Forres Coffee House in the community centre - review
Most residents have been to Forres House Community Centre for food at some point in their lives - but it’s never tasted as good as it does now!
Since taking on Moray Council’s lease for the kitchen and café at the unassuming building two years ago, Bret and Anna Mather of Mather’s Ice Cream at Grant Park have transformed the space into Forres Coffee House - a thriving coffee and burger joint, offering fresh, local produce.
“We have a long history of working in a wide range of restaurants, cafes and pubs all over the UK,” explained Anna, “but we moved here to be closer to family and absolutely love it!
“There's such a great sense of community in Forres and we feel lucky to be at the heart of it with our wee spot in the centre!”
The couple signed a 10 year lease in July 2022, having trialled a number of dishes at Mather's Kiosk - still open in the adjacent park - over the previous few years.
“We are so glad we took the leap,” said Anna. “We've been warmly welcomed and enjoy meeting the wide variety of people who come through the doors.
“For example, it's great to see so many people add social time to their exercise classes or see friendships emerge between new parents after baby group.”
Forres Coffee House’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with plenty of tables for two or four, set out before its orders counter.
The Coffee House’s team of six full time staff helped furnish the wood-panelled area between the reception and sports hall, with donations of equipment and decorations from Moray Waste Busters and Findhorn Bay Arts. They have also provided overspill space by the windows of the hall so customers can watch games as they eat.
Different specials are announced every day on a wall board and on the cafe’s Facebook page. The chefs make everything in house; from scones, bagels and burger buns to the burgers, soups and salads.
The produce is sourced from the local area: the coffee roasted by Inverness Coffee Roasting Co; milk and eggs from Lower Mill of Tynet Farm; Kombucha from Gut Feelings; beef from John Davidsons Butchers; vegetables from Rising Roots, Bruntlands Market, Speyfruit, Marcassie Farm, and Friends of Forres Woods and Fields.
“Forres is surrounded by some amazing growers and producers,” said Anna, “and we're really passionate about what we do.”
Smiling head barista, Santana Okeeffe, has also worked at Forres Coffee House since it first opened.
“I love the coffee-side of the business,” she said. “The staff have creative control in the kitchen where the chefs work with whatever ingredients they have on the day. We also have very good bosses so we like coming to work!
“It has class food and drink, and we’re always busy as it can get pretty crazy with after-school clubs etc. A lot of people also come in a few times-a-day just to socialise.”
Youth club development officer, Helen Murdoch, drops in at least once-a-week to enjoy the “excellent coffee, friendly staff and great vibes”.
“I usually go with the classic burger and fries when I’m in with my husband and son,” she said. “It’s really good for families here.
“The breakfasts are also great. The prices reflect the quality of the fresh food, as well as the time and effort taken to prepare it.”
During my visit at midday on Saturday afternoon, there were six tables occupied, served by two waitresses.
The atmosphere was relaxed with music in the background and a community board advertising local events to look at after I placed my order, served within 10 minutes.
I opted for one of the specials: the Korean barbecue burger made up of sesame barbecue beef, kimchi, spiced coleslaw, kimchi mayonnaise and coriander in a sesame bun.
I added plain fries and a milkshake made with Mather's original ice cream.
The burger was a messy eat (or was that just my table manners?) but the flavours outstanding - particularly rich and tangy.
Having eaten many of the best “steak patties” in the city, I believe that Forres Coffee House’s burgers compare to those in top quality “gourmet” restaurants. My chips were perfectly cut and fried. The vanilla milkshake was ideal, thick and creamy.
I also shared a plate of fries loaded with hot beef chilli, cheese, chipotle mayonnaise and Jalapeños. Again, these were outstanding… But would make some people sweat!
My friend had the same burger and a Coke; our bill total was £40.15. As a further example, a classic burger with fried onions, dill pickles, lettuce, tomato and burger sauce is £7.50 while fries cost £4.
Pricey but honest, as you get exactly what you pay for. Well worth it!
