Restaurant in a church in Scotland – The Usual Place in Dumfries/Southern Scotland

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The small Scottish town of Dumfries is located not far from the English border in the south of the country. Everything there revolves around Robert Burns, the Scottish national poet and the town’s most famous son. However, I have already dedicated an article to him. Some people believe that there is nothing worth seeing in Dumfries apart from the places reminiscent of Burns. In fact, the town is a little dull and there is a lot of empty space in the town centre. During my explorations, however, I discovered a very special place that I would like to recommend. As so often on my blog, it’s another church, a former church to be precise, which now houses a special café and restaurant. Take a look at the integration café “The Usual Place” in Dumfries!

I really enjoyed the afternoon tea in a former church. Everything was perfect here, the atmosphere in a former church and all the delicacies on the étagère.

A café and restaurant in a former church – “The Usual Place” in Dumfries

The former church is only a five-minute walk from the town centre, but is still a little hidden. It was once the church of the Presbyterian congregation. It was built at the end of the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. Thanks to the Victorian architecture and the magnificent stained glass windows, the restaurant has a very special atmosphere. The rooms “Crombie Room” and “Thompson Room”, which are named after former priests of the parish, are reminders of the church’s use. After the parish was dissolved, the church building was used as a dining hall for Dumfries Academy. Since 2015, the former church has been home to the special café and restaurant “The Usual Place”.

“The Usual Place” in Dumfries – an excellent café and a successful inclusive business

“The Usual Place” is extraordinary! This is ensured by the atmospheric ambience of the former church in the “Victorian Gothic Revival” style. The high pointed arch windows with coloured glass create a majestic effect. The red sandstone walls create an old, venerable appearance – both inside and out. And yet the café and restaurant is modern and special, as it is an integrated business in which many people with disabilities work. 70% of the staff have a severe disability. It is a wonderful example of inclusion. I would also like to emphasise the successful kitchen: all the food here is prepared in-house, it is fresh and tastes excellent. The home-baked breads and desserts are not only sold in the café, there is also an in-house bakery. The menu includes a variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Here you get high quality at absolutely moderate prices.

The ambience here is just right, as the neo-Gothic church walls now house a cosy and delicious café.

Afternoon tea in a former church in Dumfries

We treated ourselves to a very special treat in this wonderful café: an afternoon tea. This typically British speciality originated in the middle of the 19th century. In the past, only two meals were customary among the English upper classes: a sumptuous breakfast and a late dinner. But people were hungry between meals, which is why the Duchess of Bedford introduced afternoon tea. Afternoon tea quickly became a social event. Ever since Queen Victoria celebrated afternoon tea, it has been an integral part of British tradition.

Afternoon tea at “The Usual Place” is varied and very rich. There is a large selection of sandwich alternatives, several different types of cake and, of course, delicious scones with clotted cream and jam. Of course, there is also tea, and here too the selection is much larger than in other restaurants. Afternoon tea is served on old china. Everything is stylishly prepared and served in a warm atmosphere. The staff who served us were very friendly and fulfilled our every wish. It is possible to order the afternoon tea in vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free versions, and all allergies, intolerances or flavour preferences are taken into consideration.

The price is particularly unusual: the afternoon tea costs just £12 per person. I would never have expected it to be so cheap, because you get a variety of freshly prepared delicacies, very courteous service and a wonderful atmosphere.