Tea Garden Cafe, Mallaig

cafe and backpackers hostel

Norman and Sheena run this attractive licensed cafe near Mallaig train station which also provides accommodation by way of a backpackers hostel.

Some seating inside, but the draw is the comfy outdoor seating on the raised patio area with umbrellas and abundant foliage in pot plants and hanging baskets which make for a pleasant and colourful place to sit out and watch the World go by.

Beer selection includes one permanent cask ale (Isle of Skye Red), as well as a number of bottled beers from the Isle of Skye brewery.

Although listed as a pub, it is table service, attracting restaurant prices!

Expect to pay a premium for a half pint.

Dogs welcome (but only outside) and are provided with water and biscuits. Special "doggie ice cream" is also available.

Very popular with passengers on the "Jacobite Express" steam train, and when the train arrives, be warned, it gets very busy!

The closed winter period is from the second week of November until the beginning of March. Real ale on two weeks after opening (mid March)

Very "green" credentials include ground source heat pump and LED lighting throughout with electronically controlled taps to minimise water use.