Tea in Scotland

I just stopped by for a brew at The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, just happened to be passing by and they have a very nice cafe with lots of lovely food on offer. Sue had a lovely brew but refrained from having any cake! I know what was wrong with you 'Sue from the Brew' ?? They had gluten free options as well. One needs good nutrition if taking part in a bit of Nessie hunting. 

I've been on my hols and along with my family we took the opportunity to go and visit more family up in Inverness. I have visited this area many times before but it was the first time in Scotland for my boys. I did manage to find Nessie as you can see, he is a bit of a brew guzzler himself so will have to keep an eye on him. Yes, we visited the huge gift shop with everything you can imagine related to the Highlands and The Loch Ness Monster. There is also an exhibition which gives an great insight into the history of Loch Ness and the sightings of the monster which is believed to be living there. It's a mystery and one I don't even think Scooby Doo and the gang could solve but maybe you can spot it?? It is certainly worth a visit if you haven't been before. For more information go to www.lochness.com

We also all went on a bit of a shopping spree to Holm Mills Shopping Village situated just outside of Inverness. they have a lovely cafe here, I broke my tea habit and went over to latte land with a dash of vanilla. I've not gone off my tea, just fancied a coffee brew. It was getting close to Easter and this was actually my sons cupcake I pinched for the photo but I did have a gluten free brownie. They have a wide range of food and cakes available and cater for a gluten free diet. On offer is gluten free bread for sandwiches and toasties so that was fab!.

I did find that menus here tended to include soup and sandwiches or toasted sandwiches. A great combination. I'm just thinking that dipping a toastie in soup is an okay thing to do......oh need to do that! So hungry now. What I did love about this place is that they offer just plain cheese or ham sandwiches, it is so great when a cafe does this because I do have fussy eating teenagers so they are as happy finding these sandwiches as I am when I see gluten free. 

This is a great place and if I lived in Inverness I fear I would practically take up residence as they have good offers on clothes and gifts. They have The Cashmere Shop, Harris Tweed (yes I bought a handbag) Pavers Shoes, Yankee Candles, The Whiskey Shop and artisan Gins and Vodkas made in Scotland. Phew, a lot to get around but absolutely worth it. It is the home of James Pringle Weavers and includes an exhibition about the history of the company and what life used to be like in the Highlands. Everything you need really, shopping, history, a brew and on site is also a Ponden Home Interiors Store, it just gets better! Overall a nice brew and very friendly staff so would definitely return, well when that way again. 

​So meet me back here tomorrow for a Whatever Wednesday.....this week my posts will be mainly about my trip as I had such a lovely time. If you've visited The Highlands let me know your experiences and if your'e thinking about it, think no more, please go, there is so much to do and see. Wonderful people and the scenery is just breath taking. 

Thanks for reading.......

---