This large cafe is a longstanding Bo'ness institution.
It's painted in fairly lurid shades of pink but somehow this suits the space. The cafe is a greasy-spoon-meets-coffeehouse sort of deal - it serves chips, all-day-fry-ups, filled rolls, baked potatoes, paninis, coffee, tea, and home baking.
There's no music played in here - I find this gives it a bit of an ominous atmosphere but I suspect the regular clientele appreciate the lack of music. There is no wi-fi here since Brian's largely caters to Bo'ness's older community, who come here to meet and chat over a coffee and a roll on bacon.
Food is made to order and the staff are pleasant. The cafe seems very clean, and the kitchen is open so you can see your food being prepared. I haven't given it more stars because it's such an 'insider' place and the demographic of clientele makes for a particular atmosphere - this isn't the kind of coffeehouse you find in cities that plays radio-friendly soft indie music, sells CDs, and is frequented by 20-somethings with laptops and books and knitting. Most of its clientele probably don't own laptops, still have a substantial collection of tapes and/or records, and wouldn't be caught dead reading a book in public. Instead this is frequented by busy people with babies, pensioners catching up with the news of the day, and people who live and work locally and all seem to know each other.
It's very much a local caff for local people, and none the worse for that. The staff are welcoming enough and it's a good enough place to get a piece and a latte - just maybe not the kind of place you'd happily sit on yer own and while away an afternoon. read more
