James’ at The Putting Green

With 50 plus ice creams in his repertoire, all made by his own fair hand, James Grigg’s shabby chic putting green-based kiosk is the place to head to this summer.

Aptly named James’ At The Putting Green, the ethos is about provenance and using local – even sourcing much of the fruit for the sorbets from his very own back garden.

James’ At The Putting Green opened in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength.

Open all year round, with a sunny outlook over the Moray Firth in the summer and cosy blankets to nest under in the winter, James’ is the ideal location to sit back and relax, or if games are your thing, try your hand at a spot of mini golf or giant chess.

James describes himself as a “jack of all trades,” and moved to the Highlands in 1991 after securing a job as a chef at Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore.

He grew up on a farm in Essex which he believes is what gave him his strong work ethic and says it’s his swims in the Morya Firth all year round which inspire him to get up and go!

“I had a mobile trailer and was doing festivals,” explained Jame. “We did vegetarian street food and then a friend told me that the kiosk was available. The appeal was that I could do what I love, but wake up in my own bed,” laughs James.

“We opened the doors in 2018 and that winter we got the keys to the old toilet block, (which sits behind the kiosk), and that is now where we make the ice cream.”

James admits that up until that point, he had never really made ice cream, but being passionate about food, he took on a day’s tuition and that’s how it all started.

“Our ice cream being homemade and the flavours that we create, is our unique selling point. We are very passionate about it and we have a great vegan range too which is made using our own oat milk. We try to make or use our own ingredients where possible.”

Despite having flavours such as a fig and ricotta and peanut and paprika, James says that the most popular choice is the plain ice cream.

However, as well as the ice creams and sorbets, James’ is also known for its coffee and cakes and bakes and tasty Buddha bowls and bagels.

“For the coffee, we get a roast from the Vandyke Brothers who are based in Fife. They specialise in coffee and it goes down well with the customers. We also do smoothies, lattes and single origin hot chocolate.”

For the cakes and bakes, James buys in from two local suppliers, Pure Bakery for the cakes with a fabulous gluten free and vegan range and the patisseries are sourced from Gateaux Regal.

The business employs 15 people and James says: “The staff are brilliant. We have a core team of five and the others are made up of school aged youngsters. We have a great team, and they really do make coming to work a pleasure.

“I also love the vibe at this time of year. I love seeing everyone enjoying themselves and making use of the facilities down here. When people go outside, there is a lot to enjoy and there is a really chilled vibe here.”