10 Dec 2025
Tags: argyll, Scotland, Cafe, Castle, Loch Linnhe, lighthouse
The award-winning team behind one of Argyll's most iconic coastal hotels has announced plans to open a new cafe overlooking Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe in early 2026.
The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin is now leading the refurbishment of the former Castle Stalker View Cafe on the A828 between Ballachulish and Connel.
Once a much-loved stop off for visitors and the local community for over two decades, the cafe closed in April 2025 following the departure of its previous tenant. The closure resulted in the loss of local jobs and left the area without one of its key visitor attractions.
Following a winter makeover, The Pierhouse team now aims to breathe new life into the cafe and re-open the doors to visitors before Easter.
The cafe will offer a choice of indoor and outdoor seating for visitors to drink in the breathtaking panoramic views over Loch Linnhe; Castle Stalker; Sgeir Bhuidhe Lighthouse; and the islands of Mull and Lismore towards the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
Scheduled to open seven days a week throughout the year, the newly managed cafe and shop is expected to support 10 full-time and part-time local hospitality and retail jobs.
The new daytime menu will showcase home baking, seasonal soup, sandwiches, as well as hot and chilled drinks. The retail offering will include authentic Scottish and local products.
The cafe and shop will serve the local community, as well as visitors touring the Argyll coast by car, foot, cycle or kayak. Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker are also a popular stop for people travelling between Glencoe, Fort William and Oban, as well as those cycling the Caledonian way - National Route 78.
Fiona McLean, General Manager at The Pierhouse Hotel, said:
“It's a privilege to be leading the revival of this iconic Argyll coast venue and ensuring its continuation as a local community and tourism asset. The cafe has been an integral part of Argyll's tourism offering for more than 20 years, so we're committed to preserving its legacy, while enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.
“With its uninterrupted panoramic views over Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker, we hope that our new look cafe will quickly become one of Scotland's most popular food and drink destinations.
“We're already developing a daytime menu for visitors and the local community seven days a week with a focus on classic home baking and local, seasonal produce. A small shop will also offer a choice of authentic Scottish and local products, and some store cupboard essentials.”
Fiona added:
“For those looking for an a la carte dining experience showcasing the best local seafood, our award-winning hotel restaurant at the nearby Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin is also open for lunch and dinner all year round.
“Our restaurant and bar menus include the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine handpicked oysters from the oyster beds of Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel.”
Located around two miles from its new cafe overlooking Castle Stalker, The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe at Port Appin. The small hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant has an established reputation as one of Argyll's most idyllic and romantic destinations.
The Pierhouse Hotel is home to Scotland's 'Chef of the Year' and 'Romantic Restaurant of the Year' 2025. The Pierhouse Hotel restaurant has three silver stars, two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
As part of launch plans for its new cafe, The Pierhouse is actively seeking to rebuild the cafe's team, combining resources from The Pierhouse Hotel with previously employed team members and any new recruits.
For news, developments and job opportunities for the new cafe managed by The Pierhouse Hotel team, go to https://pierhousehotel.co.uk
Ends
Notes to editor
PHOTOS
- Photos of the breathtaking panoramic views from the new cafe, including Castle Stalker and Sgeir Bhuidhe Lighthouse are available on Dropbox via the link below. Please credit Pierhouse Hotel/James Anderson/NorthColour:
- Photos of Fiona McLean, General Manager at The Pierhouse Hotel (quoted in press release),are available on Dropbox via the link below. Please credit Pierhouse Hotel/James Anderson/NorthColour:
Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker has featured in many film productions, including Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Highlander; Endgame, Sense8 and most recently in Black Mirror. The castle is privately owned but there are a limited number of guided tours available each year. For more information, go to https://pierhousehotel.co.uk/relax/castle-stalker
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