A KINROSS-SHIRE farm shop and café is set to transform its grounds into an Alpine village complete with an inflatable curling rink for the festive season.
Loch Leven’s Larder will open the winter-themed attraction from Friday 13 November until Christmas Eve, operating day and night activities.
Visitors to the destination will be able to experience a mix of mountain-inspired food and drink, alongside entertainment such as a silent disco and a German beer festival.
The addition of the inflatable curling rink aims to bring a traditional Scottish winter pastime to the venue, inspired by the owners’ strong historical links to the sport.
The daytime operation of the attraction will function as an extension of the existing café, which is already a regular fixture for shoppers and visitors in the area.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, the venue will serve Alpine-inspired dishes, baked goods, and hot drinks in a relaxed environment suitable for families.
During the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, the atmosphere of the village will shift focus to an Alpine bar.
This nighttime offering will feature a range of specially curated cocktails and drinks, alongside traditional Swiss and Scottish sharing platters and fondue.
To cater to those seeking a more exclusive environment, private Alpine lodges have also been constructed on the site.
These custom-built wooden structures are designed to accommodate group gatherings, Christmas parties, and corporate events away from the main public areas.
Rob and Emma Niven, who own and operate the Kinross-shire business, decided to incorporate the curling rink due to their extensive personal connections to the winter sport.
Rob Niven is a fifth-generation curler who currently serves as the Executive Director of the World Curling Board.
The couple wanted to combine their experiences of travelling to Alpine countries for various curling events with their established family business in Scotland.
Emma Niven explained the reasoning behind the new venture and how it closely ties into their sporting background.
She said: “Rob, as a fifth generation curler, and current World Curling Board Executive Director, is always keen to promote this ancient Scottish Winter sport, which increasingly has a new younger, following.”
“Having visited Alpine countries many times on curling trips, we figured that we could bring something to our family business this Christmas that combined our love of the Alps, with its charming festive traditions, and delicious food & drink, with our love of curling, all with a traditional Scottish twist!”
The six-week event will feature a dedicated entertainment programme running throughout the weekends to keep visitors engaged.
This schedule is designed to offer significantly different experiences depending on the time of day and the specific event being hosted.
Organisers hope the variety of activities will encourage guests to make multiple return visits to the venue during the long festive period.
Emma Niven noted the potential appeal of the new sporting addition to the village and its accessibility for attendees.
She said: “It will be easy for guests to combine a little friendly competition with dining, drinks, and the wider Alpine experience on offer.”
“Each event we are running will have its own character, giving guests a reason to return throughout the six weeks the Alpine Village is here, experiencing it in a completely different way.”
The private Alpine lodges are a key part of the new offering, intended to attract both private family groups and businesses looking for a seasonal venue.
Emma Niven added: “We’ll share plenty of details on our dedicated Alpine Entertainment Programme, which will run at weekends, so that guests can plan their perfect winter night out and book into a variety of special evenings throughout the season.
“Offering the private Alpine Lodges also give us the potential to target corporate bookings.”
The overall design and atmosphere of the temporary village will heavily draw on Emma Niven’s professional background in interior design, floral artistry, and merchandising.
She regularly applies these skills to the Larder and its sister lifestyle and design store, 1848, to maintain a strong position in the competitive retail market.
The new festive setup is intended to closely recreate the environment of a traditional snow-covered mountain village.
She said: “Think snow-covered mountain villages, long wooden tables, candlelight, twinkling lights and the unmistakable feeling of coming in from the cold to something delicious and welcoming!”
“It will all be waiting for you this Christmas at Loch Leven’s Larder.”
