Top 10 Best Bakeries in Orkney Islands

A Taste of Orkney's Baking Heritage

Orkney's food culture is rooted in generations of farming and a deep respect for local ingredients. Baking is a particularly cherished tradition. Beremeal, made from an ancient form of barley grown on the islands for centuries, gives Orkney bannocks their distinctive nutty flavour. Oatcakes, shortbread, scones and hearty loaves are staples, and local butter, cream and cheese elevate them further.

Today Orkney's bakeries and cafés blend tradition with modern creativity. Visitors arriving at Kirkwall or Stromness will find producers whose products are sold across the UK, alongside small cafés serving homemade cakes that locals swear by. The list below celebrates some of the most popular names.

What Makes Orkney Baking Special

Quality ingredients are at the heart of it. Orkney's dairy herds produce rich milk and butter, local mills grind traditional grains, and many bakers emphasise small-batch, handmade methods. Seasonal visitors and a loyal local customer base keep standards high.

The Top 10 Bakeries and Baking Destinations in Orkney

1. Argo's Bakery

Argo's Bakery is a long-established Orkney family bakery known for its fresh bread, rolls, pies, cakes and traditional bakes. It is a familiar name for locals stocking up on everyday essentials and treats, and its baked goods are widely available across the islands.

2. Stockan's Oatcakes

Stockan's is Orkney's famous oatcake maker, baking in Stromness for decades. Its thin, crisp oatcakes and thick-cut varieties are sold far beyond the islands and pair perfectly with Orkney cheese. A visit to Orkney feels incomplete without trying them.

3. Barony Mills

Barony Mills in Birsay is a historic water-powered mill that still grinds beremeal. While not a bakery itself, it is essential to Orkney's baking culture, supplying the traditional flour used in bannocks, biscuits and breads. Visitors can see the milling process in action during the season.

4. Orkney Fudge

Orkney Fudge, made in Stromness, produces rich, creamy fudge using local butter and cream. Its products are popular gifts and are often found in shops, cafés and bakeries across the islands.

5. Judith Glue Real Food Café

Located in Kirkwall opposite St Magnus Cathedral, the Judith Glue Real Food Café celebrates local produce, serving homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and bakes alongside a shop showcasing Orkney crafts.

6. Trenabies Café

Trenabies Café in Kirkwall is a popular spot for coffee, light lunches and homemade cakes. Its friendly atmosphere and generous portions make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

7. Lucano's

Lucano's in Kirkwall is an Italian café and restaurant known for its coffee, pastries, desserts and gelato. It brings a continental flavour to the town centre and is a popular stop after exploring the cathedral and Bishop's Palace.

8. Skerries Bistro

Skerries Bistro sits at the southern tip of South Ronaldsay with spectacular views over the Pentland Firth. Its homemade cakes and desserts complement a menu built on local seafood and produce, making it worth the scenic drive.

9. Birsay Bay Tearoom

The Birsay Bay Tearoom offers home baking and light meals with views towards the Brough of Birsay. It is a lovely place to warm up with tea and cake after a coastal walk.

10. Robertson's Coffee Hoose

Robertson's Coffee Hoose in Kirkwall serves coffee, cakes and snacks in a relaxed setting. It is a convenient and welcoming stop for anyone exploring the town's main street.

Baking Trends in Orkney

There is growing interest in heritage grains such as beremeal, with bakers and chefs using it in breads, biscuits and even desserts. Artisan sourdough and gluten-free options are increasingly available, reflecting changing tastes. Many producers are also expanding online sales, allowing people around the world to enjoy Orkney oatcakes, fudge and biscuits.

Tips for Visitors

Opening hours can vary by season, particularly on smaller isles and in rural areas, so check in advance before making a special trip. Bakeries and cafés can be busy when cruise ships are in port, so arriving early is a good idea. Look for local products in shops across Kirkwall and Stromness, which make excellent edible souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is beremeal and why is it special?

Beremeal is flour made from bere, an ancient type of barley that has been grown in Orkney for centuries. It has a distinctive earthy, nutty flavour and is traditionally used in bannocks, a flat griddle bread enjoyed with butter, cheese or soup.

Which Orkney baked goods make the best souvenirs?

Oatcakes, shortbread, beremeal biscuits and fudge travel well and are widely available in shops across Kirkwall and Stromness. Many producers also sell online, so you can reorder your favourites after returning home.

Are there gluten-free options in Orkney cafés?

Many cafés now offer gluten-free cakes, soups and light meals, though choice varies by location and day. Always ask staff about ingredients and cross-contamination if you have coeliac disease or a serious allergy.

Conclusion

Orkney's bakeries and cafés offer a delicious way to experience the islands' culture. From Stockan's oatcakes and Barony Mills beremeal to the homemade cakes of welcoming tearooms, there is something to delight every visitor. Take time to explore, sample widely and enjoy the warmth of island hospitality with every bite.