Based on 200 opinions finded in 1 websites
Opinions
A great idea. Community supporting each other. Simple filling lunches and good selection of coffee and baked goods. Really helpful staff
Companion596155 . 2023-09-14
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What a great idea and really lovely cakes and scones. Coffee was great quality. No payment, just donations. Run by volunteers. It’s a great ethos and worth supporting! Not sure about the neg comments. Bakes were really nice and well presented. Staff were great, we don’t always know what other people are experiencing so shouldn’t be so quick to criticise. I can see this would be a life line for many in different ways.
Ina682016 . 2022-09-16
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We wondered in looking for a late, simple lunch. The staff were all friendly and accommodating. I believe we were the only non-local people in the restaurant, which helped add to its charm. The food is a simple fare but all done very well. We would definitely go back when in the area.
Coyote-Travelerz . 2022-06-04
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I visited the cafe today with my aunt and I asked for a takeaway I put the order in when I arrived and 1 and half hours later the woman came and called me to the door and in front of everyone she told me i I was taking the piss with her i replied that I had never taken the piss with anyone to which she replied you always take the P[ss and it stops here and now. I burst into tears and the woman kept up her tirade and threatening stance and the string of abuse was totally uncalled for and unnecessary she was cruel and vicious in the end I went outside and tried to calm down. Me and my aunt got in the taxi and stopped at the bins at home and binned the food as I was too upset and angry to take it to the people it was for I won;t complain about staff members Angie, Matryn ,Estelle or Annie or Ruth also the young boys who help there are very kind and helpful the staff mentioned above are very kind very friendly and very helpful and pleasant they cannot be faulted but as the SAYING GOES IT ONLY TAKES ONE BAD APPLE TO SPOIL THE BARREL The staff insisted I have the takeaway to take home but the day was totally spoiled for me and my aunt who is 70 years old and a very good Christion and avoids confrontation and bad language. This totally upset her and she cried when we got home not for herself but for the way I was treated by this staff member who insisted that I had sixteen cakes to take away all the others knew this was not true and I told her look in the box you will see one cake as that is all I asked for but she knew she was wrong and refused to look personally I don;t think she should be working in a public place and that she needs help perhaps with her anger she should get anger management classes I have never felt so abused in my life. I even helped as a volunteer but never again I am a very annoued and dissatisfied customer who loved going to the cafe to catch up with mates now I know there is a chance we may not won't be allowed back inside.Anytime I have a takeaway I always make a donation usually a £20 for the food.
simon l . 2022-05-07
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Always a warm welcome here. You will be delighted with the coffee and cakes which are freshly baked by a member of the team. If you are looking for something else I can recommend their bacon rolls and homemade soup. Probably the best customer service in Thurso. Highly recommended.
Elaine . 2022-01-23
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7 of us piled in an hour before closing, met with a lovely atmosphere, accommodating staff and great warm food. They fed us and gave us food to take on the road. Couldn't recommend enough to anyone looking for a wee place to stop off.
joelyn586 . 2021-10-30
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We called in for coffee and cake and were made to feel very welcome. Everyone was very friendly and it was cosy and most welcoming on a wet day. We will be back most definitely. Incidentally I think the coffee was the best served in Thurso. They offer a great service to the community.
elainegH9158WX . 2021-09-30
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Pleasant cafe run by local community church volunteers. All food and cake homemade. Staff very friendly especially Estelle. Payment is by donation only and all proceeds are put towards feeding local care home residents. What a lovely idea! Coffees are just as good as any coffee shop and cakes are better!! Definitely worth a visit. Don’t take any notice of TripAdvisor if it says it is closed. It wasn’t! Lovely. Keep up the good work.
Discover58504101557 . 2021-09-06
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We stumbled across this cafe whilst visiting Thurso. We found a good selection of food and cake which was delicious.we were served by a very friendly colourful member of staff who made us very welcome. There is no prices for food and drink, you just pay what you think is best (a difficult concept to me to grasp as I did not want to be getting it wrong and paying too little). Overall an enjoyable coffee and cake stop.
X5680DEalanb . 2021-07-10
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Ein Regenschauer beim Strandspaziergang treibt uns in das Community Cafe auf einen Pot Tea. Das Cafe ist gut besucht, die im Cafe für Kinder eingerichtete Spielecke wird genutzt. Die Bestellung erfolgt an der Theke, der Tea wird an den Tisch gebracht. Die Überraschung gibt es beim Bezahlen: Das Community Cafe wird von einem Verein ehrenamtlich betrieben und es gibt keine Preise für die Speisen und Getränke. Jeder darf zahlen, so viel er möchte und kann - ein unterstützenswertes Konzept für das wir gerne ein paar Pfund mehr in die Bezahlbox schmeißen, denn es kommt den Menschen zu Gute, die sich sonst eine heiße Tasse Kaffee oder einen Pot Tea oder eine Kleinigkeit zu Essen nicht leisten könnten! Bevor wir gehen, kommen wir mit dem Personal noch ins Gespräch und bekommen ein paar gute Tipps für sehenswerte Ausflüge hier in der Region Caithness - danke dafür. Die Menschen, die sich hier engagieren und das Konzept, dass hier im Thurso Community Cafe umgesetzt wird, haben uns beeindruckt und verdienen deshalb ein "Ausgezeichnet".
henriko539 . 2019-09-09
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While on holiday doing the north coast 500. On a breezy wet day after walking our dogs on the beach. We came across this lovely wee cafe. Well maintained outside, loved the theme inside with surf boards mounted lovely twinkly lights hanging. We ordered hot food teas n coffee. Mini breakfast was fantastic, which was some size. Soup n panni lovely too. Big pot a tea n a decent size mug for coffee. Great selection of cakes too which were delicious too. Staff were polite well mannered n nothing was a bother. Toilet was clean n tidy, changing facilities for babies even noticed there were nappies in there too. Will definitely be back when on holiday again. Open Monday Tuesday Wednesday n Friday 10-2pm KW14 8DE.
Aileen M . 2019-07-17
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Wonderful place now, much better with volunteers than paid staff! Also payment by donation is good for people on low incomes!
Alan C . 2019-07-12
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Stopped by for a coffee and a scone which was ok-ish. The service however is something else. The woman behind the counter seemed like she didn’t want to be there. No communication worth mentioning. Hard stares. Surely if you choose to work in a place like this, even if you volunteer, you should have some people skills?! All the good there might be is overshadowed by the grim service you get at this cafe!
AmicaC57 . 2019-02-04
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Recently popped in here for a quick lunch. Exterior looks like a greasy spoon and the interior isn’t much better. Could do with a refurb. Initial service was very poor. Staff member didn’t seem to want to be there. When I went back with a jug of milk which had bits floating in there was no apology or words spoken. A fresh jug was given grudgingly. The food quality wasn’t actually that bad. The homemade coleslaw and salad was very tasty as were the toasted panini’s but the whole experience was let down by the member of staff. Customer toilets need a lot of attention as there was no hand soap and the hand towel was lying on the floor.
gregorm356 . 2018-08-18
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I was part of a group that had booked a table. When we got there, the staff had no knowledge of our booking. As there was little room for us inside, we sat on the benches outside. When one of our party sat down, the seat collapsed under her and it was clear the wood had rotted and the outdoor seating had not been properly maintained. When our food arrived it was close to inedible, and after eating some of it I began to feel a bit queasy. The staff were unhelpful and surly. There are plenty of good places to eat in Thurso, but this isn't one of them. Avoid.
Kevin C . 2018-08-16
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This place could be a goldmine but it only caters for retirees or people who don't work as it closes ar 4pm every day! Even during the Summer when when locals and tourists are around later than 4 o'clock it's closed! Doesn't make sense
Paddymaginty . 2018-07-10
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A relaxed spot in Thurso for a cup of coffee with a lot of cake choice. Nice atmosphere. Close to the sea so you can ready yourself for a bracing walk after you indulge.
Em8C . 2018-07-10
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Staff I thought was very helpful, have had tea and scones, cakes all really lovely, been in many times and would recommend it to others
Fiona B . 2018-07-09
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popped in for a quick cuppa.It was very busy,lots of families dining out in the sunshine,We chose a bit of shade and took a window seat in the cafe.Cafe friendly and comfortable, the scones were delicious and the raspberry jam tasted and looked home made ,would definitely go again.
Hilda M . 2018-07-09
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Food in here is pretty good, the breakfasts were legendary although possibly not quite so reliably fantastic these days. The cheese scones are still fantastic though and the tray bakes and cakes are a treat for the very sweet-toothed. Downside is that the tables are very (VERY) slow in being cleared and the service can be distinctly disinterested (to be polite about it!)
Takoronga . 2018-06-26
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Lovely staff, lovely coffee, awesome scone - wish I had longer, I would have stayed for lunch too! Nice and quiet place, loads of free parking for cars, campers, bikes
AlickM9 . 2018-06-20
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Stopped by after the Stromness Ferry, but this is definitely a place to avoid! The customer service was very rude. Not worth the food quality!
Merle Marie A . 2018-06-11
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Wonderful food and coffee as long as you can spare an hour or so to wait for it to arrive. If you are looking for a quick eat please pass on this one. Hopefully they can improve service times and this would be a great little cafe!!
ilovehorsemeat . 2018-05-27
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Huge pieces of home baking , could nt resist several visits , the Victoria sponge was just delicious
Margaret K . 2018-04-22
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Visited a couple of times and on each occasion there was a friendly welcome. All the food was home cooked from local produce and although plain of a very good standard. Good value for money and would return again
garyjeb . 2018-04-10
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Sauntered in with my Mother after exploring the north coast. To cut a long story short we did not expect as good a soup and a scone as we recieved. It honestly was fantastic. The size of the scone was huge and it really did taste amazing. Loads of cheese through it and full of flavour. The soup was hearty and full of bits.
Kristofer C . 2018-04-04
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Da alle Fish and Chips Buden am Sonntag geschlossen waren, konnten wir hier unseren Hunger stillen. Sowohl die herzhaften Paninis als auch der Kuchen und die Cupcakes waren sehr lecker. Service nicht ganz so freundlich, wie man es von den Schotten gewohnt ist, aber trotzdem empfehlenswert.
Kerstin S . 2018-03-25
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Lovely little cafe with plenty of freshly made menu and ingredients. Lovely decorations and a great atmosphere
ReamonnH . 2018-03-05
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Morgan was more than helpful when we arrived at this cafe a little late. The layout was similar to most beach side cafes. The girls on duty were fantastically helpful the food was different but delightful.
Bioeddie . 2018-02-17
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This is a lovely cafe that you feel relaxed in. Great cake, soup and snacks in general. They have toys for kids to play with which is good although i did not have children with me the ones who were there liked them. The service is usually quick and pleasant. The place is not expensive for the portion size and you can get food to take out if you are in a hurry or can not finish your cake ( not a problem in my case). Well worth the visit.
Melged2017 . 2018-01-21
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Friendly service, lovely home baking and good quality coffee. Great wee place to sit and weather watch and enjoy the ever-changing sea-view. No loud music or being pestered by over-bearing staff. Really nice.
littledormouse . 2018-01-19
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had lunch there in the summer it was great the soup was so tasty and the sandwich great did not have room for a cake but they looked amazing. have also had breakfast there twice and the bacon rolls are the best I have had. The waitresses are all so friendly and Amy was great
PAULINE S . 2017-11-06
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Placed an order, 2 cheese scones, steak baguette and fries, along with drinks.
Cllr Neil M . 2017-10-31
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Had a lovely breakfast here with a good choice of items and nice big portions. Service could have been quicker but everything that arrived was hot and tasty. Great little cafe.
MelbB5555 . 2017-10-15
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Coffee was undrinkable and the place was dirty what more is there to say except you guys need to try a lot harder!
Alan S . 2017-09-28
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Visited the Tempest Cafe whilst out walking. We waited some time for our coffee and snack and when it arrived it was disappointing. The waitress was thoroughly miserable and overall the cafe did not seem particularly clean. Would not go out of my way to visit again
Thelma A . 2017-09-11
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Der Kaffee ist für Schottische Verhältnisse gut. Die Kuchenauswahl war bei unserem Besuch gross und die beiden Stücke die wir auswählten sehr lecker.
Mathias J . 2017-09-09
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Out for a walk and stopped here for an afternoon snack. We both had a bacon roll and a cup of tea. Enjoyed sitting outside to eat. Food average but no complaints about food or service.
Bob F . 2017-09-08
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I went to Tempest Cafe in early August before embarking on a walk across to Thurso Castle. Its a small cafe situated down at the harbour and appears to have a vague surfing theme. I had a prawn roll with salad with a pot of peppermint tea. The tea arrived promptly but the roll took ages to appear so much so that the older lady serving had to go and chase it up. She seemed to be having issues getting the younger staff to co-operate which was unfortunate. She did ask me if i wanted another pot of tea as i had finished half of the first one by the time by the prawn roll arrived. A redeeming feature was the appearance of the mint Aero cheesecake I ordered. That was brilliant and I would highly recommend it (and the other cakes and scones which are home baked i believe) if you go there.
Andy W . 2017-08-27
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A perfectly positioned cafe just before the Pier and close by the fish market. Good selection of cakes,coffees and light bites for the weary traveller. Worthy of a visit when visiting Thurso and getting away from the high street with easy parking and cracking views across the mouth of the River Thurso.Just be careful on the opening times as they close early evening around 4 pm.
Robert B . 2017-08-23
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We called in for coffee and it was pretty good. Food available looked good but we weren't ready to eat. The location is good, overlooking the river. Despite it not being busy when we arrived some tables hadn't been cleared or wiped. In the toilets they are trying to be a bit classy and provide small terry towels to dry your hands. However they had been scattered over the room. Such a facility needs some management to ensure it is presented nicely. This place does seem to be popular with locals, which says something
301lisa33 . 2017-08-21
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fab cakes and coffee at good prices was great to see some great unfrozen pudding and cake, wish there where more places like this!!!
Ann M . 2017-08-11
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Brill wee cafe with great fresh food and service. Lovely fresh cakes and great atmosphere. Lovely spot over looking a brill wave!
Pam S . 2017-08-08
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Popped in for something to eat but we had coffee first and three cups and three saucers were filthy with old coffee stains, lip marks on the cups from previous customers and the spoons were stained. The table was dirty, the condiments were filthy and covered in grease and hair, so was the sugar pot. Because of this we thought it best not to order food. Popped to the loo (shared male/female), this too was beyond disgusting, the loo was filthy and covered in urine and hair with dust and stains all over the cistern. There wasn't any soap to wash your hands or towels to dry them so the staff here are obviously making food after they have used the loo and haven't been able to wash their hands, gross. Won't be back after witnessing this.
ATraveller72 . 2017-08-02
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We stopped here on the final day of our LeJog cycle ride. Hungry and tired, the range of cakes and good coffee fuelled us up for the final push to John O'Groats. The staff were friendly with just the right amount of attitude. The order did take 5-10 mins to arrive, but the coffee was freshly brewed and hot so no complaints.
Graham D . 2017-07-28
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stopped in for a coffee on a very wet Saturday. nice atmosphere and comfy chairs available. The large lattes were fabulous, took a while to arrive but they were hot and delicious. Also tried the fruit scones which were also great.
PollyAbderdeenshire . 2017-07-17
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What a difference a few years makes: I was visiting my in-laws a couple of years back and came here - loved it. Visited recently and I was not particularly impressed - expensive for the region and member of staff who served me (20 something I would say) obviously did not want to be there - hardly the best advert for the place. It was not at all busy but still waited 20 minutes for a brace of coffee and a couple of slices of cake. As a former chef I am fully aware of the oft-quoted mantra "We serve good food, not fast food" - but this and the stroppy staff member have soured my opinion. Thurso needs tourist revenue now that the plant at Dounreay has gone - it needs a new source of income: this might just be a cafe but what if this poor attitude and approach to serving your customers is the main memory that visitors take away from Thurso? Pull your socks up.
Taffthedigger . 2017-07-14
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States there are gluten free options in the description however when going in they couldnt have been more unhelpful!
Lisa H . 2017-07-12
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Emailed them weeks before about surfboard rentals they emailed us back said they have shortboards and foam boards. We arrive from Los Angeles she walks me to storage where the boards are open in the storage door shows me the boards and wetsuits 10 feet a way .SHE SAYS OH THERE SOME BOXES IN THE WAY SORRY. SHE DIDN'T BOTHER TO GET THEM FOR US OR LET US MOVE THEM FOR US. STRAIGHT LAZY AND COULDN'T BE BOTHERED HORRIBLE.
Wick715 . 2017-06-29
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Stopped off for a late lunch on a Sunday in the far north of Scotland, at what looked at first like a bit of a greasy spoon. Best coffee I've had in a long time. Good cheeseburger (wish I'd read the reviews here first, and I'd have been more adventurous and tried the chicken & haggis combo!). And yes, free wifi , comfy chairs, friendly staff, and a range of toys for kids.
SusanSPsych . 2017-06-25
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Hübsch eingerichtet und einen Besuch wert. Speisen und Getränke sind lecker. Preise sind angemessen und das Personal sehr freundlich.
Luca L . 2017-06-11
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Did a great cake and hot chocolate. Nothing posh but totally would stop there again if passing. Think they do breakfasts and lunches
Skeeter-Skeeterson . 2017-06-06
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A friend and I went here to grab some lunch whilst we were out exploring Caithness, but unfortunately, I couldn't eat anything! I'm both vegetarian and gluten-free (for medical reasons) and there was literally nothing that I could eat. Not a single GF cake, biscuit, soup, nothing. I asked if the chips were gluten-free but the staff just seemed confused by the question. "Yes, they're vegetarian" she answered. Ummm, what? Do you fry anything with gluten in the same fryer? " No, we don't have meat in it" What?? Eventually I managed to find out that they just have the one fryer, so chicked nuggets etc all get done in the same fryer as the chips.Just the coffees then...cheers. Bit disppointing, as I was pretty hungry! The coffee wasn't even that great and the place was very loud. Then a Christian band arrived and we gave up and left. After all, we were still hungry! Trip to the Co-op it was.
SWest2016 . 2017-06-03
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We love this place, the foods great and they have a toy corner for kids. Relaxed atmosphere and very friendly staff. The coffee's good too.
Gem109 . 2017-05-23
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Comfortable, community cafe near Thurso harbour serving good coffee. The cakes looked good too but no room to try them
weekender79584 . 2017-05-16
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We nearly passed this one, Mrs Ferritt being slightly put off by the greasy spoon-style exterior. However we went in and were surprised that it was a surfer dude hangout with style. Amazing décor, comfy armchairs of all types, incredible home-made cakes and perfectly OK coffee. What's not to love about this place? And free WiFi too.
Mitchin . 2017-05-15
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Looking for a nice quirky cafe for lunch. Tempest is a great find. Great selection, and generous portions. Cheese scone was delicious. Toblerone traybake looked AMAZING! Great service!
Andy S . 2017-05-13
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On our recent visit to Thurso and beyond we used this cafe twice and would recommend.Nice atmosphere and basic but good food which went down well with great coffee.Service was not very quick but we didn't care
NJS707 . 2017-05-11
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We arrived 10min before they were due to close. staff were cleaning up. However they made us very welcome and made some fantastic sandwiches for our very late lunch.
Duncan G . 2017-05-08
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Our son is a surfer and used to visit Thurso often and kept saying we should visit. That was 25 years ago, well now we've been. We had really good coffee and 2 awesome scones with jam which were very good.
Peter M . 2017-05-01
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We popped in here for refreshments on the way from Durness to John O'Groats. It was fairly busy being mid afternoon. The service was very slow it took almost half an hour to be served with a pot of tea and cake for two, this was after having already paid for it. I wiped the table over as it had not been done, we felt invisible! They professed to have internet that was free and available it was not available...We were about to leave when our order arrived, we thanked the waitress to which we got no reply! this is not the way I would conduct business.
dawnandalan . 2017-04-20
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Lovely little cafe by the river, excellent food and service. Very accommodating with my request for a salad which wasn't on the menu. Really tasty meal with homemade coleslaw and brought home lovely homemade scones. Cakes looked delicious
Sue I . 2017-04-13
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Big breakfast, quick service. Waitresses need to be a bit more attentive to clearing tables. Maybe this had been an exceptionally busy day. Good coffee and scones
Lorross . 2017-04-11
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Headed to Tempest for lunch by the harbour. Mildly intrusive music and a longish wait, and the staff seemed slightly sceptical about my request for a bread free version, but the food when it came was really very good - chicken panini ( without the panini) was a big portion of perfectly moist chicken( Seemingly freshly cooked) with cheese and bacon, decent salad and good potato wedges. And enough for a surfer after a hard morning freezing in a wet suit in Thurso bay ( not that I had). So if you are in Thurso and looking for lunch ( or coffee and cake, though I'm not sure that any of the cake is gluten free) it's worth a short and blustery walk down to the harbour.
Susie H . 2017-04-10
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The food was rubbish, bacon cold,potato wedges cold,hot chocolate was more like hot water,I asked for jam waitress came with it her thumb was in the jam
willie593 . 2017-04-02
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Great little venue Up North by the harbour in Thurso....nice and chilled...a hang out for the local surfers.
Stroober . 2017-03-23
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Found this place by accident, what a gem, it's situated at Thurso Harbour and has a beach shack feel to it. It's warm and comfortable with free wifi. Decoration is interesting, surf boards hung on the walls. Menu is quite extensive, but we were there specifically for breakfast. Breakfast was hot and tasty, freshly cooked, good selection of items, washed down with a large pot of hot tea. The cake selection looked inviting but that will have to be another day.
Karen M . 2017-03-14
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Very busy with locals, which is always a good sign. Reasonably priced food and friendly staff. Easy to find, and loads of parking outside. I believe they have music nights here too.
Maria W . 2017-02-14
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One of the best quality breakfasts I've had in Thurso. Plenty of choices and reasonably priced. Would definatly recommend a try.
Williemac32 . 2017-02-13
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Visited today for coffee and cake. Despite it only being 11am, and not busy the floor was slippy( wasn't raining !!)and the tables were grubby. I had to clear the piles of crumbs and the napkins I used were black afterwards. I also noticed that dirty cups etc were stacked next to the cakes that were for sale. An extractor fan would be good to remove food smells / steam. The scones though were excellent!
ac w . 2017-01-06
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An interesting place. Most food items not available by late afternoon a busy day, but we were happy with the homemade burger and wedges. Excellent food! Delicious cake the following day and a large cappuccino to take-away. Food prices higher than most places.
VesuviusAlberta . 2017-01-02
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Over the past few years I've been coming up to Thurso a lot, often more than once or twice a year. The Tempest has always been a regular stop for decent food, however, I feel that of late, they think they are in a major resort, as the prices are astronomical! For a burger, a cheese and onion panini, a latte and a can of soft drink, it was over £20! A large proportion of this was £1.95 for the soft drink! £1.95 for a soft drink from a multipack that stated not to be sold separately! This was my last visit, no matter how good the food, it doesn't justify the price!
Dave Q . 2016-11-09
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Tempest is a welcoming little cafe that does good food and deadly cakes. Breakfasts are hearty, soups healthy and the cakes... Well. Let's just say you probably won't need any dinner if you pop in for lunch. Always buzzing and you might see seals where the river meets the sea out front.
ThatSharpy . 2016-11-02
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We always enjoy a trip to the cafe tempest. The food is always brilliant and very fairly priced. It's a lovely cafe for lunch. I really love the decor and if I was taking anyone or going to lunch with anyone I would definitely recommend this cafe. I always enjoy my food here.
madhatterukuk . 2016-10-14
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Amazing cakes and hot hoclates. I reccomebd the brownies! Next tot the beach what more could you ask!
Surfergirlgj . 2016-10-02
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I stopped here whilst waiting for the ferry to orkney. I had the 10 piece piece breakfast and I was delighted with it. Best breakfast I've had in a long time!!
Duncankotlewski . 2016-09-25
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We stopped off here on our way to John O'Groats. This is an excellent privately run cafe with a wide menu. The Hunters chicken burger was very tasty with excellent chips. Attractive interior with lots of relaxed seating. Recommended.
Howard M . 2016-09-09
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Lovely friendly establishment.Fast service & good hot tasty food. Highly recommend a visit. Breakfasts also served.
RattyBen . 2016-08-28
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Took the family here for brunch and had a great meal for the price. Menu is burger orientated but has variety of meal on offer.
DDMK1968 . 2016-08-19
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You won't regret going in here. Food is straightforward and very tasty. Nice coffee. Fast service. Reasonable prices.
Christine P . 2016-08-19
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This is a lovely place to eat apart from the problem of coming out smelling of food on your clothes! There is no extraction fan or no separation between the customers and food preperation so don't wear good clothes when you dine here as you come out smelling of the food that was prepared while you were in. This place would be even more popular if they could sort this problem out. Lovely place apart from that.
Paddymaginty . 2016-08-12
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I come here every week. the café serves excellent food. I had a lovely all day breakfast, it was excellent and the service was amazing. I love taking my family here and they love it too.
margowallis79 . 2016-08-11
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Tables needed a good wipe but food always good value, and freshly made. It is our go to place when in Thurso.
cathpelleymounter . 2016-08-02
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I visited the Tempest with my Husband for lunch at around noon on the 21st July 2016. As the other reviews stated it looks pretty much like a shed from the outside, inside was not bad although it did look like it would benefit from a good clean. We did have to wait around 30 minutes for our food but when it came it was very nice. My husband was very impressed with his burger, as you could tell it was homemade and was cooked to perfection. I ate a Chicken Tikka panini which was very nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We would visit again but only if the Blue Door Diner is not open. That establishment is only 2 miles from the Tempest and is better.
Diane D . 2016-07-20
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we wal ked off the harbour toward what looked like s shed, we walked into the building and noticed the basic but very clean looking interior.a very pleasant lady served us some very tasty food, all home made she said proudly.justifyably to her cooking was excellrny. although the building looked old the food was excellet.
Taffyby . 2016-07-17
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Its with great sadness i write this as im always a fan of this place, but our visit today is a disappointment!!!! Its 3pm in the afternoon and my husband and I decided to come down for a coffee and cake, on arriving 2 staff are outside at the tables having cigarettes in there aprons, which I find very off putting. The one member of staff inside was very good but the kitchen and sink area is a dump site, spillages and food everywhere. None of the regular senior staff there which i think shows. We sat at a table near a window at the end of the building but every table has food waste or dirty plates etcI think being 3pm in the afternoon we were a inconvenience!!!! Our service reflected that and what was on our plate wasn't usual standard either sadly!!!!!
Chamb1511 . 2016-07-05
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This is a great chill out place by the river and has good food and has friendly efficient staff. The building can possibly do with a redecorate but is no problem as shown by its high popularity.
Mrfrow . 2016-06-27
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A great wee place! Comfy, reasonably priced. All food cooked on premises. My son, who is a connoisseur of chocolate cake, reckoned his was very good - quite a compliment! Coffee is good, but you might need an extra shot.
Alastair G . 2016-06-15
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This place does seem to be a bit hit and miss. I said in a previous review that is was a shame. I went for some breakfast last week and I couldn't fault it. It was very good, well cooked and service was good too!
TonyCahoney . 2016-06-01
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Found this cafe during a wander round the Thurso harbour area. Great value cup of tea. Plentiful home-made food/cakes available.
Alex B . 2016-05-04
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We had travelled across from Durness and it was past lunch time when we arrived in Thurso so finding somewhere to eat was high on the list. The Tempest Cafe was recommended in our guide book so we gave it a try.A team of ladies behind the counter, each seeming to be focussed on the task in hand , were busy preparing some very tasty bites to eat, all freshly made from scratch.The cafe was busy but we were able to find a window seat overlooking the harbour. There was plenty of choice available but we settled on a couple of Toasted Painis which were delicious. My filling consisted of cheese and bacon of which there was plenty of both and my husband enjoyed a Tuna bake, again ample filling. We resisted the selection of cakes but they all looked,scrummy.Easily decorated and furnished cafe to suit surfers, mums and children and all age groups.Yes, we would go again.
pinkeastern . 2016-04-26
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I always like having a meal in the Tempest - ambience is good - surfing vibe! Food is hot and delicious. It must be said that service can be a bit slow. However, the people are happy to help and they are very kind to my old Mum who is 95!
Bonnie M . 2016-04-14
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Good cakes and coffee in a lounge type atmosphere with a surfer theme. Offers free WiFi and you can either eat at a table or relax in an armchair.
Fenboatman . 2016-03-24
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We went in for a breakfast and it wasnt too great. I had the American breakfast and it wasn't really American and I pain £10 for it the only American thing about it was the fact there was a pancake but it was very dry and the syrup tasted cheep other that that it was a very enjoyable experience
935andrewsmith . 2016-03-23
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Popped in on a visit to Thurso as was passing on a walk. Glad we did. Mixed crowd,all ages,families etc. They serve breakfasts snacks and meals, although we just has tea and a scone. Best cheese scone I have had in ages and I love scones and eat them every time I stop 4 tea. Next time in Thurso will def go again.
angie1561 . 2016-03-18
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We Went there for lunch, went inside you can see lots of smoke coming from the kitchen, i think they don't have bigger extractor fan, table near the window have lots of flies lying over but they not bother to clean it. Apart from that the food was good.
741marilync . 2016-03-15
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excellent service friendly and efficient,very quick service.and a great relaxing atmosphere.highly recommended
snooky21 . 2016-03-15
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First visited four years ago, and now an annual event. The increasingly challenging walk from the railway station and down the Thurso riverside walk to the Harbour and it's lovely Tempest Café is a real privilege. Sadly, I now have to get one of the excellent Thurso taxi's on the return leg... Food and service always good (and very welcome) in the early part of the year - but expect it must get very busy in the high summer. Moderate pricing, together with high cleanliness and nice clean spacious toilet are valued - together with Wi-Fi.
WesternViceroy . 2016-02-15
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The Baking is a must the cakes wow we also do Soup & Sandwiches Tea & Cake .Salads etc staff are brilliant .SURF & TURF Is a Shop great surfing area at the start of the year with O' Neil & Company .Thurso is great for Surfing competitions This place is at the end of the road from the bridge turn right as u come of the bridge away along to the end .Thank you all for Coming .
Willrene R . 2016-01-22
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Shame could be good! Just read all the bad reviews and you've pretty much have it in a nutshell. Don't bother complaining it's a waste of time. They have a thermometer for their cooked meats. It's a shame it doesn't tell them when it's been kept warm for the past hour +.
TonyCahoney . 2016-01-05
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No food on offer other than crisps, ice cream and a meagre offering of cake, shocked as we were there for a 1pm show and had travelled over an hour thinking we would be fine for lunch at the theatre. Staff were fine, no hint of getting things done in a timely fashion and not much interaction with customers. Decor is depressing, such a big space makes it cold and echoey. Just no atmosphere whatsoever. Very disappointed and won't be back.
444 Opinions
We all had Sunday lunch (£22), service was good and waitress was friendly. However the Roast dinner was lukewarm, the beef was far from tender and the Yorkshire pud was clearly reheated and very greasy. The bar wasn’t able to provide many of the beers/lagers on tap. Altogether a very disappointing visit. We were here last year and I still remember The Venison I had. Clearly new management/chef. Definitely give it a miss.
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A lovely restaurant with nice food and lovely helpful staff. A spacious restaurant with great views. On offer was fish and chips, macaroni cheese, steak and mushroom pie, beef and haggis olives.
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Avoid this place . Poorly cooked frozen fish and staff who see you as sn inconvenience. They add a 10% service charge and offer rubbish service.