At the Sign of the Black Faced Sheep

  ‘At the Sign of the Black Faced Sheep’. 'Pardon?' I hear you say. 'Sounds more like a pub!' But I can assure you it is a coffee shop with the ambiance and quality of food you look for in such an establishment.  

From the outside its double bow windows with small panes are cluttered with displays designed for those inside and suggest an old fashioned bazaar. I found myself in two minds as to whether I would go in – I am glad I did.

Inside it is much more spacious though the gift area is still cluttered making moving among the ‘country living magazine’ type goods precarious!

The actual coffee shop is raised and separated from the main trading area and includes a small area to the rear. The decoration is cream and green with dark wood tabletops. Excellent coffees and various teas are available with soft drinks like elderflower presse and peach iced tea. The scones are delicious as are the cakes. Also on offer are salads, sandwiches, bruschetta, and local delicacies such as smoked salmon and venison.  

Service is attentive and one feels that nothing is too much bother.

Outside are a few tables.

Why should I go there? Excellent scones and pleasant ambiance.

Any negatives? Difficult to find despite there being a billboard hard at the roadside.

Before or After:   
1. A walk round Aboyne.
2. Lots of walks in the various woodland areas east or west of Aboyne. Also cross the Dee to the south and again many tracks lead into the wooded hillsides.
3. Anne, a visitor to the site, even suggests a flight at the nearby Deeside Gliding Club!