Situated in the beautiful, historic grounds of Crathes Castle, the cafe could be expected to be something special, particularly as it is an NTS property. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead of making the most of the lovely architecture, the NTS have constructed an unsympathetic, industrial-style building within the old courtyard to house the new cafe - totally at odds with the surrounding buildings. An architect no doubt persuaded someone that the juxtaposition of the uncompromisingly modern and the old would be cool and edgy. The courtyard itself, which the cafe looks onto, has so much potential but has a bleak, neglected feel. I see from a photograph in another review that the interior of the cafe used to be more welcoming and softened by tub chairs etc. - now they have gone all-out industrial with uncomfortable metal chairs and a stark atmosphere. Going further back, the cafe used to be housed in the lovely courtyard buildings, including the beautiful round one, with easier access for the disabled straight from the car park. It was a much more welcoming place altogether. Perhaps they wanted a bigger space, but I'm sure something better could have been achieved with a bit of imagination, using the original courtyard buildings. The two young men serving were trying hard, but didn't seem to be natural 'people persons'. They didn't engage with or listen properly to customers. Calling everyone 'Sir' or 'Madam' and telling them to 'Have a nice day' is a bit cringy and certainly no substitute for listening and responding appropriately rather than according to a script. The food we had was edible but not great, and the coffee was lukewarm. We recommend the castle and gardens, but next time will eat elsewhere.
Ian Burl
Good food in a very clean & spacious cafe with friendly staff.
A light and airy space with a relaxed atmosphere. Plenty of outside seating as well. Great coffee and good selection of pre-made sandwiches. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Vickie White
I was expecting regular museum fare but was happily
Joshua Tann
Strong, delicious coffee. Service had discrepancies: upon clarifying that Crathes do offer a reusable cup discount, and receiving confirmation from staff, we bought three hot drinks and upon payment were charged full price - after questioning this we were told that Crathes actually don't offer this discount unlike other NTS properties - it seemed like the staff were simply trying to get a sale. Very disappointed.
David Thomson
Very airy and we'll run cafe with a wide range food and drink with courteous and efficient staff
Martyn C
A popular location after parkrun. Spacious and good choice of breakfast snacks. I wish though they had made the bacon roll after preparing drinks, to stop the food getting cold!
Set in the beautiful, woody grounds of the Crathes Castle Estate, the stables Courtyard Café, is an apposite oasis after a trek along the leafy paths by the burns.Vegetarian options: There is an option for large vegetarian pasties- ( for thoze from Kol Katta, about five singhara's worth :-)Kid-friendliness: There is certainly no problems taking children there. All surfaces are easy clean. Spacious enough for buggies, and so on.Parking: There is a large pay meter car park.Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible - I passed two substancial, parked, wheelchairs at the door.
136charlesk
Whilst visiting the castle we had lunch in the cafe. There was a reasonable selection of food. Staff are very friendly and good.
Maureen Rimmer
A large cafe area with ample seating inside and out. Impressed by the effort made to use compostable plates and cutlery and the food is acceptable if unremarkable.I do not think, however, that the serving staff should be stroking and making a fuss over dogs brought into the ordering area and then handling food. Actually I do not think dogs should be allowed inside the cafe anyway when there is more than enough space outside. Not everyone is comfortable with them .
Paul C
Good cafe, great service, friendly staff, dog friendly. Will be back.
Spanish teacher on the go
Great service. Wonderful drinks. Several options for lunch. Maybe I would add a salad.The restaurant is spacious. Water available at all times. Ice parlour for humans and frozen yoghurt for doggies.
Staff were very friendly and food was great!
Situated in the beautiful, historic grounds of Crathes Castle, the cafe could be expected to be something special, particularly as it is an NTS property. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead of making the most of the lovely architecture, the NTS have constructed an unsympathetic, industrial-style building within the old courtyard to house the new cafe - totally at odds with the surrounding buildings. An architect no doubt persuaded someone that the juxtaposition of the uncompromisingly modern and the old would be cool and edgy. The courtyard itself, which the cafe looks onto, has so much potential but has a bleak, neglected feel. I see from a photograph in another review that the interior of the cafe used to be more welcoming and softened by tub chairs etc. - now they have gone all-out industrial with uncomfortable metal chairs and a stark atmosphere. Going further back, the cafe used to be housed in the lovely courtyard buildings, including the beautiful round one, with easier access for the disabled straight from the car park. It was a much more welcoming place altogether. Perhaps they wanted a bigger space, but I'm sure something better could have been achieved with a bit of imagination, using the original courtyard buildings. The two young men serving were trying hard, but didn't seem to be natural 'people persons'. They didn't engage with or listen properly to customers. Calling everyone 'Sir' or 'Madam' and telling them to 'Have a nice day' is a bit cringy and certainly no substitute for listening and responding appropriately rather than according to a script. The food we had was edible but not great, and the coffee was lukewarm. We recommend the castle and gardens, but next time will eat elsewhere.
Good food in a very clean & spacious cafe with friendly staff.
Lovely,peaceful place,attentive polite,caring staff,a lovely experience.
A light and airy space with a relaxed atmosphere. Plenty of outside seating as well. Great coffee and good selection of pre-made sandwiches. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
I was expecting regular museum fare but was happily
Strong, delicious coffee. Service had discrepancies: upon clarifying that Crathes do offer a reusable cup discount, and receiving confirmation from staff, we bought three hot drinks and upon payment were charged full price - after questioning this we were told that Crathes actually don't offer this discount unlike other NTS properties - it seemed like the staff were simply trying to get a sale. Very disappointed.
Very airy and we'll run cafe with a wide range food and drink with courteous and efficient staff
A popular location after parkrun. Spacious and good choice of breakfast snacks. I wish though they had made the bacon roll after preparing drinks, to stop the food getting cold!
A bit slow service, but great in everything else.
Restaurantji Recommends
Set in the beautiful, woody grounds of the Crathes Castle Estate, the stables Courtyard Café, is an apposite oasis after a trek along the leafy paths by the burns.Vegetarian options: There is an option for large vegetarian pasties- ( for thoze from Kol Katta, about five singhara's worth :-)Kid-friendliness: There is certainly no problems taking children there. All surfaces are easy clean. Spacious enough for buggies, and so on.Parking: There is a large pay meter car park.Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible - I passed two substancial, parked, wheelchairs at the door.
Whilst visiting the castle we had lunch in the cafe. There was a reasonable selection of food. Staff are very friendly and good.
A large cafe area with ample seating inside and out. Impressed by the effort made to use compostable plates and cutlery and the food is acceptable if unremarkable.I do not think, however, that the serving staff should be stroking and making a fuss over dogs brought into the ordering area and then handling food. Actually I do not think dogs should be allowed inside the cafe anyway when there is more than enough space outside. Not everyone is comfortable with them .
Good cafe, great service, friendly staff, dog friendly. Will be back.
Great service. Wonderful drinks. Several options for lunch. Maybe I would add a salad.The restaurant is spacious. Water available at all times. Ice parlour for humans and frozen yoghurt for doggies.