An island couple, James and Connie Taberner, have taken over the Fintry Bay Café & Restaurant on the Isle of Cumbrae after running it for a year. They purchased the business from Jon Finn and plan to reopen on March 15 with updates to the interior and menu. The new owners aim to preserve its role as a community hub while introducing fresh elements.
James and Connie Taberner, residents of the Isle of Cumbrae, have officially acquired the Fintry Bay Café & Restaurant from previous owner Jon Finn. The couple managed the venue over the past year during the sale process and now view their role as custodians rather than outright owners.
“We’re the new owners, but we see ourselves as custodians of Fintry Bay. You don’t really ‘own’ a place like this, and our job is to care for it properly for the island,” they stated. Connie Taberner shared a personal connection: “I’ve been coming here since I was a baby, and we want to look after it properly for locals, for visitors, and for the generations who’ll come after us. James and I got married here, so it holds a very special place in our hearts.”
The café and restaurant will reopen on March 15 featuring a refreshed interior, new kitchen equipment including ovens, and enhancements to the patio overlooking the bay. The menu will emphasize local suppliers, with dishes prepared from scratch. Favorites like burgers, sharing plates, and patio pizzas will remain, alongside themed supper nights such as seafood evenings, curry nights, and seasonal specials.
A highlight is the introduction of Cumbrae Kitchen nights, inspired by the island’s 10.2-mile circumference. These events will feature set menus using suppliers as close as possible to the island.
Ross Manson has joined as head chef, coming from No88 Kitchen & Bar in Lerwick. “We’re keeping the dishes people come back for, but we’re also putting real time into the menu and the specials. We want it to feel like Fintry, fresh food, properly cooked, and a place you’re glad you made the trip to,” Manson said.
Beyond food, the Taberners plan expanded evening activities, including themed dinners, guest events, family sessions like stone painting for children, and partnerships with local businesses. To aid attendance, a return bus service will operate from Millport pier to Fintry Bay for select nights. The venue will also offer hire for weddings—already booked—along with private and corporate events.