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Croft36: The Honest Bakery Shed of Isle of Harris

Discover the honest charm of Croft36, a cozy bakery shed on Isle of Harris serving fresh, sustainable, and locally crafted delights.

4.9

Croft36 is a charming, self-service bakery shed located in Northton village on the Isle of Harris. Known for its freshly baked goods like langoustine butteries, vegan pasties, and homemade soups, it operates on an honesty box system emphasizing sustainability and local produce. This cozy spot offers a unique taste of Harris’s culinary heritage with a warm, trusting atmosphere in a rustic setting.

A brief summary to Croft36

  • 36 Northton, Isle of Harris, HS3 3JA, GB
  • +447500341888
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid missing out on popular items like the langoustine buttery and vegan pasties.
  • Bring cash or use PayPal for the honesty box payment system.
  • Enjoy your food at nearby picnic spots by the loch, as there is no seating inside the shed.
  • Try the seasonal homemade soups for a comforting and authentic taste of Harris.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the local bus service from Stornoway to Northton village, which runs approximately 2-3 times daily. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Note that bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance. A single fare costs around £5-7 GBP.

  • Car

    Driving from Stornoway to Croft36 takes roughly 45-60 minutes via the A859 and A859 roads. Parking is available near the bakery shed but limited, so plan accordingly. Car rental is recommended for flexibility and convenience.

  • Walking

    For adventurous walkers, a scenic 2-3 hour hike from nearby villages like Tarbert to Northton offers stunning coastal views. The terrain is uneven and partially rugged, so suitable footwear and moderate fitness are required.

Croft36 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 Croft36

A Unique Culinary Haven in Northton

Croft36 is a small but remarkable bakery shed nestled in the village of Northton on the Isle of Harris. This humble structure serves as a gateway to some of the freshest and most lovingly prepared baked goods in the Outer Hebrides. Its offerings range from savory butteries filled with langoustine or lobster to hearty vegan pasties and sweet frangipane tarts. The shed’s rustic charm and intimate size create an inviting atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy authentic island flavors.

Honesty and Sustainability at Its Core

One of Croft36’s defining features is its honesty box payment system, which fosters a deep sense of trust and community. Customers select their desired items and pay via cash or increasingly through PayPal, reflecting a modern twist on a traditional practice. The croft behind the shed is managed sustainably, focusing on eco-friendly practices and supporting local producers. This commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Croft36’s identity, making it a beacon of responsible food culture in a remote setting.

Delicious and Diverse Menu Offerings

The menu at Croft36 is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, with items changing based on seasonal availability. Highlights include the renowned langoustine buttery, a sandwich praised for its fresh, buttery dough and rich seafood filling. The vegan curried vegetable pasty offers a flavorful option for plant-based visitors, while the homemade soups, such as leek & potato or langoustine soup, provide comforting warmth. Freshly baked scones, brownies, and frangipane tarts add a sweet finish to the experience.

A Cozy, Rustic Setting with a Community Spirit

The bakery operates out of a small shed with no seating inside, encouraging visitors to take their food away or enjoy it at nearby picnic spots by the loch. The shed’s quaintness and honesty-based service create a unique, heartwarming experience that feels personal and genuine. The friendly service and the story behind Croft36’s eco croft roots add layers of meaning to every bite.

Seasonal and Limited Availability

Due to the small scale and handcrafted nature of the offerings, items at Croft36 often sell out quickly, especially later in the day. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure their favorites. The menu also evolves with the seasons, reflecting the rhythms of local produce and the croft’s sustainable practices, making each visit a potentially new culinary adventure.

Local Heritage and Culinary Excellence

Croft36 stands as a testament to the Isle of Harris’s rich crofting heritage and culinary innovation. It combines traditional baking techniques with fresh, local ingredients to produce high-quality food that resonates with both locals and tourists. The emphasis on honesty, trust, and sustainability enriches the visitor experience, making Croft36 not just a place to eat but a meaningful stop on the journey through the Outer Hebrides.

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