The long and short of it. Local food and costal roots
WHO WE ARE
We are a small family-run beach café, rooted in Nairn, powered by good food, sea air, and a brilliant local team.
ALEX
Alex was born and raised in Nairn, growing up as a fisherman’s son. His dad co-owned the last fishing trawler in Nairn ‘The Strathnairn INS 185’ which is where the café takes its name. His family later ran Sunny Brae, a much-loved local hotel and restaurant also along the seafront, so hospitality was part of everyday life from the start.
Alex’s early working years were spent between kitchens, including summers working in the family butchers in Germany. He went on to study Business with German at Robert Gordon’s University before gaining experience in several restaurants in Canada and Scotland including The Three Chimneys on Isle of Skye.
For several years, Alex worked as a chef aboard mega yachts, travelling widely but always longing to steady the ship and be anchored back at home. That pull back to family and community led to the opening of Strathnairn Beach Café during the 2020 lockdown.
Since then, Alex has loved building the café alongside a hardworking, loyal team. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll usually find him skiing, golfing, curling, sea swimming or simply spending time with family.
ELISE
Elise travelled extensively as a child before settling back with her family in Nairn, where she met Alex at school. She studied Textile Design at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee, before working as a visual merchandiser and travelling again.
She later studied Teaching at the University of London, becoming an art teacher and working in several local schools, including Gordonstoun, where she lived in as an assistant housemistress.
These days, you can find her juggling family life with the behind-the-scenes running of the café: from visuals and socials to all the baking that comes out of the kitchen.
TOGETHER
Strathnairn Beach Café grew from a love of good food, local roots, and the simple joy of feeding people well…whether it’s lunch after a sea swim, barista coffee with a dog walk, or an ice cream on a breezy beach day.
We love running the café together, working hard, and doing our best to balance busy days in the cafe with family life beyond it. Strathnairn Beach Café is very much a reflection of that: relaxed and grounded in the place we call home. Our ethos, involves providing delicious food, using good quality, local produce. Freshly prepared for you to enjoy conveniently, in a beautiful setting or take away.
We’re proud to be part of Nairn’s vibrant food and drink scene. We adore our community, and feel grateful to share it with the people who we call family and friends. Alongside this, we welcome those from further afield to the business and town we feel so very proud of. Our combination of culinary delights and creative flair bring a unique seaside experience and we hope to see you visit us soon!
SKIP THE QUEUE. ORDER YOUR WAY.
Whether you're on your way down to the beach, waiting for a table, or already settled in with the sea view, ordering is easy. Browse the full menu and place your order online for collection, scan the QR code at your table to order on the spot, or get ahead and order while you walk over. Your food will be freshly made and ready when you are.