2017-07-11
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I have been stopping in here on my way to Inverness every few weeks now for about a year - its about half way point for a coffee. To be honest I'am not usually fussy when it comes to coffee even if it's on the expensive side. To be clear, the only reason I stop here is because it's usually got a space outside and Iam always in a hurry but today was the last time I ever spend a penny in there. I asked for a latte today and was told they can't make them but can offer a 'frothy coffee' instead - no problem for me so said yes. When it came to pay for my two frothy coffees the total was £7.20!!! I thought I'd heard wrong and took the time to double check the menu as I couldn't believe the price. When I asked the woman if that was correct she said it was because they were made purely with milk and coffee! I don't know where these guys are buying their milk from but if thats the genuine reason they need to change supplier! For this price I would also expect some real coffee not instant.
Gilan K . 2017-06-01
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This is a lovely spot for a meet with friends on a bike run through Scotland.Great variety of coffee and cakes and chuck in friendly staff and it's a gem.
deborah r . 2017-05-14
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Visited with friends who were home bakers so the cakes and scones came under close scruitiny. Mine was what you'd expect from a café. Service was friendly. The really interesting thing about this old fire station is the memorabilia. It's actually more like a small museum and has been laid out so you can study exhibits without bothering other diners. A bit of a surprising find. It has the advantage of being next to a large car park and is central for other attractions in Tomintoul.
Strandedquine . 2017-05-11
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It always amazes me that cafés still serve instant coffee. It's normally the ones in the middle of nowhere, but this is in a village with competition.Two options for coffee, filter or large. Not normal filter, perhaps drip filtered or percolated, both completely acceptable, but those hideous plastic single serve things - "proudly served". Luckily I ordered the large, and my disappointment was confirmed when I saw the instant being spooned into the mug.It's not cheap, £3.50 for a bacon roll, although in their defence it was a good bacon roll. The whole ethic of the place is wrong. Charging for sauce sachets, and a warning sign about charging non customers for the use of the toilet is a joke. It's everything that is wrong with customer service in rural Scotland.The carrot cake was nice enough, but if you have to wrap it in cling film then its freshness concerns me.
AlasdairMc . 2017-05-04
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A very warm welcome was given by the joyful and friendly staff. Lovely place. Good teas and coffees. Cakes a bit disappointing though but just ok.
poya005 . 2017-05-01
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Eclectic mix of fire paraphernalia, but more importantly, a great cafe with fresh sandwiches, soup and other great offerings
martin b . 2017-04-13
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Stopped off for lunch,not much choice if you don't like cakes.Finally settled for a toastie, which was ok, my wife had pancakes which turned out to be one only!Service not very quick and the bill was way overpriced, so won't be back---not to be recommended.
MARTINBLANKENSTEIN . 2017-04-03
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Agree on other comments about pushy staff. Arrived mid afternoon to have quite honestly the most expensive two cups of milky white coffee that I've ever paid in the Uk. To make matters worse while trying to enjoy the spring sunshine in the outside patio we had to endure thick acrid smoke from one of their neighbours gardens. To top it off although I'd paid for the coffees when my wife entered the cafe to ask where the toilet was she was directed to the public toilets down the road. A lot to learn in customer service.
greg4bs . 2017-04-01
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Cafe was empty of clientel when we arrived today (Sunday lunchtime). No wonder. Basic food and high prices. Charged for using a debit card, charged for a small sachet sauce on top of price for meal. Quite pushy lady behind food counter. By that I mean given no time to settle just got in the door and asked what we wanted, didn't have time to look for a menu! Then when giving our order " is that all nothing else" Not the best for customer relations. Again no wonder it was empty. Halfway through our meal an elderly couple came in and asked for ice creams, the reply to that was " Really want that I hate using that machine" For a place that relies on passing trade and tourism I suggest they sell up and start another business other than catering. Place to avoid.
borntotravel59 . 2017-03-26
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We'd been to the Old Firestation previously and enjoyed it. As ever the reception was warm and friendly and the service prompt. You watch the food being prepared - which is always reassuring. Whilst waiting for the food the history is interesting - lots of memorabilia to peruse. The food, when it arrives, is beautiful and the service professional and friendly. For such a small village to have this jewel on the one side of the street and the Whisky Castle on the other is quite staggering. Take the time to stop if you're passing through - you'll be pleased you did.
Gary H . 2017-03-02
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We only entered as all other cafes in Tomintoul were shut or had stopped serving food. The food was basic and pricy. The suspect "frothy coffee" was inaccurately priced and made with instant coffee - disregarding the adjacent espresso machine. The room was cold. The server was dismissive and unfriendly.An expensive and un-enjoyable lunch. Don't go here. Travel to a different village if you have to.
Treadgold . 2017-02-15
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On a cold day we visited for hot drinks and cake.The hot chocolate was delicious as were the cakes.. The proprietors were very friendly and helpful, chatting to us and offering leaflets about other attractions.A real fire in the corner made it very welcoming too. Highly recommended.
jac L . 2016-12-07
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Well worth stopping at this eatery. The owners were so friendly and offered a wide range of food.The place would be great for 'Firefighter' enthusiasts with loads of memorabilia adorning the place..Spotlessly clean.I wish the owners well in their forthcoming retirement.
antis . 2016-11-28
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We were just driving through this small village, but stopped for some shopping, until found this interesting small bar / restaurant, which offered very splendid soup & other food, at the late afternoon. These can be warmly recommended, as the service was polite, warm and feeling like you have just come home. Place itself is covered with plenty of accessories & equipment of fire brigade, because house has been - a fire station - in past history.
JaakkoTapio . 2016-11-12
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