A new cafe has recently opened its doors within the grounds of the historic Cultybraggan Prisoner of War Camp near Comrie, injecting new life into this significant Perthshire landmark. The Camp 21 Cafe, a venture by Ken McCutcheon and Karen Sinclair, offers a unique dining experience nestled within the intriguing history of the former POW camp, attracting both local residents and tourists alike.
McCutcheon, a seasoned business owner with prior experience running the Frandy Fishery, had been looking for a new venture after losing his lease to a larger hospitality chain. Sinclair, his partner, is a talented chef with experience in the catering industry. This combination of business acumen and culinary expertise formed the foundation for their ambitious cafe project. A Culinary Journey in a Historic Setting
The couple’s decision to establish Camp 21 Cafe at Cultybraggan was fueled by a combination of factors. The unique historical significance of the location presented a compelling opportunity, offering a setting unlike any other in Perthshire. The existing infrastructure, while needing some renovation, provided a solid base to start building upon. They invested in creating a state-of-the-art kitchen, adding a crucial element lacking in the previous setup.
Their menu is meticulously crafted to cater to various preferences. From gourmet burgers and hearty toasties to lighter cold-filled rolls and breakfast options, they have considered all tastes. The pair have made sure to include a selection of both vegan and vegetarian choices for those with dietary restrictions. The attention to detail extends beyond the main courses, with delicious homemade treats such as sticky toffee fudge cake also being available. The cafe promises a relaxed atmosphere, welcoming both casual drop-ins and those seeking a more substantial meal.
The cafe’s location also allows them to cater to visitors attending events at the camp. From VE Day celebrations to vintage bicycle rallies, these popular events, often attracting visitors from around Perthshire and beyond, provide a consistent stream of potential customers. McCutcheon has noted that being able to adapt their operations to cater for these events is both challenging and rewarding. A Boost for Comrie and Cultybraggan
The establishment of Camp 21 Cafe is not only a welcome addition to the culinary scene in Comrie but also a significant boost for Cultybraggan Camp itself. The cafe complements the existing museum and B&B, creating a more comprehensive offering for tourists, and the resulting increase in foot traffic could prove beneficial to all. The cafe also looks to attract the local community, creating a central hub within the area.
The Comrie Development Trust, which took ownership of Cultybraggan in 2007, has supported various initiatives on the site. Its backing of the cafe project demonstrates their commitment to developing and revitalizing this important piece of Perthshire’s history. The cafe’s success offers a potential model for similar projects to enhance the overall appeal and economic potential of the historic location, a valuable asset for the region.
The Camp 21 Cafe has experienced a positive response since its opening. The owners have been encouraged by the enthusiastic welcome from both local customers and tourists, validating their vision for this unique business. They hope to continue expanding the menu to reflect seasonal ingredients sourced locally, reinforcing their connection to the Perthshire community. The success of the cafe serves as an excellent example of how local initiatives can breathe new life into historic sites, driving both economic growth and community engagement in the region, supporting the broader economic activity within Perth and Kinross. Looking Ahead
The future for Camp 21 Cafe appears bright, and they have ambitious plans to further develop their business and strengthen their ties with the local community. Their success demonstrates that investing in unique and well-conceived businesses within historic locations can be a significant driver for both tourism and local economic development. This project sets a positive example for other similar initiatives within the beautiful Perth and Kinross region.
McCutcheon, a seasoned business owner with prior experience running the Frandy Fishery, had been looking for a new venture after losing his lease to a larger hospitality chain. Sinclair, his partner, is a talented chef with experience in the catering industry. This combination of business acumen and culinary expertise formed the foundation for their ambitious cafe project. A Culinary Journey in a Historic Setting
The couple’s decision to establish Camp 21 Cafe at Cultybraggan was fueled by a combination of factors. The unique historical significance of the location presented a compelling opportunity, offering a setting unlike any other in Perthshire. The existing infrastructure, while needing some renovation, provided a solid base to start building upon. They invested in creating a state-of-the-art kitchen, adding a crucial element lacking in the previous setup.
Their menu is meticulously crafted to cater to various preferences. From gourmet burgers and hearty toasties to lighter cold-filled rolls and breakfast options, they have considered all tastes. The pair have made sure to include a selection of both vegan and vegetarian choices for those with dietary restrictions. The attention to detail extends beyond the main courses, with delicious homemade treats such as sticky toffee fudge cake also being available. The cafe promises a relaxed atmosphere, welcoming both casual drop-ins and those seeking a more substantial meal.
The cafe’s location also allows them to cater to visitors attending events at the camp. From VE Day celebrations to vintage bicycle rallies, these popular events, often attracting visitors from around Perthshire and beyond, provide a consistent stream of potential customers. McCutcheon has noted that being able to adapt their operations to cater for these events is both challenging and rewarding. A Boost for Comrie and Cultybraggan
The establishment of Camp 21 Cafe is not only a welcome addition to the culinary scene in Comrie but also a significant boost for Cultybraggan Camp itself. The cafe complements the existing museum and B&B, creating a more comprehensive offering for tourists, and the resulting increase in foot traffic could prove beneficial to all. The cafe also looks to attract the local community, creating a central hub within the area.
The Comrie Development Trust, which took ownership of Cultybraggan in 2007, has supported various initiatives on the site. Its backing of the cafe project demonstrates their commitment to developing and revitalizing this important piece of Perthshire’s history. The cafe’s success offers a potential model for similar projects to enhance the overall appeal and economic potential of the historic location, a valuable asset for the region.
The Camp 21 Cafe has experienced a positive response since its opening. The owners have been encouraged by the enthusiastic welcome from both local customers and tourists, validating their vision for this unique business. They hope to continue expanding the menu to reflect seasonal ingredients sourced locally, reinforcing their connection to the Perthshire community. The success of the cafe serves as an excellent example of how local initiatives can breathe new life into historic sites, driving both economic growth and community engagement in the region, supporting the broader economic activity within Perth and Kinross. Looking Ahead
The future for Camp 21 Cafe appears bright, and they have ambitious plans to further develop their business and strengthen their ties with the local community. Their success demonstrates that investing in unique and well-conceived businesses within historic locations can be a significant driver for both tourism and local economic development. This project sets a positive example for other similar initiatives within the beautiful Perth and Kinross region.