Birch Coffee | Highland Speciality Coffee

Birch: speciality coffee in Inverness & Skye

There are a handful of places in the Highlands that I return to without question, and Birch is firmly one of them.

A speciality coffee shop known for its small-batch brews, unique blends and speciality beans, Birch has built a quiet reputation as one of the best places for coffee in Scotland’s northern regions.

What began as a roastery and then a shop in Portree on Skye has since expanded to an outpost in Inverness - very good news for anyone passing through the Highlands capital.

Birch at a glance

I’ve stopped by Birch more times than I can count, and it remains a strong contender for my favourite coffee anywhere in Scotland. If I’m in Inverness, I always make a point of visiting. The coffee is consistently excellent - whether you’re ordering a flat white, an espresso, or taking the time to savour a slower pourover.

Both Birch locations share the same feel: calm, considered, and a little chic. The interiors lean to Melbourne-inspired minimalist, a nod to owner Niall’s travels, and a refreshing shift from the more traditional cafés you’ll find across the region.

Step inside and you’ll see exposed brick and cool wood, along with bench seating that stretches across little tables.

As for the coffee, it’s hand-roasted in small batches at the Portree roastery from beans traceable to the grower. A well-curated choice of single-origin beans is carefully poured by the team into specially made ceramic mugs (crafted in Scotland of course), and the attention to detail is second-to-none: delicate coffee art, perfect pours, and thumb-sized indents in the cups.

If you care about where your coffee comes from, appreciate the craft behind it, and want somewhere that quietly gets everything right, Birch is an easy recommendation.

What to order

Away from coffee, there’s a small but delicious menu on offer with a well-considered pastry section, generously filled croissants, and perfectly plated brunch dishes.

I think the Basque cheesecake is a knockout, especially with a flat white. That said, the cinnamon cruffins come pretty close!

Getting Here

You’ll find Birch Inverness on the high street, and Birch Portree tucked away in the centre of the town. Both are best visited on foot. Open daily, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.