A much-anticipated culinary addition is soon to open its doors in Auchterarder, as a long-standing local catering family prepares to launch a new cafe on the bustling High Street. The venture, named ‘Kin and Co’, is the latest enterprise from Steven and Danielle McPhee, the innovative minds behind a highly successful events and catering business that has become a familiar name across Scotland.
Their journey began eight years ago with a humble fish and chip food truck, which quickly gained popularity. Through dedication and a passion for quality food, their enterprise has expanded significantly, now offering diverse catering services for various events throughout the country. This new cafe represents a natural evolution for the family, bringing their celebrated culinary expertise directly to their hometown. Filling a Local Niche in Perthshire’s ‘Lang Toun’
Steven McPhee, a seasoned chef with 24 years of experience and a proud Auchterarder native, highlighted the inspiration behind ‘Kin and Co’. He observed a notable shift in the town’s landscape; where there were once several charming independent cafes and coffee shops, many have since transitioned into other retail spaces. This left a noticeable void for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed, independent spot for a casual bite or a comforting brew.
“There’s a clear need for a welcoming independent coffee shop and cafe here,” Steven explained, noting how similar establishments thrive in nearby areas like Bridge of Allan, offering convenient options for a light lunch or a spontaneous drop-in without the need for reservations. The McPhee family, being active members of the Auchterarder community, felt a personal calling to address this gap, envisioning a place that truly serves the everyday needs of the town. A Family Affair with a Focus on Local Flavours
The new cafe is truly a family project. Steven and Danielle, who transitioned from careers offshore and in the care sector respectively to dedicate themselves full-time to their burgeoning food business, will be at the helm. Their daughter, Ellie, 21, is also playing an integral role in shaping the identity and operations of ‘Kin and Co’, infusing the establishment with youthful energy and fresh ideas.
The menu promises to be a celebration of Perthshire’s rich larder, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and supporting neighbouring businesses. Diners can look forward to a vibrant breakfast selection, including a traditional full Scottish breakfast featuring premium butcher’s sausages from local Perth suppliers and celebrated farm-fresh eggs from nearby producers. Other morning delights will include smoked salmon and avocado dishes.
For lunch, ‘Kin and Co’ will offer a delightful array of homemade soups, artisanal sandwiches, small plates, hearty risotto bowls, and, as a nod to their origins, tempting fish goujons. The family understands their reputation for delicious fish and chips, and this inclusion ensures a touch of familiar comfort. Sweet treats will come from talented local artisan bakers, further reinforcing the cafe’s commitment to community collaboration. More Than Just a Cafe: A Community Hub
Operating from 9:30 am to 4 pm, ‘Kin and Co’ is designed to be a flexible space. Beyond its daytime cafe offerings, Steven envisions the venue transforming into an exclusive events space during the evenings, catering to private functions. With plans to secure an alcohol license, the cafe could become a unique setting for everything from intimate bowl food gatherings and generous buffets to elegant sit-down private dining experiences.
This adaptability is a hallmark of the McPhee family’s wider catering business, known for its versatility in handling diverse events, from grand gala dinners to bespoke weddings and smaller, personal celebrations. The Auchterarder cafe will serve as a convenient ‘hub’ for food collection for these larger events, streamlining operations while offering a new, stylish venue option within Perth and Kinross.
The opening of ‘Kin and Co’ is anticipated with excitement, promising to revitalise Auchterarder’s High Street with its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to local produce, and a strong family ethos, creating a new focal point for the community to connect and enjoy quality, locally inspired cuisine.
Their journey began eight years ago with a humble fish and chip food truck, which quickly gained popularity. Through dedication and a passion for quality food, their enterprise has expanded significantly, now offering diverse catering services for various events throughout the country. This new cafe represents a natural evolution for the family, bringing their celebrated culinary expertise directly to their hometown. Filling a Local Niche in Perthshire’s ‘Lang Toun’
Steven McPhee, a seasoned chef with 24 years of experience and a proud Auchterarder native, highlighted the inspiration behind ‘Kin and Co’. He observed a notable shift in the town’s landscape; where there were once several charming independent cafes and coffee shops, many have since transitioned into other retail spaces. This left a noticeable void for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed, independent spot for a casual bite or a comforting brew.
“There’s a clear need for a welcoming independent coffee shop and cafe here,” Steven explained, noting how similar establishments thrive in nearby areas like Bridge of Allan, offering convenient options for a light lunch or a spontaneous drop-in without the need for reservations. The McPhee family, being active members of the Auchterarder community, felt a personal calling to address this gap, envisioning a place that truly serves the everyday needs of the town. A Family Affair with a Focus on Local Flavours
The new cafe is truly a family project. Steven and Danielle, who transitioned from careers offshore and in the care sector respectively to dedicate themselves full-time to their burgeoning food business, will be at the helm. Their daughter, Ellie, 21, is also playing an integral role in shaping the identity and operations of ‘Kin and Co’, infusing the establishment with youthful energy and fresh ideas.
The menu promises to be a celebration of Perthshire’s rich larder, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and supporting neighbouring businesses. Diners can look forward to a vibrant breakfast selection, including a traditional full Scottish breakfast featuring premium butcher’s sausages from local Perth suppliers and celebrated farm-fresh eggs from nearby producers. Other morning delights will include smoked salmon and avocado dishes.
For lunch, ‘Kin and Co’ will offer a delightful array of homemade soups, artisanal sandwiches, small plates, hearty risotto bowls, and, as a nod to their origins, tempting fish goujons. The family understands their reputation for delicious fish and chips, and this inclusion ensures a touch of familiar comfort. Sweet treats will come from talented local artisan bakers, further reinforcing the cafe’s commitment to community collaboration. More Than Just a Cafe: A Community Hub
Operating from 9:30 am to 4 pm, ‘Kin and Co’ is designed to be a flexible space. Beyond its daytime cafe offerings, Steven envisions the venue transforming into an exclusive events space during the evenings, catering to private functions. With plans to secure an alcohol license, the cafe could become a unique setting for everything from intimate bowl food gatherings and generous buffets to elegant sit-down private dining experiences.
This adaptability is a hallmark of the McPhee family’s wider catering business, known for its versatility in handling diverse events, from grand gala dinners to bespoke weddings and smaller, personal celebrations. The Auchterarder cafe will serve as a convenient ‘hub’ for food collection for these larger events, streamlining operations while offering a new, stylish venue option within Perth and Kinross.
The opening of ‘Kin and Co’ is anticipated with excitement, promising to revitalise Auchterarder’s High Street with its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to local produce, and a strong family ethos, creating a new focal point for the community to connect and enjoy quality, locally inspired cuisine.