Farm Shop Survey – Loch Leven Larder

Farm Shops are different from Farmers Markets (think chilly, drizzly car park/ parking lot on a Saturday morning), as they are usually stand alone shops attached to a single or group of farms selling meat, eggs, produce and some high-end bits and bobs.   As such,  I have decided to conduct a completely non-objective  survey of the farm shops in my area and any other ones I may come across in my travels. 

 First take the M90 Motorway to the Kinross exit, head to Milnathort and follow this wee country road out of town otherwise known as the A911. 

Greeter #1

 

You are initially greeted by the requisite Heilan’ Coo (Highland Cow) for proper rural flair.

 

Greeter #2 "Sky the Horse"

 

And as an added bonus you are also welcome to come and pet (but don’t sneak up on) a lovely one-eyed Welsh Pony named Sky.  She slipped on the ice.

 

Unassuming but tidy exterior

 

The exterior provides little clue as to what is come.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get any interior shots (cut me some slack I am new at this) but if anyone has seen Meryl Streep’s cafe in “It’s Complicated” that should give you some idea.   It wasn’t my intention but a menu just happened to come home with me (I blame the kids).  It may not be the done thing but I just had to include a copy to show how simple but freaking fabulous just about everything is on the menu.  Feast your eyes…. 

 

The Embodiment of Fresh, Seasonal & Local.

 

My friend’s little girl ordered and egg roll (US translation just the egg of a bacon, egg muffin) and as she bit into it the most ridiculously deep orange yolk slowing oozed out from the buttered roll – truly glorious.  I had the Puddledub Bacon Roll (US translation – just smoked back bacon on a buttered roll not dissimilar to a good quality hamburger bun, sounds unimpressive but I assure you it is not)  that I originally intended to split with my son, but it was so good I am afraid to admit he was mightily short-changed.

 

Brunch with Eggs Benedict AND High Tea - Nirvana.

 

As the menu boasts two of my very favourite concepts in eating, brunch AND high tea, I need to make a fair few more trips (a few without kids) until I can declare myself satiated.  Another big bonus of the interior is that the entire rear of the building is plate glass – wisely weather proofed to provide enjoyment of the view.  So if the weather is not so nice, kick back and relax.

Stunning View Looking East

However, if the weather is nice in the least, get yourself out back because the views are breathtaking.  There are about five different seating areas and a kids play area, each providing a different angle to the views.  This one is looking east from the back of the building with crystalline sunshine.

Stunning View to the South Overlooking Loch Leven

This is my favourite view looking due south at Loch Leven (it should look familiar).  There is an  island in the middle of the loch  in which Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned from 1567-1568 and from where she was forced to abdicate.  In the summer there is a boat tour out to the ruins of the castle, but while pondering this over your eggs benny, you could also opt for the amazing network of walks, bike paths or local nature reserves.  All in all,  a cracking day out.