About Willowgate Cafe
Long before Willowgate was a café, it was a working salmon station. Originally known as the Lymie Hauge Salmon Fishing Station, part of Tay Salmon Fisheries (est. 1899), this bothy once housed twelve men working shifts to net salmon from the Tay between February and August each year.
ABOUT US
Our Story
Originally known as the Lymie Hauge Salmon Fishing Station, part of Tay Salmon Fisheries (est. 1899), this bothy once housed twelve men working shifts to net salmon from the Tay between February and August each year. When commercial netting on the river came to an end, many of these old bothies were left to fall into disrepair.
Ours very nearly went the same way - until David Clarke of Tay Salmon Fisheries set about bringing it back to life, restoring the building and giving it a new purpose as a café on the riverbank.Today, that same building - all cosy corners, log fire and river views - is home to Willowgate Café. We've kept its rustic character intact while filling it with the smell of home baking and fresh coffee, and we like to think the old fishermen would approve of the second life it's found.
David's vision didn't stop there. His work also led to the Willowgate Activity Centre next door, which opened its doors in 2017 and continues to champion access, inclusion and education about the river and its wildlife - a mission now carried on through the Tay & Earn Trust, chaired by his son Simon.
Set on the banks of the River Tay, just by the Friarton Bridge and a short walk, cycle, drive or even boat trip from Perth city centre, Willowgate is a place to slow down. Pull up a chair by the fire or out on the riverside patio, and enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and speciality coffee with some of the best views the Tay has to offer.
We're proud to be listed among VisitScotland's "Taste our Best" eateries, and were named Best Café 2023 for Perthshire.