This place is absolutely superb. A glorious stop on a splendid road. Respect to Anne at i like for alerting us all to it. I presume the sign means 'you could go a long way and do worse'. I like that sentiment. Modest and persuasive at the same time.
They deal with a demanding audience of truckers, so as you'd expect, the ebcb is magnificent. Generous portions. Speedy cooking. Lovely taste. I especially like that mottled texture on the egg.
Simple condiment configuration. You don't see so many of this kind of salt/pepper things these days. I wonder why not.
The inside of the place is brilliant. Simple and clean. With big windows and lights like my mum and dad used to have in their living room.
And it's not just about food. There's potted plants too. Just incase you've forgotten a gift for your Aunty in Brechin.
Look, a choice of soup. There's a lot of fancy restaurants that don't offer you a choice of soup.
And a splendid shop; everything you need on the road.
I presume these were flagpoles once. We should get a collection together to put some flags back up.
And the trucks gathered in the car park have that stirring look of Convoy about them. I bet there's a Norbert Dentressangle in there somewhere.
Ha! Myself and a friend were stranded at this place for 7 (SEVEN) hours on January 2nd 1993, with around £4 between the two of us. It is also of note that for years my friend had driven down the A90 past this place, but had only ever given the name a cursory glance. Until we got stuck there he had laboured under the illusion that it was a Chinese Restaurant called 'Ye May'.
Posted by: jamie milne | July 01, 2005 at 01:49 PM
Russ - what on earth were you doing in the vicinity of Brechin? The only reason to be round there is if you were born there. Brechin does not support human life.
Posted by: neil | July 08, 2005 at 10:48 PM
neil - don't be so hard on Brechin. Not that we ever got there. We were looking for the services. It was part of my trip with Skinny Russ.
Posted by: russell | July 10, 2005 at 04:22 PM
I HAPPEN TO STAY IN GOOD OLD BRECHIN AND REGULARLY GO OUT TO THE MILK BAR AS WE KNOW IT FOR 1 THING ITS GOOD CLEAN BASIC FOOD AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE COMPARED WITH THE BRECHIN POSH CAstle center
Posted by: SANDRA BISSET | February 09, 2006 at 03:38 PM
I used to use the Stracathro 20 years ago, and the photos take me straight back.
The food was good then, and the comments, as good now!!
This is something that the Big Superdooper markets and businesses will NEVER learn, Nor Understand.
This is the real power of people who Care what they do! Not "not giving a damn, except to make more Divvie for the shareholders"!
I'll pity them to my grave.
To the little businessman, I say, I Salute you All, and Thankyou for years of hard slog, but little profit, but the anticipation you have put in all of us, as we get nearer to the little havens that you have fashioned in your image;because it is a reflection of you that we come back to! Time and again.
Posted by: fin | May 15, 2006 at 08:39 PM
i love this place. i always stop here on the way down to glasgow to see my family. I usually get there around 6am, and the breakfast is lovely!
Posted by: martin | August 11, 2006 at 06:15 PM
I was there yesterday, and for the first time. I went on the basis of seeing it here. Fantastic!! Toast made with what we call Scottish plain bread (Its what its made for). Love the way the counter staff shout out the part of your your order when its ready after you have sat down. Both myself and my mate Dave had to get up seperately on the shout of TOAST FUR THE SPESHUL FRYEE!! Brilliant!! Great grub though.
Posted by: Ricky | January 10, 2007 at 05:24 PM
The signs on the bog door show an overdue and welcome nod to the naive art movement, but I'm not so sure about the "choice of soup". What IS the choice? It reminds me too much of a tandoori's suspiciously vague "meat curry".
Posted by: Nick Thomas | August 04, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Re Stracathro Services - My husband and I make the trip from Dundee just for the best meringue in the world. When my sister comes to visit from S. Wales the first thing she asks is "When are we going for a meringue" By the way we were there today and the choice of soup was veg. broth or lentil!
Posted by: Blod | September 01, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Now living in the USA this brought back many memories. We lived in Brechin for years.My son James worked there for a long while and I knew the owners. It holds special memories for me. Long may it stand and prosper.
Jasmine Stewart
Posted by: Jasmine Stewart | July 24, 2008 at 03:00 AM
Does anyone remember the Centrale in Moor st off of Cambridge Circus W1?They planned to relocate but didnt, I wonder where and how Ava the waitress is now?I have looked far and wide but nothing compares to The Centrale, long live The Centrale!Pete.
Posted by: Pete Rogers | September 16, 2008 at 11:49 PM