Food With a View

We asked

We asked for your views on a new cafe/restaurant that is planned for Macduff Marine Aquarium as part of an extension and upgrade.

You said

We received 98 responses to the survey.

85% said they would be very likely to use the café/restaurant as part of a visit to the aquarium. 41% said they would be very likely to use the café/restaurant without visiting the aquarium, with 35% saying somewhat likely and 23% saying unlikely.

The top three uses for the café/restaurant were:

• For lunch (92% of respondents included this in their top 3)
• For morning or afternoon coffee and cakes (76% included this in their top 3)
• For afternoon high tea (32% included this in their top 3)

When asked what the top three most important things the café/restaurant offers, the results were that:

• It offers affordable prices/value for money (79% included this in their top 3)
• It promotes best of local produce (62% included this in their top 3)
• It offers a variety of food to meet dietary requirements (38% included this in their top 3

When asked what matters most about the café/restaurant, the top 3 were:

• It has a quiet section for relaxed eating (59% included this in their top 3)
• It has aquarium related displays and interpretation (51% include this in their top 3)
• It offers table service and offers activities for children (44% include these two in their top 3)

Comments received included: requests for local suppliers and produce to be used, that there be a focus on sustainability; that the café be accessible and that there be associated facilities such as a Changing Places toilet; that there be an early evening offer in the café/restaurant for both visitors and locals; and that some interpretation/information sharing (eg on what marine life might be seen from windows) be made available within the space.

We will

The café/restaurant will be reached by a lift as well as stairs. A Changing Places toilet will be installed on the ground floor for both aquarium and café/restaurant visitors.

The interpretation planning for the aquarium experience will consider the flow of interpretation into the café/restaurant area as well as in the aquarium itself.

Early in 2024, work will begin to secure a catering partner for the venue and the information on local produce, sustainability, layout, and opening times/provision will be discussed in detail with them.