The Smithy Cafe
NEWS: 02.07.25 Apologies if you have been trying to get through on our landline, we’ve just realised we have no incoming calls! If you need to get in touch with a booking, question or takeaway order, please use messenger, email or you can try calling the Boathouse and someone there might be able to help. We have reported the fault and hope that Openreach will get it fixed soon, but if it’s not sorted by Friday, orders will have to be made by messenger or popping in past. We’ll keep you updated. Thanks you for your patience while we get it fixed.
*Run for the community, by the community*
Opening hours for June-August are as above – please check our Facebook page for any changes
“To keep up to date with what’s happening at The Smithy and see their current open times visit the Smithy Facebook page!“
If you would like to make a booking please phone 01856 711243 or email Smithy@shapinsay.org.uk
Our current lunch menu can be viewed by clicking here. For the our latest takeaway menu, specials and evening bar meal menu keep an eye on The Smithy Facebook page.
We are located in Balfour village within a minutes walking distance of the ferry terminal. We can sit around 28-30 people in the café and during the Summer there is a marquee and picnic benches in the garden so people and their dogs can enjoy the stunning views over the sea with our delicious food and drinks.
The Smithy Café, Restaurant & Bar, once a blacksmiths workshop, converted to a museum and cafe, was bought by the Shapinsay Development Trust in 2022 with funding from the Scottish Land Fund and a discount from the Orkney Islands Council.
In 2023, it was renovated to a high standard with funding from The North Isles Landscape Partnership, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, OIC CDF and CARES. We opened on the 12th of July 2023 and are now nearly into our third full year.
If you would like to hold private functions or book a table, please get in touch at Smithy@shapinsay@shapinsay.org.uk or call 01856 711243.
We are a community run enterprise, run by volunteers, employing 20+ employees, many of whom are local residents and under 18
Working at The Smithy gives them a great stepping stone into hospitality, providing them with the skills and confidence to tackle the world of work as adults while also providing employment for islanders.
On that note your patience would be greatly valued when visiting the café, as it can get very busy at times and we are trying our very hardest to make your experience a pleasant one.
