Eating out and Socialising
Caithness has a vast social scene from active sporting, craft and athletic clubs to a variety of restaurants, bars and pubs. The live music scene is popular with regular performances of genres of all kinds in local venues.
Like many places, eating out in Caithness is a huge part of our social offering. We’re proud of our local products and many of our restaurants use them to create the most exquisite, award winning menus. The main towns of Wick and Thurso offer a variety of independent food outlets from restaurants, hotels, cafes and take away businesses meaning you can enjoy everything from a coffee and cake to fine dining cuisine.
The Highlands of Scotland is often the perfect home for dog lovers, if that includes you, see this link to a handy blog which talks of pet friendly eateries in the area.
Eating Out
There’s always time for a coffee in the North Highlands and luckily, there are plenty delicious cafe options available. Some even boast the most amazing and dramatic views over cliff edges looking out to boundless skies and even the Orkney Islands.
Local produce is a firm favourite on all menus as well as local coffee and home delicious home bakes.
The North Highlands is an incredibly popular tourist destination and is therefore home to countless independent restaurants & hotels all offering quality service and delicious, creative menus.
For that special occasion or special treat with friends and family, there are opportunities to try something a little out of the ordinary in the North Highlands. From tiny restaurants in the chef’s front room to award winning seafood, the North Highlands has plenty to offer.
Like it or loathe it, fast food is becomming more and more accesible and in the North Highlands is no exception. With traditional, family run fish and chip shops serving locally caught fish and as well as Indian, Chinese, Italian and Pizza offerings it can be hard to choose your families Friday night treat.
Nightlife
Merlin Cinema in Thurso offers entertainment for the whole family and is set to extend its offering soon by opening an additional three screens. The complex currently operates with two screens and a large restaurant space which is incredibly popular with people from all over the North.
Not only does the cinema offer the most up to date film releases and delicious food, they also offer the National Theatre live service where stage shows are broadcast live to sold out audiences in the UK’s most northerly mainland town.
The programme of events curated by the Lyth Arts Centre team rivals that of larger theatres in more populated areas. It offers the people of Caithness incredible access to talented performances on their doorstep.
Touring acts from all over the world perform intimate shows at the arts centre which comfortably seats 60 guests. The Arts Centre is also a haven for young people as they offer arts and crafts sessions as well as developmental events for infants.
In addition to their incredible programme of events, their hospitality is second to none. An in house bar serves local drinks and they’ve recently been working closely with Whaligoe Steps Cafe to produce themed menus to complement performances as well as showcasing their very own home made pizzas which can be enjoyed in the lounge and in their sheltered garden.
Live music is a firm favourite in the North Highlands. From village pubs to large venues and sold out gigs there are genres for all interests. In the Summer months, the local pipe bands take to the streets to entertain both visitors and locals while traditional acts and cover bands can be heard by the fire in local pubs. Younger audiences are drawn to local nightclubs in Wick and Thurso to hear bands from all over perform.
Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Naver Business Centre
Naver House
Naver Road
Thurso
KW14 7QA
Telephone: 01847 890076
Email: enquiries@investcaithness.com