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Café Thyme at Old Byre Visitor Centre, Isle of Arran

A family-run café blending Scottish and Turkish flavors with stunning sea views on the Isle of Arran.

4.6

Café Thyme is a charming family-run café located at the Old Byre Visitor Centre in Machrie on the Isle of Arran. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it offers a unique menu featuring freshly prepared lunches, homemade breads, and Turkish-style pides baked in a wood-burning oven. With spectacular views of the sea, the Mull of Kintyre, and the nearby Druid standing stone, the café blends Scottish and Turkish culinary traditions using locally sourced ingredients.

A brief summary to Café Thyme

  • Isle of Arran, Machrie, KA27 8EB, GB
  • +441770840227
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Try the signature haggis and cheese pide for a unique fusion of Scottish and Turkish cuisine.
  • Enjoy one of over 30 varieties of loose-leaf teas, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
  • Visit between 12pm and 3pm for freshly prepared lunch options including homemade flatbreads.
  • Take advantage of the free off-street parking when visiting by car.
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Café Thyme location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Café Thyme

A Unique Blend of Scottish and Turkish Flavors

Café Thyme opened in June 2012 at the Old Byre Visitor Centre in Machrie, Isle of Arran. This family-run café is known for its distinctive menu that combines Scottish and Turkish influences. The chef, Hamza, personally built a traditional wood-burning oven where he bakes homemade flatbreads and pides—Turkish-style pizzas or calzones. One of the café’s signature dishes is a haggis and cheese pide, marrying local Scottish flavors with Turkish culinary techniques. The menu also features homemade soups, fresh salads grown on-site, haddock, burgers, and a variety of homebaked goods, all prepared fresh to order.

Locally Sourced Ingredients and Dietary Inclusivity

The café’s ethos centers on using fresh, local Scottish produce wherever possible. Ingredients such as Scottish cheese, eggs, milk, ice cream, butter, and fish are staples, complemented by seasonal local vegetables and meats. Café Thyme caters to a range of dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options, ensuring all visitors can find something delicious to enjoy. The café also offers an extensive selection of over 30 loose-leaf teas, as well as beer and wine.

Atmosphere and Scenic Surroundings

Seating up to 40 guests, Café Thyme provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The interior features a stunning stained glass window inspired by the nearby Druid standing stone, which also dominates the landscape outside. Visitors can admire breathtaking views of the natural fields, the sea, and the Mull of Kintyre peninsula beyond. The café’s location within the Old Byre Visitor Centre also offers retail therapy opportunities, including Arran knitwear and local crafts.

Service and Visitor Experience

Open every day from 10am to 5pm, with lunch served between 12pm and 3pm, Café Thyme offers both dine-in and takeaway options. The family-run nature of the business ensures attentive and friendly service, with the chef’s passion evident in every dish. The café can accommodate special parties and functions with prior notice. Visitors often appreciate the combination of delicious, imaginative food and the peaceful, scenic setting.

Connection to the Isle of Arran’s Rich Heritage

Situated on the Isle of Arran, often called 'Scotland in miniature' for its diverse landscapes, Café Thyme is a perfect stop for those exploring the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The café’s unique menu and setting reflect the island’s spirit of blending tradition with creativity, making it a memorable culinary destination for locals and tourists alike.

Practical Information and Accessibility

Located in Machrie with free off-street parking available, the café is easily accessible by car. It is a welcoming spot for families, solo travelers, couples, and groups, with options for various dietary needs. The café’s moderate pricing makes it an appealing choice for a quality meal during a day of exploring the Isle of Arran.

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