Food and Drink in Callander

 

When you're on holiday, cooking can sometimes feel like the last thing you want to do.

 

Perhaps you've spent the day exploring the Trossachs, walking by the lochs, climbing a hill, entertaining little ones or simply enjoying the fresh Highland air. By evening, many guests are more interested in somebody else doing the washing up.

The good news is that Callander may be a small town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. From cosy cafés and traditional pubs to takeaway favourites and bakeries worth setting your alarm clock for, you'll find plenty of options within easy walking distance of Nest Holiday Home.

 

Of course, if the Scottish weather is behaving itself, you can always pick up some local treats and enjoy a picnic by the River Teith or in one of the many scenic spots around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Here are some of our favourite places to eat and drink during your stay.

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The Puddingstone Place

For many visitors, holiday mornings and a proper breakfast go hand in hand, and The Puddingstone Place has become one of Callander's favourite spots for exactly that. Known for its generous all-day breakfasts, it's the sort of place where walkers fuel up before heading into the hills and families gather after a leisurely morning. Whether you fancy a traditional Scottish breakfast, something lighter, or simply good coffee and a scone, there's plenty of choice on the menu.

 

One of the things guests particularly appreciate is the outdoor garden area. On sunny days it's a lovely place to sit with your morning coffee while your dog relaxes at your feet. The garden is dog-friendly and provides a peaceful alternative to sitting indoors, especially during the warmer months.

 

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a good option whether you're starting a busy day of sightseeing or simply enjoying a slower pace of holiday. If you're travelling with family, dogs, or both, The Puddingstone Place is an easy recommendation and well worth adding to your Callander food and drink list.  Plus it's only about 100 steps from your door.  

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The Abbotsford Lodge

The Abbotsford has long been a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering a warm welcome and a menu packed with comforting favourites. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner or a well-earned drink after a day exploring the Trossachs, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere and generous portions.

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If you're staying over a Sunday, however, there's one thing that deserves special mention. The Sunday Roast has become something of a local legend. Served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding, it's a feast that regularly surprises first-time visitors. The combination of tender roast meat, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy and the enormous Yorkshire pudding makes for a meal that's as impressive to look at as it is satisfying to eat. Our challenge to guests? Let us know if you manage to finish it.

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If you're looking for inventive, seasonal Scottish fayre, the Abbotsford is well worth adding to your Callander dining list.

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Greg's Bistro

Fronting the Dalgair House Hotel on Main Street, Greg's Bistro has quietly built a reputation as one of Callander's most reliable places for a relaxed lunch or evening meal. Visitors regularly praise the friendly service, welcoming atmosphere and generous portions. The menu focuses on classic bistro favourites with Scottish influences, making it a comfortable choice whether you're looking for a hearty meal after a day exploring the Trossachs or simply somewhere to enjoy a leisurely dinner. Fresh fish dishes, slow-cooked meats and traditional favourites regularly receive glowing reviews from visitors. Tripadvisor reviewers frequently highlight both the quality of the food and the warm, attentive service.

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The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, making it particularly popular with couples and families who want good food without any fuss or formality. If you're staying in Callander for several nights, Greg's Bistro is well worth adding to your dining shortlist. We had the steak, it was superb. 

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The Meadows

The Meadows offers a set menu and is better as a special occassion choice. That said there is charming outdoor garden with a little bar where you can relax. You'll be right in the centre of town, but it won't feel like it.

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Thackray House (Formerly Roman Camp Hotel)

Many visitors to Callander will remember the historic Roman Camp Hotel. This iconic property has undergone a significant transformation and reopened as Thackray House. Here you can enjoy afternoon teas, fine dining and a more informal Garden Bistro experience.

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The house itself dates back to 1625 when it served as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Perth before later becoming one of Scotland's most distinctive country house hotels. Set within extensive riverside grounds along the River Teith, it has welcomed generations of visitors and even hosted The Beatles during their Scottish tours.

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Ben Ledi Coffee Company

If breakfast is your favourite meal of the day, Ben Ledi Coffee Company should be high on your list. A popular stop for both locals and visitors, Ben Ledi serves excellent coffee, freshly baked treats and some seriously good bagels.

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Our personal favourite? The bacon and brie bagel.Simple, indulgent and absolutely delicious after a morning walk.

The café also has a lovely hidden garden area tucked away at the rear. On a sunny day it's one of Callander's best-kept secrets and a wonderful spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world slow down for a while.

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Ancaster Square Café

Ancaster is another local favourite and a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break. Their bagels have developed something of a reputation among visitors, particularly the Reuben Bagel. Packed with pastrami, pickle and all the classic flavours, it's the sort of sandwich that makes you feel like you've stepped into a New York deli rather than a café in rural Perthshire.

The menu offers plenty of choice for families, walkers and day trippers looking for a relaxed lunch before heading back out to explore.

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Mhor Bread & Bakery

A visit to Callander isn't complete without discovering Mhor Bread. The bakery's reputation stretches well beyond the town itself and you'll often find visitors leaving with considerably more than they intended to buy. Fresh breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and sweet treats are all prepared with care and creativity. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or creating an impromptu picnic for a day exploring the Trossachs. If you're staying with us, don't suffer the queues, pop in earlier in the morning or after the lunch rush.

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Pips Coffee House

Pips has become a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Friendly service, excellent coffee and a relaxed atmosphere make it a comfortable place to pause between adventures. There is a charming reading corner for the kiddies with a play kitchen. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a homemade cake or simply somewhere warm and welcoming to recharge, Pips rarely disappoints.

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The Crown Hotel

The Crown is one of Callander's best-loved traditional hotels and pubs. Its menu offers a good mix of Scottish favourites and modern dishes, but if there's one item we always encourage guests to try, it's the Cullen Skink. This traditional Scottish soup combines smoked haddock, potatoes and cream to create a dish that's rich, warming and bursting with flavour. It's comfort food at its very best and particularly welcome after a day spent outdoors.​ The Crown is also dog-friendly, making it a popular choice for visitors travelling with four-legged family members.

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The Waverley Hotel

If you enjoy watching sport while enjoying a meal or a pint, the Waverley is probably the best place in town.

With multiple screens and a strong sporting atmosphere, it's the place to catch football, rugby, golf, tennis and other major sporting events during your stay. ​Outside, the beer garden provides a pleasant space to enjoy warmer days, making it equally popular with visitors looking for a relaxed afternoon drink. ​Food is hearty, portions are generous and the atmosphere is always welcoming.

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The Caledonian Hotel

The Caledonian's public bar is a traditional Highland pub that offers a warm welcome to both visitors and locals.

It's a great place to enjoy a drink after a day exploring the National Park and often provides the sort of friendly conversation and local knowledge that can only be found in a community pub.​ Whether you're enjoying a quiet pint or gathering with friends and family, it's an authentic Callander experience.

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The Lade Inn

The best bit is that you can walk to the inn along the cycle path and build up an appetite. If you like real ales you can sample something different here too. Situated on the edge of town, the Lade Inn is a favourite among visitors looking for a little extra space to relax.The large outdoor garden area is particularly attractive during the warmer months. Families can enjoy a leisurely lunch while children stretch their legs, and walkers often stop here after exploring the nearby trails. Inside you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that focuses on traditional pub favourites alongside seasonal dishes. It's a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon or enjoy a relaxed evening meal.