At The Courtyard Cafe we are passionate about food and drink. The island and its fertile land means we don’t have to look very far afield to find wonderful produce for our kitchen team to work their magic. We only use quality locally sourced ingredients to create the delicious hearty soups, fresh sandwiches, salads, hot ‘Bute Bakes’ and irresistible scones that we’ve become so well known for.

Local & Fairtrade Suppliers

Our suppliers include our very own Mount Stuart Kitchen Garden team, who work tirelessly to grow fruit and vegetables for our cafe. Smoked fish and cheese is supplied by the Isle of Bute Smokehouse, who use a kiln which dates back to 1888! We are also proud to source all our beef and lamb from Macqueen's butchers who use produce from island farms.

We are proud to serve Fairtrade coffee from Scottish based company Coffee Conscience, whose philosophy is that every cup makes a difference by delivering social, environmental and community responsibility. Coffee Conscience are passionate about Fairtrade coffee and the environment, and a percentage of their sales goes back into local community projects. 

Special Dietaries and Allergens

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options are available. For example, the soup served in our Courtyard Cafe is always vegan and gluten free. Our cafe team will be happy to provide specific allergen information on request. Please be aware that all foods served on site may contain traces of nuts.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in our outdoor seating area in the Courtyard and surrounding areas. Limited indoor seating is available on a first come first served basis, please ask our team.

Picnics at Mount Stuart

The Courtyard Cafe stocks a range of takeaway food and drink perfect for a picnic in our gardens, or you are welcome to bring your own. Please remember to follow the Countryside Code guidelines during your visit:

• take your litter home – place waste in the bins provided
• campfires or BBQs are not permitted anywhere on the Mount Stuart site
• keep dogs on leads and under control
• care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance

Online Shop

Shop online for firewood and gifts here.

The Family Entrance and Round-house shops offer a thoughtfully curated selection of unique gifts, crafts, and homewares, all with a distinctly Scottish twist.

We’re passionate about championing local creativity and are proud to support talented makers and artists from across the Isle of Bute and beyond. In particular, we’re delighted to collaborate with the Isle of Bute Artists’ Collective (IBAC). Our shops feature a wonderful range of gifts from IBAC members, including work by Animac Design, Dilys Foster, Liz Wren, Myler Décor, Sarah Jane Hemsley and Stephen Doak, each bringing their own distinctive style and craftsmanship.

If you're planning a visit in late July, don't miss the IBAC Studio Trail, a popular annual weekend event that takes place across the island and showcases the work of around 40 exhibiting artists. It’s a vibrant celebration of the island’s remarkable creative talent.

We’re also pleased to stock gifts and products from other island-based favourites such as  Ruth Slater Artist, Isle of Bute Candle Company and Bonnie Bling jewellery, alongside an exclusive collection of Mount Stuart souvenirs, books, cards and bags.

Many of our suppliers work with Bute Fabrics. Founded in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute to provide employment for returning service personnel after the Second World War, the mill continues to be a major local employer. Today, Bute Fabrics enjoys an international reputation for producing high-quality, innovative textiles for fashion and interiors. Still supported by the Bute family, the mill stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a shared commitment to the island’s economic and cultural life.