This deli based in the Scottish countryside is a hidden gem of good food, good causes and good vibes
Are you looking for a place to visit that gives you a short drive from Dumfries, a lovely cafe/restaurant and a delicatessen all in the same place? Sounds good right? Now add all the proceeds go to good causes and some great countryside scenery and you have a winning combination.
This is what you get with Loch Arthur.
Loch Arthur
After a scenic drive from Dumfries, you get to the lovely village of Beeswing in Galloway. You will know you are in Beeswing by the Yellow telephone box at the roadside.
The drive demonstrates the real mix of agriculture and forestry landscapes that Galloway has to offer, in the short 15-minute journey from Dumfries you will go through woods, grass fields hemmed in by stone dykes and sheep and cattle at every turn. Maybe even a tractor or two as well.
As you turn off just past the yellow phone box, and come to Loch Arthur you are presented with a building that has a real vibe to it. The front of the building has an ornamental grow growing in the front and a range of firewood and free wooden boxes under the welcome veranda roof.
As you enter the front door you are hit by the pleasant smells and cool air of the vegetable and fruit room and through glass doors you can see into the shop and restaurant (not forgetting all the enticing food, goods and wares).
The Restaurant
As you walk through the shop you are presented with the restaurant, which has ample space, however, it can get busy on weekends and holidays.
The menu changes with the seasons and most days have something new. You can get everything from a small cake and hot drink to a full and hearty lunch, all made with lovely ingredients, many grown or made on-site.
When I visited my fancy was taken by the Lemon and Poppy Seed cake and a pot of early grey tea. Which I can report was a lovely way to spend a mid-afternoon with your favourite people.
Inside is well presented, however, if the weather is suitable (remember this is still Scotland). Try eating outside, you have the choice of two wonderful views, the pond and the hills. The pond is a delightful oasis of flowers and dragonflies, set against a backdrop of trees.
The hillside view is equally wonderful. You have a hill that slowly rises to bigger hills in the background, the field in front of the hills usually has cows or sheep in the field, which gives the impression of an idyllic backdrop.
The Shop
The shop is delightful. From fresh meats prepared by an onsite butchery team, a creamery (love cheese), a bakery, organic vegetables and a plethora of fair trade, ethical, global and special treats.
Personally, I picked up 1kg of dates, that were so fresh they tasted freshly picked. A Dinosaur pasta for the wee one.
So what is Loch Arthur?
Loch Arthur is a charity that offers disabled people and marginalised people the chance to work in a setting that is conducive to their needs. It is a working community that supports over 70 people with a range of learning disabilities to live in a supported and purposeful fashion.
It has a collection of operations, including a shop and restaurant and a working farm. It works on a community basis with a focus on independence and support.
A video on YouTube explains the story of the community and its work in more detail.
How to get to Lock Arthur?
By Car: From Dumfries town centre, follow signs to Cargen Bridge, following the A71 until you see the village of Beeswing. Look out the yellow phone box and take the next left.
By Bus: Take the 501 bus to Castle Douglas from the Whitesands (by the river Nith).
You can find Loch Arthur on Google Maps (Insert this link - https://www.google.com/maps?ll=55.001702,-3.727272&z=15&t=m&hl=en-US&gl=US&mapclient=embed)
When is it open?
The Cafe and Shop are open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm.
More Information on Lock Arthur
If you are interested in finding out more information about Loch Arthur and its work (as well as an online shop). You can check out the website.
Call to Action
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