‘Lovely’ cafe with 100 year history in Scottish town goes up for sale

A longstanding cafe that has been open since 1924 is on the market.

A family-run business has been put on the market for the first time in its 100 year history. Macari’s Cafe in Galashiels is on the market, leasehold, for £35,000 with annual rent of £17,500.

The business which is located on the High Street of the Borders town, is being marketed by Christie & Co and the listing reads: “Macari’s Café is a long-standing family run business located in the heart of Galashiels.

“With over 100 years of trading history this charming café has become a staple of the local community. The business benefits from a high visibility location on the town’s main street, surrounded by independent shops, national retailers, and cultural attractions.

Macari's Cafe is on the marketplaceholder image
Macari's Cafe is on the market | Christie & Co

“The café offers a warm welcoming atmosphere with a menu of home-cooked meals, all-day breakfasts and gluten-free options plus the added benefit of the outside dining of a minimum of 50 seats. With consistent footfall and a strong reputation, Macari’s Café presents a fantastic opportunity for new owners to continue and expand a much loved local institution.

“Galashiels is a vibrant town in the Scottish Borders, known for its rich textile heritage and growing tourism appeal. Macari’s Café is ideally situated on the High Street, just steps from the Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre, Old Gala House, and Scott Park.

“The area enjoys high pedestrian traffic from shoppers, commuters, and visitors arriving via the Borders Railway. The town centre is well served by public transport and offers ample parking nearby, making it a convenient and attractive destination for locals and tourists alike.”

New owners will benefit from all fixtures and fittings, excluding any items owned by third parties or personal to the vendor.

Current owners are looking to retire, with Christie & Co calling this “an ideal opportunity for an experienced operator or first time buyer to take over a well established business with room for growth.”

They say there’s potential exists to: Extend opening hours to capture early commuters and evening trade; introduce new offerings such as hot food to go, barista coffee, or a dessert counter; partner with local attractions to increase tourist footfall; develop a stronger online and delivery presence With its central location and loyal customer base Macari’s Café is well positioned for continued success.

For more information, visit the Christie & Co website.

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