Home   News   Article

Ullapool pizza business’ share ‘massive relief’ as restaurant plans approved by council





Ullapool Costcutters, closed in 2013.
Ullapool Costcutters, closed in 2013.

Pizza aficionados Oak and Grain’s plan to fire new life into an ageing Ullapool property have proven successful.

The new plans will see the travelling Neapolitan wood fired pizza unit make an ambitious move from pizza van to pizza parlour.

Having taken the plunge by selling the pizza van late last year, co-owner Dan Connell said it was a “massive relief” to see the plans approved.

Oak and Grain hope the West Argyle Street location will expand their business into a year-round operation.

The plans also include renovated space for a new retailer to move into.

Interior of the former Costcutters building, on 26 West Argyle Street in Ullapool. Picture: Highland Council e-planning.
Interior of the former Costcutters building, on 26 West Argyle Street in Ullapool. Picture: Highland Council e-planning.

The West Argyle Street address has lain dormant since Costcutter closed it’s doors over a decade ago.

However, the newly approved plans will chop the building in two, making space for Oak and Grain’s new restaurant and a new retail space.

The new restaurant would include indoor seating with optional space outside for more tables if desired.

The site overlooks the vehicle waiting area for ferries so will have the option of serving both visitors and locals through a unique double entrance design.

Dan Connell, who runs Oak & Grain said: “It has been a massive relief to finally have the development approved.

“We went out on a limb and sold the van back in November so we were really hoping that the pizzeria idea would come to life.”

Oak and Grain pizza. Picture: Dan Connell
Oak and Grain pizza. Picture: Dan Connell

He adds the van didn’t travel much outside Ullapool, so having a fully-equipped indoor pizzeria will make things easier.

“We definitely think we won’t miss the cold winds that would blow into the van making it harder to keep pizzas consistent.

“We are also looking forward to not having to deal with midges!!”

Oak and Grain opened in 2022, operating out of a modified van with a wood-fired pizza oven inside.

Their menu has since been regularly updated with new pizzas.

Recent specials included a pulled pork pizza with ‘Nduja and a fruit crumble sweet option.

READ MORE
• New Ullapool shop Havørn opens as owner’s ‘dream becomes a reality’

• Decade-long closure of derelict shop in Wester Ross village of Ullapool sparks fresh debate

• Ullapool’s Cult Cafe up for sale as owners reveal New Zealand plans

Dan said: “I think finally being able to offer somewhere for customers to sit and enjoy their pizza is something we are really going to love.

“With the van, everyone would just get their pizza and leave so hopefully being able to get feedback and see peoples reactions to their food will be great.”

Dan said he was keen to keep plans for eager pizza fans “under wraps'” for now.

But he did suggest the new site will allow Oak & Grain to “experiment” more, hinting at fresh pasta, desserts and drinks.

However, these plans rely on getting more staff in to support the team.

He added: “We have amazing staff that we have managed to hold onto the last three years but we will require a few more staff members to help us manage the restaurant.”

In addition to the new pizza hotspot, the rest of the site will be retained for retail space, with no clues given as to which vendor will take over the empty lot.

New windows will be installed along the shop frontage and repainted in white to replace “weathered grey.”

South-facing Solar panels with also be installed on the roof of the new Oak and Grain.

The plans have now been approved by Highland Council so work on the old Costcutter site can now begin.

The building renovations have been drawn up by architects Rural Studio, on behalf of the building owner.

They will then lease out the space to Oak and Grain.



Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More