FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wild Highlands Coffee?

Wild Highlands Coffee is a boutique Scottish coffee company serving artisan coffee on the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond. Run by ultra-runner and adventure racer Heather Jackson, we specialise in high-quality coffee, locally inspired drinks and freshly prepared food in a welcoming Highland setting. Our goal is to provide visitors and locals with great coffee in the heart of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Where is Wild Highlands Coffee located?

Wild Highlands Coffee is located near Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most famous and popular destinations. We are on the Maid of the Loch Pier, and our postcode is G83 8QX.

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Our popular coffee stop is great for walkers, cyclists and tourists as a place to sit and drink, or take away a drink to continue exploring Loch Lomond. 

What are your opening hours?

Wild Highlands Coffee is open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Is Wild Highlands Coffee dog friendly?

Yes, Wild Highland Coffee is very dog friendly! All pups are welcome here. We are an outdoors coffee house and offer dog-friendly treats, fresh drinking water and even some dog-safe ice cream for the hotter weather!

Is Wild Highlands Coffee family friendly?

Yes. Wild Highland Coffee welcomes families, walkers, cyclists, and travellers. Our relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a coffee break while visiting Loch Lomond, with plenty of outside space for kids to explore.

How long do coffee beans stay fresh?

Coffee is always at its best when enjoyed within a few weeks of opening. Whole beans generally stay fresh for longer than ground coffee because they have less surface area exposed to air. However it depends on how often you open the packets and let air in.

Once opened, we recommend storing your coffee correctly and enjoying it within 4–6 weeks for the best flavour and aroma. Unopened bags stored in a cool, dry place can remain fresh for considerably longer but may lose some of their punch. 

What sorts of coffee does Wild Highlands Coffee sell?

We serve specialty coffee made from high-quality beans. Our menu typically includes:

  • Espresso
  • Flat white
  • Cappuccino
  • Latte
  • Americano
  • Hot chocolate
  • Seasonal speciality drinks

We also sell our speciality coffee online - click here to visit our store.

Should I buy whole bean or ground coffee?

Whole bean coffee stays fresher for longer because the flavours and aromas are protected inside the bean until grinding.

Choose whole bean coffee if:

  • You own a coffee grinder
  • You want maximum freshness
  • You enjoy adjusting your grind size for different brewing methods

Choose ground coffee if:

  • You want convenience
  • You use a single brewing method
  • You don't own a grinder

For the freshest cup possible, we generally recommend buying whole beans and grinding them just before brewing. But if you just want to make a coffee and get it drunk as you run out the door to work, then ground coffee is perfect. 

Does decaf coffee taste different from regular coffee?

Modern decaffeination methods allow coffee producers to remove most of the caffeine while preserving much of the coffee's natural flavour.

Our Dress Decaf offers the same rich coffee experience you would expect from quality beans, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy great-tasting coffee without the caffeine kick. Many customers are surprised at just how flavourful a good decaf coffee can be.

Which Wild Highland Coffee blend is best for a cafetière?

For cafetière or French press brewing, many customers enjoy The Bothy. Its smooth, chocolatey flavour works particularly well with immersion brewing methods, producing a rich and balanced cup.

However, coffee preference is highly personal. If you enjoy brighter and slightly lighter flavours, The Loch is also an excellent choice in a cafetière, allowing its subtle citrus and butterscotch notes to shine through.

Which Wild Highland Coffee blend is best for espresso?

For espresso lovers, The Ben is often the preferred choice thanks to its blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The Robusta contributes body and crema, while the Arabica provides balance and flavour complexity.

The result is a rich, satisfying espresso with a smooth finish that also works beautifully in cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.

Does Wild Highlands Coffee have oat milk / soya milk / dairy alternatives?

Yes - just ask for whichever type of milk you would like when ordering. 

Do you support local Scottish businesses?

Supporting local suppliers and the Scottish community is important to Wild Highlands Coffee. Whenever possible we work with local producers and Scottish businesses to provide high-quality ingredients and products.

How should I store my WHC coffee beans?

To keep your coffee tasting its best, store your beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

For best results to keep your coffee beans tasting fresh for longer:

  • Keep coffee sealed when not in use and avoid transparent containers
  • Store away from heat sources like ovens or radiators
  • Avoid exposure to moisture
  • Do not store coffee next to strongly scented foods (there’s nothing worse than coffee with a vindaloo afternote!)

Contrary to popular belief, coffee does not usually need to be refrigerated. Frequent temperature changes can introduce moisture and affect flavour. Properly stored coffee beans at room temperature will retain their freshness and flavour for longer, allowing you to enjoy every cup as intended.

Do you offer takeaway coffee?

Yes, we offer takeaway coffee and drinks throughout the day. These are perfect for enjoying while exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, or watching the Maid of the Loch move by. You can also buy a Wild Highlands Coffee branded reusable coffee cup to take with you as a wee memento of your time here. 

Is Wild Highlands Coffee a good stop for visitors to Loch Lomond?

Absolutely - everyone is welcome! Wild Highland Coffee is a great place to stop for coffee while exploring Loch Lomond. Walkers and cyclists alike can sit and enjoy the scenery whilst enjoying our warm drinks. 

Do you serve locally inspired Scottish food and drink?

We serve a range of traditional Scottish snacks including Tunnocks Tea Cakes and Caramel Wafers alongside a range of tasty baked goods including homemade vegan and gluten-free cakes. We celebrate local Scottish produce and Highland flavours, using organic ingredients whenever possible.

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What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans?

You’ll hear a lot on Wild Highlands Coffee about Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. But what’s all the fuss about?

These are the two most commonly grown coffee bean varieties in the world, and offer the connoisseur coffee drinker different experiences. 

Arabica beans are known for their smooth, complex flavours and often feature notes of fruit, chocolate, caramel, or nuts. They generally contain less caffeine and are considered higher quality.

Robusta beans have a stronger, bolder flavour with earthy and nutty characteristics. They contain more caffeine than Arabica beans and produce a richer crema when used in espresso.

Many coffee blends combine Arabica and Robusta beans to balance smooth flavour with body and strength. Wild Highland Coffee's The Ben blend combines both varieties to create a rich, full-bodied coffee with plenty of character.

Which Wild Highland Coffee blend is strongest?

Ah, you’re looking to be smacked in the face with a strong coffee? Well come this way! Our strongest blend is generally considered to be The Ben. Combining Arabica and Robusta beans, it delivers a bold flavour profile with a rich body and higher caffeine content than our 100% Arabica coffees.

If you enjoy a strong, full-flavoured coffee with chocolate notes and plenty of depth, The Ben is an excellent choice for both espresso and milk-based drinks. Buy The Ben in our online shop and enjoy it at home for a sparky morning or a mid-day pick up.