When I founded the Real Food Café in 2004, my vision was to run a restaurant that was accessible to all and served sustainably sourced delicious food. As the years went by, I was fortunate enough to see this vision become a reality. Today, people from all walks of life—whether they’re travelling through Scotland on the A82, or journeying the West Highland Way— find comfort and sustenance at our welcoming pitstop. 

Speaking of sustenance, there’s a good reason our food has won awards! The vast majority of our menu items are handmade, and we promote and source Scottish produce whenever possible. What’s more, I’m confident our certified gluten-free options have raised the bar in terms of flavour and safe service.

Our success wouldn’t be possible without our hard-working team; one in which an employee isn’t just a worker but a valued member of our extended family. We’ve always striven to create high-quality, meaningful jobs and provide a harmonious working environment. Continuously supporting learning and development, we encourage our team to grow in both a personal and professional sense. 

All of the above is extremely important and the cornerstone of any successful business. Without it, The Real Food Café wouldn’t be what it is today. But it’s because of this cornerstone, this foundation of our success, that we have a springboard from which to view the bigger picture. Never content to rest on our laurels, we’ve always invested in growth and development, safeguarding our ethos for future generations of employees and customers. 

The question that drives us is what, beyond owners, staff, and customers, is our higher purpose? 

When we say we’re more than just a café, we mean it. The work of Alan and I, as the business founder and principal owners, is to create a lasting legacy that reinforces this. One that’s always expanding, encompassing the local, national, and global.

- By Sarah Heward, Founder & Co-owner