St Mocha Coffee Shop

Balmaha G63 0JQ »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Charlie Mills Also: Cakes, snacks, coffee beans

Coolness: Tasty coffee right by beautiful Loch Lomond

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St Mocha Coffee Shop (3♥) is a cosy spot, a stone's throw from where the Inchailloch Ferry wharf departs on Loch Lomond. It offers a rare moment of well-prepared speciality coffee in the area as well as along the West Highland Way.

The espresso-based coffee on offer is from Charlie Mills - a small batch, independent roastery based in Glasgow. When we visited we were treated to Charlie's Seasonal Tip Top Espresso blend - 50% Brazil, 25% Colombia and 25% El Salvador - balancing depth very nicely with some citrus juiciness.

The barista and support crew keep a steady eye on churning out good quality coffee despite the constant stream of walkers and other visitors eagerly awaiting drinks to take-away or sit in. Food is kept simple, focusing on ice cream, cakes and sticky sweet things such as tiffin and salted caramel & popcorn slice.

The decor is down-to-earth and relaxed - primarily stone with comfortably utilitarian furnishings and some tartan softness to warm the place up. There's a couch inside as well as tables and chairs, and outdoor seating in the front patio area.

St Mocha is attached to a grocery shop and part of the Oak Tree Inn - which is a pub with food as well as rooms. And it's conveniently located across the road from the Conic Hill National Park Visitor Centre and car park, so you can ask for advice about walks in the area including the said hill.

This is a top notch spot to visit enabling you to combine nice coffee with some spectacular scenery and walking.

More: theoaktreeinn.co.uk/food-drink/st-mocha-coffee