Old Library, The

One of our all time favourite tea rooms seems to have been reopened under the management of the Lewis family of Monachle Mhor Hotel fame. This is the review we wrote before it closed some years ago and until we sample the newly opened tearoom in the spring we will leave it as it was. 

A day out in the hills breathing the fresh air and enjoying the fabulous scenery: What more could you want? A Coffee Shop of course! And The Old Library Tea Room in Balquhidder fits the bill perfectly.

First, however, you must find it. To do so turn off the A84 not to the west, but to the east, at the Kingshouse Hotel. From there the road leads through an underpass beneath the "new" road and out into Balquhidder Glen itself.

The old library in Balquhidder was built by David Carnegie of the nearby Stronvar Estate in the second half of the 18th century. He hoped to persuade the workers on his nearby estate to look to improving their minds rather than enjoying the attractions of the local hostelry across the road. The good man might have been one of life's eternal optimists but today the local pub has long since gone and the Library remains - albeit for a different purpose!

The building is showing its years but that just adds to its charms. As it says on the menu ' before you ask…..yes the dust is authentic'. It is small but has the quirkiness you look for when out and about.  It also allows you to sit outside and admire the fantastic hills, which you should be climbing (or perhaps this could be your reward for the exercise you've just had).

On offer are home made soup, bacon rolls, BLTs, toasties, sandwiches, scones and range of excellent cakes – the white chocolate Rocky Road and carrot cake are highly recommended! Everything comes beautifully presented.

  
Why would I go there? Beautiful scenery, excellent fare and a feeling of being off the beaten track.

Any Negatives?  On the small side if you have to be inside.

Before or After:
1. Park at Strathyre and walk the 3 ½mls to Balquhidder along the old road, have lunch or coffee then walk back again.
2. There is a short climb up to the ancient gathering place of the Clan Labhran (MacLaren) above Balquhidder. Take the track to Kirkton Glen which is either side of the old church (where Rob Roy is buried) and you will come to a sign post. You then follow the yellow markers. It will take about an hour and the view from the top is breathtaking – there's also a seat there!
3. If that is too much you can follow the same track to the waterfall then cross the bridge and return to the village – it's only a few hundred yards.