St Mocha Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour
+44 1360 870357+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Mon
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Cafe, British, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Brunch
features
Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Details
About
St Mocha is an exciting speciality coffee brand for Loch Lomond and beyond. The shop in Balmaha is the first St Mocha and open daily, located next to The Oak Tree Inn. The name St Mocha was inspired by the Gaelic Bealach Moc-ha, which translates as ‘The Pass of St. Mocha’ where the name Balmaha derives from. St Mocha is where you will also find Loch Lomond Luxury Ice Cream, the destinations first authentic locally produced ice cream. Coming soon the coffee will be roasted on site to the unique St Mocha blend.
CUISINES
Cafe, British, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
81
Average
25
Poor
5
Terrible
5
christine0253
Glasgow462 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
We stayed at the oak tree inn next to the coffee shop and used it twice during our 2 night stay the first time we had coffee and cake then yesterday we had their delicious lentil soup for lunch we were in the wee room off the main bit there are not many tables but a lot of people were getting take away anyway. The ice creams looked really nice but didn’t get to try them. The staff were very friendly and helpful too. I would definitely recommend
Written 6 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Íomhar J.
Ireland199 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Heading back to Ireland after a week long motorcycle tour of Scotland we found this lovely drive through cafe in (what we thought) was the middle of nowhere. We had to stop for some refreshments and were glad we did.
The cafe, drive through and bus are unique and interesting and there was a good selection of food and drinks/ coffees available all at a reasonable price. The staff were friendly to customers (and to their four legged friends) and we were able to sit outside (socially distanced) and enjoy the sunshine. Definitely worth a stop!
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eigenhikers
Fairfax County20 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
St. Mocha is a charming spot for a quick bite to eat/drink after a long climb up and down Conic Hill. I had a tea and Salted Caramel brownie and it was absolutely heavenly. The waitstaff there were young, kind enthusiastic people…a pleasure to be around.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Hi! we really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review! happy to be here for a well earned treat after a day on the hills!
Written 26 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RKE1975
62 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
Would have scored lower, but to be fair the coffee and traybakes were delicious.
However, the service was abysmal!
When we (eventually) got served, we were given our cakes and told there would be a few minutes wait for our coffees - no problem there as it was very busy.
We actually waited 22 minutes for a black coffee and an espresso , however the long wait became comical, as we witnessed so many errors with orders whilst we waited.
A lady received her coffees just after we had ordered and enquired about her bacon rolls and was told they’re just coming : she eventually received them after we had waited our 22 minutes and gone outside and finished our coffee and cake! That poor woman waited 35 minutes after receiving her coffees (not after ordering!)
Another man received his food order and his dining partner received his 10 minutes later.
Another man brought his pies back as they were stone cold in the middle (really concerning that a temperature probe wasn’t used).
Another (at least) 3 parties either got the wrong coffees or no milk.
When we received our coffees, there was no milk in the Americano as requested and when I asked the guy who made the coffees if I could have some he seemed really annoyed that I was asking him (tall guy with beard/stubble and his underwear and backside hanging out). He was really snappy and rude and at the end of the day, wasn’t my mistake. The staff in general just weren’t coping with volume of orders and the whole place was just chaos - not a great vibe!
Also didn’t like the fact that the staff behind the counter and serving food weren’t wearing aprons and I certainly didn’t like the fact that the ice cream spoons were in a container on the counter to help yourself to - I would have had an ice cream as it looked lovely, but how many hands have touched those spoons? Vile!
As I said, cakes were delicious, the coffee acceptable and it’s a lovely quirky looking place - but the service was dreadful and the staff seriously lacking in smiles and interaction. By the looks of the staff, they all looked like school kids/students who had been left to fend for themselves whilst the full timers had their day off. and their lack of experience and training was evident.
Really pricey too but they’ve a captive audience in Balmaha (£1.10 for a Tunnocks caramel wafer is taking liberties and no manager or business owner on the planet can justify that extortion!).
Sadly, based on our experience today I could not recommend nor would I return.
(We visited at 10.50am on a Sunday, so God knows what it would have been like during the peak lunch rush - glad I wasn’t there!)
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fraser Kirkpatrick
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We truly appreciate your feedback, and I apologize for the inconvenience you encountered during your visit. 😔
It's disheartening to hear that the service fell short of your expectations. We take your comments seriously, and I assure you that we'll address the issues you've raised.
Despite these challenges, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed our delicious cakes and coffee. We're committed to creating a better experience for you next time. If you decide to visit us again, please feel free to reach out to me directly—I'd love to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit. 🍰☕ fraser@stmocha.co.uk
Warm regards,
Written 31 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy G
Rothbury55 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
The cafe was very cosy and the atmosphere was nice. It felt very autumnal and the coffee and cake selection matched. We went for a pumpkin latte, honeycomb hot chocolate and two sticky toffee cheesecakes. All presented well, however the latte didn’t have cream on like in the picture by the counter. Came to about £17.
The cake was a bit dry, but you could taste the flavours. The hot chocolate was nice with the honeycomb cream but a bit weak. The latte was alright.
The staff were friendly but in the background they were talking in loud whispers about a negative experience with a customer. Was a bit off putting.
The cafe was dog friendly, had plugs for charging, and did non diary options. Wouldn’t necessarily revisit but wouldn’t avoid.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Hi Amy,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback.
We take onboard your comments which will be shared with the team to help us improve.
Hope to see you again!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
geoffreyl82
Penne d'Agenais196 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
We should have walked out,why because they are card only. Which is discrimination against us older generation who prefer cash. That’s my rant over. Greeted well and great ambiance ordered a coffee, chai latte and two mince pies. Our drinks arrived very quickly although my coffee was lukewarm, after a few minutes had to ask for mince pies the server then only bought one had the remind her we ordered two. Not a good choice so am not able to recommend a visit.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Hi Geoffrey,
Thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback.
Our decision to go cashless is down to many factors and is not intended to discriminate again any demographic.
We have found in the months since going cashless that people of every generation have been happy to embrace the change, not just younger ones.
Perhaps if you were to visit again in the future you would find your experience much better overall.
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlie149
41 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
Considering that there’s no table service, we felt this was very expensive. The “regular” size of hot drink is very small so you’re shelling out nearly £3 for a takeaway coffee or hot chocolate (more if you want marshmallows or cream). Milkshakes are similarly overpriced and £3.75 for an obviously prepackaged cheese toastie. We weren’t offered napkins and the hot chocolate, which was very thin, went everywhere when the lid was taken off. Just feels like a bit of a rip off. Obviously very popular, but we’d rather go a couple of hundred metres up the road for a more relaxed and reasonably priced alternative.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kai pontr
Diamond Bar7 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
After hiking Conic hill, my family and I wanted a refresher so stopped by St. Mocha for a bite to eat and a couple of coffees. My wife throughly enjoyed the Kale Kick smoothie, while I had the vegan pasty. While enjoyable, the pasty would have been better if it had healthier ingredients like real meat. The coffee, roasted in Loch Lomand, was delicious and a wonderful refresher after a long hike. Highly recommend.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review from your visit with us.
We're glad you enjoyed the smoothie and our Balmaha roasted coffee!
We offer a variety of options, catering for a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements including Vegan.
The Vegan pasty that you had is one of our healthiest options on our menu made up of fresh mixed vegetables, potatoes and vegan meat free mince.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Written 5 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
traveller123456277
Portsmouth298 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Great stop just opposite the main car park.
We had great coffee and hot choc here as well as some food. Hot food came quickly, one slight error but soon fixed. Good friendly service and busy with tourists and locals as well.
Inside has some great features of old coffee grinders and the door handles are coffee machine parts. Also sells ground coffee and beans for you to take the experience home as well. Dog friendly as well. Seating inside and out.
We will be back next time we are in town
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Thank you very much!
Glad you enjoyed everything while you were with us!
See you again!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim D
Prestwick7 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Been here several times and always found the coffee and food delicious. However, on our last visit my wife and I bought two different Ice Creams and found them both to be quite bland, which was a bit disappointing given the price of them. Maybe need to pep them up a bit?
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme
Ayrshire47 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
The shop is nice and clean with nice decor. That's about all the good I have for this place. Drinks are ridiculously overpriced, but I support that's just part and an parcel of the rip off the tourist ethos, they've got no where else to go.
My main complaint is the staff are the worst I have ever seen in Scotland. Now maybe I've got them all on an off day, who knows. They did all look like they were still of school age to be fair. But we ordered 2 cold drinks and waited a good 20 minutes for them whilst there were at least 5 staff members working. All of which just stood behind the counter hugging each other, chatting away and trying the different ice creams they sell, all while there was a queue of folk out the door. There were other people in the queue just laughing at how bad it was.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven D
Hi Graemek751,
I was very saddened to read your review. Please know we take all feedback very seriously.
We are proud to be the area's largest employer, and we do employ a number of local junior team members who are of school age, however this is no excuse for inattentive service. We have set the ball rolling to refresh our in-house training.
I would be very keen to touch base with you in person in the hope we can go some way to reinstall faith in our overall product. Please drop me an e-mail at your earliest convenience: steven@theoaktreeinn.co.uk.
Thank you,
Steven
Written 22 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scotfi
Dunfermline9 contributions
Aug 2021 • solo
This is stunning little place. I arrived just before 11, having walked from Drymen doing West Highland Way. I was hungry, and was pleased to see that they promoted Gluten free options. I asked for a toastie but was told they did not have Gluten free bread, as it was difficult to source. They had an amazing choice of Gluten free cakes, but I really wanted something savoury and filling. I enjoyed my coffee and cake, and then went to browse in the Village shop which is part of the same building as the cafe and saw Gluten free bread in stock! I have coeliac, so GF diet is essential, not a lifestyle choice. So easy to keep a loaf of GF bread in the freezer to use as needed. I was so looking forward to visiting this cafe and I had heard how good it was, but left feeling like having coeliac was once again a nuisance.
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven D
Hi Happiness,
Thank you for your review. All our cakes are gluten free and delicious, however I do appreciate you were after something more filling after your walk. We do offer gluten free toasties, so can only assume our team had run out on the day in question. However we are always looking to expand our offering with different dietary needs in mind, so we will take your valued feedback on board.
Kind Regards,
Steven
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
itchyfeet2014
Glasgow2290 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
Brilliant to see St. Mocha at Carbeth. Right on the main road we were able to access the take out service easily and park in the car park. Nice choice of cakes and good coffee. Outside tables with beautiful views. Where can you enjoy coffee watching deer bounding across the fields like this?
Location, location, location. And we like the vegeware penguin cups!
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milo
Troon3 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
While the coffee was very nice the regular size cups are ridiculously small. Visited here last year too and the service hasn’t got any better. Lots of staff but still a long wait for a tiny coffee, expensive coffee
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven D
Hi there. I was so sorry to hear you felt our speed of service did not meet your expectations. We can get busy during peak times due to footfall in our beautiful location. Therefore, we are always keen to invest time and effort in improving efficiencies, and have since introduced service practices and equipment which will hopefully ensure our service is as speedy as can be, at all times.
I am so glad you enjoyed our coffee. We are proud to roast our own coffee on-site in Balmaha. All our speciality coffees are served in the recommended industry sizes e.g. flat whites are 6oz. If ever in the area again, please speak with our servers who will be delighted to accommodate any requests and get the perfect coffee for you.
Written 28 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gail D
York15 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Well worth a visit. Charming staff with some excellent cakes and tea/coffee. I had a warm apple cake with bramble ice cream.a perfect combo for an autumn day. Our dog was welcome too which was appreciated as it was too chilly to be sitting outside.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Anderson
Hi Gail,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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