SME News Scottish Enterprise 2024/ 22 Best Independent Coffee Shop 2024 – Western Isles Situated in Broadford, on the stunning Isle of Skye, is The Coffee Bothy. A small, independently owned coffee house, The Coffee Bothy boasts an extensive menu that caters to many dietary requirements and tastes. As the coffee house is named in the Scottish Enterprise Awards 2024, we speak with Co-Founder Andrew Jones. The Coffee Bothy is owned by Andrew Jones and Rich Murray, who moved to the Broadford area in 2021 with the aims of setting up their own coffee shop. The preparation was swift and, driven by the excitement of realising their dreams, the pair opened its doors in March of 2022. Steeped in history and boasting a wide array of wildlife and views, the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland, meaning that visitors to the island form a large percentage of The Coffee Bothy’s customer base. Andrew and Rich love to showcase the area’s natural wonders and take the time to guide their customers through the numerous attractions and activities. Despite the influx of tourists visiting the coffee house each day, however, the pair also understand the importance of ensuring that The Coffee Bothy connects with its local community. “We have always seen being part of the local community and being here for the residents of the island and nearby mainland all year round, as really important to us,” Andrew tells us. “We have really enjoyed building up relationships with many locals who have now become regulars, and many have even become friends. Being queer owned, we are also very focused on creating a safe and welcoming inclusive space for all, and proudly display our Equality Network Scottish LGBTQI rainbow mark.” Initially, The Coffee Bothy was established with only Andrew and Rich as employees, though the pair soon realised that they would need a hardworking team behind them. Now, The Coffee Bothy employs a team of five staff, recruiting warm and friendly individuals possessing exceptional interpersonal skills and a keen eye for detail. Andrew cites employees who look to go the extra mile in making the customer experience second to none as a crucial element of building a successful, driven, and focused team. Internally, The Coffee Bothy is a relaxed and friendly organisation to work for, recognising that a happy team of staff is priority. Staff that are happy and smiling make for a welcoming, warm environment that leaves a positive, lasting impression on customers from the moment they walk through the door. That’s not all that leaves a lasting impression; The Coffee Bothy prides itself on offering guests a menu filled with delicious, wholesome brunch and lunch items, as well as a fantastically full cake counter displaying an array of colourful, mouthwatering, vegan treats. The menu is designed to meet a variety of dietary requirements; every item can be made vegan, all of the homemade cakes are vegan, and there is a variety of options suitable for those with gluten intolerances. The Coffee Bothy has successfully created a space that is warm, comfortable, and inclusive to all. But that’s not all; The Coffee Bothy meticulously selects its stock in accordance with its commitment to the local community. The coffee shop boasts a carefully curated range of local gifts, arts, and crafts available for sale in-house, displaying the talent and passion of the Skye community. Additionally, The Coffee Bothy serves delicious, artisan, locally roasted coffee produced by Skye Coffee Roasters, known for its drum fired, handcrafted coffee roasted on the Isle of Skye. Since its inception, The Coffee Bothy has amassed numerous glowing testimonials across social media. From its mouthwatering menu to its clear community spirit, The Coffee Bothy has certainly established itself as a staple figure of the Broadford community, serving fantastic foods and delectable drinks that have earned it the title of Best Independent Coffee Shop 2024 – Western Isles. “The Coffee Bothy is easily one of the best coffee places I have ever been to!” writes Lizzy. “The staff are very welcoming and bright, which is always nice to see. I had the avocado toast and a chai latte with oat milk, both of which were delicious. The place is small but cosy, with fairy lights and lots of photographs and souvenirs to look at. I’ll definitely be coming back whenever I’m next in Skye!” “Amazing place!” raves T. H. “Gorgeous homemade cakes, and a great welcome from super-friendly staff! We visited on a blissfully warm, sunny autumn day, so we sat at one of the picnic tables outside. The Cranachan homemade cake with cream, whiskey, and oats was amazing. The Coffee Bothy is the loveliest, most charming café ever!” Contact: Andrew Jones Company: The Coffee Bothy Web Address: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeebothyskye/ Oct24102
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