Emma A haven for coffee lovers in Portree on the Isle of Skye
Niall Munro, son of Runrig singer Donnie Munro, opened Birch cafe in Portree after experiencing the coffee scene in Melbourne. He came back home with the inspiration to create his own coffee shop with added Skye charm. We spent a night in Portree last year so had time to check it out for ourselves.
The decor is sleek and minimal, very Scandi, which means that the focus is on relaxing and enjoying your time here.
Here is the view from the seating at the front window, looking out onto a mural by Niall’s dad, Donnie who trained at Gray’s School of Art in Dundee and was an art teacher before finding fame with Runrig.
Menu
That’s what we like to see, a small menu – as there really is no need to serve a gazillion dishes.
Soup of the day was curried cauliflower – suitably spiced and earthy, served alongside two large slices of chewy bread.
Grilled peaches, ricotta, toasted almonds, honey and lemon atop sourdough bread. Gorgeous, smooth and creamy ricotta with a crunch from the almonds. Sweet, smooth and filling.
Overall verdict
Birch is a fresh, modern, airy cafe with a small selection of quality products, and likely the most cosmopolitan of all the options in Portree.
The food and coffee were great, and finding meadowsweet tea on the menu was an unexpected surprise. Staff were polite and friendly and prices were what you would expect for the choice and standard of victuals on offer so we would happily return next time we’re in the area.
Where is Birch in Portree?
Birch, Bayfield Road, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EL
