Corner on the Square - Scotland’s Best Deli?
May 2024
On the outside, Corner on the Square may seem like any other delicatessen, but why is it that
people all over the country flock to visit, - from your next door neighbour to even the
Hebridean Baker himself. First established in 2003, Corner on the Square has provided the
people of Easter Ross and beyond with a warm and friendly place to eat as well as shop for
locally produced fine foods, but I wanted to take a closer look to find out just how special it
really is.
Before writing this piece, I had only visited Beauly once before, then too being unaware of why it was so well known, lying just nine miles outside Inverness. Although fairly out of the way, COTS is no stranger to the tourists as it lands itself right at the beginning/end of the iconic North Coast 500 route, exposing all the beautiful scenery that the Scottish Highlands has to offer.
After almost two decades, Corner on the Square started a new chapter with Tara and Lewis taking over the establishment. I spoke to Co-Owner Tara about her time at the delicatessen and her feelings about the success it has brought to Beauly.
When asked why they wanted to take over the establishment, Tara noted that she had
previously been a customer there for 15 years, but when COTS went up for sale, she was
scared that someone would come and change it, losing the place both Tara and the wider
community came to know and love.
““I felt the pressure - they were big shoes to fill” ”
Tara knew that it was up to them to keep Corner on the Square going, it was up to them to save the much loved business. For the siblings, it was all about building on the brand that previous owners, Gary and Jacqui, built as well as expanding on and enhancing what was already there, and that’s what keeps the business so successful, amongst other things.
Muir of Ord itself is a decadent little village full of life. When speaking to both Tara and Assistant Manager, Joanna Renwick, both told me that Corner on the Square is not the only reason the area is so popular. Although small, both noted that it is full of independent shops with something for everyone, in addition to it being one of the only villages that still hold free parking, especially in the town square.
Yes, perhaps these attributes are more aimed at those who live nearby, but even so, they have attracted their fair share of people from further afield. To people of Scotland, Burns Night is one of the most celebrated nights of the year, from the haggis eating to the poem reciting - but to those who don’t live here, it goes rather unnoticed. However, last year’s Burns Night had crowds of people eager to learn and experience the Scottish traditions, with Corner on the Square hosting a massive 38 people, most of them being tourists! Local or not, hearing so many people be so passionate about learning and engaging in a culture that they perhaps have little relation to, must tug at a few heartstrings, wherever you are from.
Despite this, I am not a tourist and have been to my fair share of cafe’s, restaurants and deli’s in Scotland, and so I wanted to see just what Corner on the Square is like to those familiar with the everyday Scottish eatery experience. Although perhaps I was not a customer of Corner on the Square, I was treated with as much care and friendliness as someone I’d expected to have visited for years. Obviously every public place strives to give anyone who enters the best experience, however, I was truly blown away with how kind and open all the staff members were, both to me and others.
It may not sound like much particularly, but when you spend a lot of time in the city, sometimes coming home to a place with a small-town cafe that portrays a family-type atmosphere, is all you want and when talking to Tara, it was obvious others had also experienced this in the environment.
“I think the reason Corner on the Square has been so successful is down to a combination of
everything - everyone talks about the great vibe, the amazing service, the quality of food,
the friendly staf . Everyone is always well attended to - you know, 99% of people get really
amazing service.”
It’s not everyday you speak to owners of establishments and genuinely 100% agree with what they are saying. Even just spending a few hours in Corner on the Square, I can understand that Tara, Lewis, Joanna and the rest of the staff, have been putting the people first, whether staff, customers or even the odd tourist asking for directions.
Going on from this, obviously a big part of the business when you’re running a deli, is the
food. I can confirm, now having eaten there on two occasions for breakfast, that the food is
delightful, however, if you’re looking for something in the way of fine food to bring home as a
gift for others, or perhaps something special for Christmas time, Corner on the Square ticks
all the boxes once more. Within the restaurant, there is the main menu of food and drink you
can eat on the spot, but also a large selection of alcohol from all across the world, multiple
cheeses, meats, cakes and scones, and more - a treasure trove of food, if you will. It’s one
thing having such a good selection of food and drink to choose from, but it’s another when it
means something to the local community. When talking to Tara about the produce, she made it known that all of her stock comes from local producers, no
matter how big or small - “even if we buy one single product from them that is made in their own kitchen at their house”. This is especially touching to
hear, not only as it further backs up just what COTS means to the community, in more ways than one, but also on a more global note. Everyday we are
reminded of the pressures of fast food and consumption, but businesses like Corner on the Square are helping to tackle the issue, allowing people to grow
locally, and buy locally. In addition, I’m sure it means more to customers that the produce was grown just nearby instead of on the other side of the world.
All in all, it is clear to see why COTS holds such a brilliant reputation across the country, as it’s not everyday that you experience such kindness and consideration in every single aspect of the business. So, next time you visit the North of Scotland, consider stopping by Beauly and you just might be lucky enough to experience the delightful delicatessen of Corner on the Square.