Business Details
36 Years
experience
Welcome to The Black Faced Sheep - Aboynes Premier Cafe & Art Gallery
Established in 1990, The Black Faced Sheep has become a cherished family-run business in Aboyne, nestled within the Cairngorms National Park. Our journey began with Mark and Sylvie Ronson, who cultivated a unique blend of hospitality, retail, and art, which we continue under Morag Cormacks leadership since 2023. We pride ourselves on offering freshly prepared Scottish cuisine, homemade cakes, and an eclectic mix of gifts, homeware, and art.Our commitment to quality extends to private catering, events, and a bespoke Live Mood Board Design Service, ensuring every visitor experiences the warmth and charm of Royal Deeside. With wheelchair access, dog-friendly policies, and a legacy of royal patronage, we remain a welcoming hub for locals and global visitors alike.
Services
Cafe & Restaurant
Gift Shop
Art Gallery
Private Catering
Picnic Hampers
Event Hosting
Art Exhibitions
Online Homeware
Cake Orders
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We are a Scottish independent family business since 1990.
- Our cafe is dog-friendly with water bowls provided.
- Wheelchair access is available to the rear of the premises.
- We offer homemade cakes, including gluten-free and dairy-free options.
- We host monthly evening dining events with tailored menus.
What people say
Delicious soup
Superb coffee
Warm atmosphere
Gluten-free cakes
Friendly staff
Services
Cafe & Restaurant
Our cafe and restaurant serve freshly made Scottish cuisine, including homemade cakes, daily soups, and seasonal menus. Guests enjoy brunch, lunch, and evening dining events with carefully selected wines. The welcoming ambiance, combined with wheelchair access and dog-friendly policies, ensures a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Art Gallery
The Black Faced Sheep Art Gallery showcases limited-edition prints and original works by Scottish artists. Regular exhibitions feature curated pieces, including framed prints and original paintings, reflecting the regions natural beauty and cultural heritage. The gallery complements our homeware shop, offering visitors a unique blend of art and interior design.
Private Catering
We provide tailored catering for private functions, including weddings, funerals, and corporate events. Our homemade pts, platters, and cakes are available in bulk with 24-hour notice. The team ensures every event, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations, is executed with attention to detail and the same quality as our in-house offerings.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop offers curated homeware, including wool throws, cushions, bedspreads, and distinctive furniture. The selection blends 'country chic' aesthetics with eclectic textures and colors. A Live Mood Board Design Service helps customers visualize room transformations using our products, both in-store and at home by appointment.
Picnic Hampers
Seasonal picnic hampers and lunch boxes are available for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Royal Deeside. Each hamper includes fresh sandwiches, soup, scones, and crisps, with options for pre-order to ensure availability. Ideal for hikers, cyclists, and visitors attending local events like the Aboyne Games.
People
Morag Cormack
Owner
Morag Cormack, a seasoned entrepreneur, took over The Black Faced Sheep in 2023. With a background in successful business ventures, she brings expertise in customer service, food quality, and interior design. Her vision enhances the establishments legacy while introducing new art exhibitions and homeware offerings.
Mark Ronson
Founder
Mark Ronson co-founded The Black Faced Sheep in 1990, establishing it as a beloved local institution. He and Sylvie Ronson nurtured its reputation for hospitality and community engagement before retiring in 2023. They remain connected, occasionally visiting for coffee and cake.
Questions
What services does The Black Faced Sheep offer?
We provide a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, art gallery, private catering, picnic hampers, and event hosting. Our Live Mood Board Service assists with interior design consultations.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair access is available to the rear of the premises, ensuring all guests can enjoy our facilities comfortably.
Can I order whole cakes in advance?
Yes, whole cakes can be ordered with 24 hours’ notice, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. Contact us via phone or email to place an order.
Do you cater for private events?
We cater for private functions such as weddings, funerals, and corporate events. Our team offers tailored menus and setup to suit your event’s needs.
Are pets allowed on the premises?
Yes, we are a dog-friendly cafe with water bowls provided. Dogs are welcome both indoors and in our outdoor seating area.
Reviews (5)
James Chesher
Jan 08, 2022
Report
Best cake in Aberdeenshire Id say. V friendly staff too. Perfect for an afternoon cuppa after a snowy walk.
Bruce Skinner
Dec 19, 2021
Report
What a ool wee place this is, lots of funky crafts for sale and some really nice food. The service was very good, we wanted 2 sparkling waters, they worked out 1 large bottle was better value, so supplied that instead. I had soup and a tuna sandwich, the portions were generous and tasted great.
for food in Aboyne, the Blackface sheep it well worth checking out
for food in Aboyne, the Blackface sheep it well worth checking out
Carol Allan
Jul 21, 2021
Report
Excellent mozzarella and sundried tomato scone, the best I have ever tasted. Tuesday and Thursday are scone days. Yummy
Donald Paterson
Jan 14, 2021
Report
Very good food, friendly staff, reasonable prices (excellent Italian red wine at a good price - but please leave some for us. We went in for tea and cake and came out clutching a bottle of beautiful red wine!!) and dog friendly. Will take pics and post when we go back - as we shall!! Well worth a visit.
Braemar Media
Dec 21, 2020
Report
A wonderful wee coffee shop, restaurant and emporium, full of beautiful gifts and homeware in beautiful Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The staff were welcoming and there was a lovely selection of fresh soups, sandwiches and cakes, all well presented. Well worth visiting.
