No. 31 - Carta

Birnam Arts

➤ Station Road, Perth Kinross, United Kingdom

Carta • Sushi • Cafés • Asiatic • Mexican

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"We visited to see the Beatrix Potter Exhibition with family who were visiting and spent a lovely hour going around the exhibition, however our nice time was rudely interrupted by the elderly lady working in the cafe with dyed black curly hair. We have one child with serious allergies, so instead of one child feeling left out and risking cross exposure, we packed safe snacks for all the kids going anywhere with allergies is an absolute nightmare, so we always do this. Most places are trained and appreciative of how hard it is to eat out with allergens and happy to make reasonable adjustments for this. All four adults ate from the cafe. When part of our order was delivered, we were told “this isn’t a picnic area, you can’t eat your own food, you wouldn’t take food in to McDonald’s” (whilst looking at the 2 year old eating her snacks) when I responded yes I actually would, we have a child with allergies, she asked if it was serious allergies to which I said yes and she scoffed and left, no apology, nothing. I must add that whether the children would be eating or not, they would still have to sit at the table and take up the same amount of space. Would the children also be prevented from sitting because they didn’t buy from the cafe? Still waiting on my food order twenty minutes later and having already finished my coffee and frustrated at the wait, I asked for a refund as we now felt hurried to leave because of how upset she was at the children eating snacks at the table without purchasing them in their cafe. I got the refund for my missing meal and we left without going to the shop or seeing the other art, it has left a bad taste in my mouth. We spent just shy of £100 in the place and to be spoken to like that was horrible. The elderly employee with dyed black hair really needs some training on customer service and manners. The way she looked at us as we left was awful, we will not be returning. This place is not welcoming of children or those with allergies I dread to think how they would react to someone who is tube fed, probably told to eat outside just avoid."

Aran Bakery

➤ 2 Atholl Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AR, United Kingdom, Perth Kinross

Carta • Kebab • Sushi • Cafés • Mexican

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"This bakery in Dunkeld run by a former ex is absolutely fantastic. The staff are excellent, the food is always beautifully presented and tastes amazing. They offer a variety of interesting cakes, croissants, and mini tarts such as gooseberry and oat cake, plum frangipani tart, pistachio croissant, parsnip and pecan cake, nutty brownies, ginger and fig cheesecake, and raspberry, lemon and poppyseed cake. They also serve delicious sourdough bread and excellently made coffee. This place is definitely a 5-star destination."

The Scottish Deli

➤ 1 Atholl Street, Perth Kinross, United Kingdom, PH8 0AR

Carta • Kebab • Sushi • Cafés • Seafood

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"We stumbled on this little gem of a local business on a recent Motorcycle run at the start of the 2024 season. From the outside unpretentious, but on the inside a little jewel in Dunkeld. Very pleasant staff and equally pleasant homemade saviours and sweets. We were made to feel very welcome with a dash of proper understated hospitality, it seemed like many locals are within the staff rosta, which is always reassuring. The menu was great in both savoury and sweet options, a cracking little find. The shop stocks wines and spirits, but not your usual supermarket inventory, e.g Hearach Whiskey and in stock Chateau Musar 2017 wines amongst many others. If you are in Dunkeld or passing, it is more than worth a visit."

Howie's Bistro

➤ 23 Atholl Street, Perth Kinross, United Kingdom, 21

Carta • Cafés • Kebab • Seafood • Asiatic

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"The staff at this restaurant was a mixed bag - the older woman, who seemed to be the manager or owner, was very abrupt and unhelpful. It took a while for us to receive menus and her attitude left a lot to be desired. However, the younger girl who eventually took our order was lovely and the food was delicious. It was clear that the younger staff members were exceptional and perhaps had to make up for their boss, Julie. The older woman could benefit from some training or perhaps find a new job."

The Meeting Place

➤ Bridgehead Dunkeld Perth, Perth and Kinross PH8 0AQ, PH8 0QA, DUNKELD, United Kingdom

Carta • Cafés • Pizza • Mexican • Asiatic

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"We dined on the Saturday evening 4 days before Valentine's day and thought it would be busy. There were only two other couples in the restaurant so there was very little atmosphere or ambience. The service was excellent. Friendly, helpful and efficient staff. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. We had 3 courses from a fixed menu with a good choice of locally sourced produce. My husband had the fish which he thoroughly enjoyed and I had the fillet steak (rare) which melted in my mouth. Overall the price we paid including drinks was very good value for a wonderful meal."