Café at Designs, The

Castle Douglas has a number of good cafes but Designs, which is situated on the main street through town, is my favourite. It is more than a café, but rather a three in one, shop, gallery and café. The shop at street level specialises in jewellery and gifts designed by a cross section of local and international designers.  You can even shop on-line. The Gallery is up a few stairs towards the rear and is claimed to be "SW Scotland's leading gallery for contemporary art and design led crafts".

The Café at Designs is downstairs and is itself also a three in one, café, conservatory and patio. I am partial to the patio, which is lined with plant pots and flowers. You can sit under a tree and look onto a lawn within a small, secluded walled garden. You would not believe that the A75 Gretna to Stranraer road was yards away towards the front.

Most tables are accommodated in the large main café, which has pale lemon walls, a wooden floor, lowish ceiling with spotlights and fans. Menus are on blackboards. The brightly coloured conservatory also looks onto the walled garden and contains sofas as well as table and chairs.

Designs is busy and attracts visitors as well as a regular clientele of locals but the black dressed staff are quick and efficient. Lunch is served between 12.00 and 15.00 and offers a choice of dishes e.g. chicken piri piri.

Designs serves Lavazza coffees, offers speciality teas (including lapsang souchong) and herbal teas (including lemon verbana), and there are hot chocolates, milk shakes and soft drinks. Freshly baked scones, cakes and desserts are on display.

There are soups, organic ciabattas & bruschettas with a choice of fillings; and sandwiches and toasties with optional double fillings. The Café uses good fresh ingredients, organic flour, free-range eggs and fresh vegetables. Bread is baked every morning in Design's kitchen.

Real ale brewed in Castle Douglas at Sulwath Brewers is available – Criffel, Knockendoch, and Galloway Gold.

Why would I go there?  An excellent break from shopping

Any Negatives? Small and cramped toilets.

Before or After:  
1. A break on the journey to or from the Stranraer ferry.
2. Castle Douglas has been designated a Food Town so why not stock up on the excellent food and drink produced locally
3. Visit Threave Castle set on an island in the River Dee. West of the A75 about a mile from Castle Douglas you go to Kelton Mains Farm. Park, then there’s a 10 min walk to the River Dee. There you will find a small jetty and a brass bell with a rope pull. Ring this bell loudly and the boatman will come (rather romantic isn’t it?). Best to phone in advance - 01831 168512.

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