New cafe and bar in Thurso at site of former Ormlie Club
A sparkling new cafe and bar in Thurso have opened at Brownhill Road and are ready for customers to enjoy snacks and a drink with special discounts available.
The buildings were owned for many years by the Ormlie Club which was a private members association and are now home to The Gardener’s Lounge and The Gardener’s Kitchen.
The owner of the cafe and bar is Ryan Fitzgerald who said: “I have now opened it to the public, so everyone is welcome.
“The contractors and I started work on the bar and wooden chalet in April 2024. It took much longer than I had anticipated due to the level of the work which was required.
“Both properties were completely renovated with the bar finished towards the end of last year. Unfortunately, I couldn’t oversee the finished project as I left for university in September to study building surveying and the cafe finally opened for business on February 6.”
The new bar manager is Jena McLean and Maureen Webster, who has worked in the food industry for many years, is in charge of the cafe.
Ryan continued: “Although both businesses are out of the town centre, they are very accessible with a large car park to the front.
“My aim is to provide good quality affordable snacks and family meals with discounts for pensioners, army veterans and meal deals for school children. The cafe will also be doing takeaways and all-day breakfasts seven days a week. Food can be served in both the cafe and bar as they are both licensed.”
All baking is supplied by Jennifer Paul of Wrenny Roos Cakery and butcher meat is purchased from North Coast Butchers. Ryan says he wants to use as many local suppliers as possible.
The cafe at present is open from 9am to 3.30pm on Monday to Thursday. Then from Friday to Sunday it is open from 9am to 7pm.
The bar is open from 4pm to 11 pm on Thursday; Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm; and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Live entertainment is on most weekends and opening hours will change in the spring.
