Travel Report: JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William, Scotland.

If I have one little grumble about living in Banavie, it’s that the village is a bit restrictive when it comes to my morning caffeine fix. Beyond my sister’s kitchen and the depressing territory of instant coffee, the only place I can really go to is The Moorings Hotel. Actually, there is a tiny little cafe called Candz Boutique on the other side of the canal opposite the hotel. However, the place is never bloody open!

The Loch Bar and Restaurant in Caol.

Furthermore, I suppose I could head for The Lochy, but the service there is always terrible and I just can’t seem to bring myself to go to a pub for breakfast. Therefore, whenever I wanna mix things up, I walk into Fort William for a morning at JJ’s Cafe in Sheraton Retail Park.

Views of Ben Nevis from the walking route along the A380.

It takes me about twenty five minutes to walk to JJ’s from Old Banavie Road. As walking routes go it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand the views are amazing, especially of Ben Nevis. On the other hand, the path runs right alongside the A830 road, where humongous industrial trucks and lorries grind past you every thirty seconds or so.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

In any case it’s just a twenty five minute walk and I’m always able to order my latte within seconds. Actually, I’ve never encountered a queue here. Located just outside the town centre, JJ’s seems just enough out of the way that it rarely gets hectic.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

The coffee here is solid if not spectacular. Then again, I’m a bit particular. They also do a range of fresh rolls and of course full English/Scottish fried breakfasts. After two years living in China, I simply cannot overstate the pure joy of a simple cheese and ham roll.

Breakfast at JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

It’s also a good place for people watching. JJ’s seems popular with local tradesmen, who dip in and out for breakfast, lunch, a coffee on the run, in between jobs.

Cake, anyone?

If like me you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll certainly find plenty of exciting options at the dessert counter. I’d go for the Millionaire’s Slice.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

JJ’s channels a homely vibe, which makes it a great place to work for a blogger like me. The living room area at the back is particularly homely, with comfy sofas, ample table space, plug sockets and a book exchange. Unfortunately, the wifi was often shaky, hence it could never become my daily blogging spot.

JJ’s Cafe, Fort William.

For more on JJ’s, head to their website. And guys, if you’re reading this, feel free to use one of my shots to replace the main photo on your homepage! (It’s really really terrible).

Like this? Why not leaf through more of my reports from Fort William. 

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