Inside 77º South: Discovery Point’s new café inspired by Antarctic adventure

77º South is Discovery Point's new cafe

Visitors to Discovery Point now have a brand-new reason to stop by, whether they’re exploring one of Dundee’s most famous attractions or simply looking for somewhere different to enjoy a coffee overlooking the ship that brought Captain Scott and his crew to Antarctica in 1901.

Dundee Heritage Trust has officially opened 77º South, a new café located within the foyer of Discovery Point.

Open during museum opening hours, the venue welcomes both attraction visitors and members of the public, creating a new food and drink destination in one of the city’s most recognisable waterfront locations.

The launch marks another significant addition to Discovery Point as the attraction continues to evolve, following recent announcements including the new Discovery Mast Climb experience.

For Dundee Heritage Trust, the café also represents an opportunity to generate additional income that supports the charity’s work preserving and sharing the city’s maritime heritage.

Why is it called 77º South?

The café’s name is directly inspired by the remarkable story of RRS Discovery and Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition.

77º South refers to the southernmost latitude reached by Discovery during the famous 1901 expedition, connecting the new venue to one of the most significant chapters in Dundee’s maritime history.

That spirit of exploration has helped shape both the atmosphere and menu, creating a café experience that celebrates adventure while remaining firmly rooted in Dundee and Scotland.

A menu showcasing local flavours

77º South places a strong emphasis on local ingredients and producers, with Dundee Heritage Trust aiming to create a destination that appeals to locals as much as tourists.

Baked goods and morning rolls are supplied by J.M. Bakery in Arbroath, while the menu features a range of breakfasts, lunches, cakes and sweet treats.

Among the more distinctive offerings are a chocolate milkshake and a Dundee marmalade orange milkshake, giving a nod to one of the city’s most famous culinary creations.

The café also produces a range of cakes and treats on site, while light lunches showcase ingredients sourced from across Tayside and beyond.

Inspired by Discovery herself

Step inside and visitors will notice subtle references to the ship that sits just outside the window.

The interior combines brass and wood finishes inspired by Discovery’s design, creating a warm and welcoming environment that reflects the vessel’s rich polar heritage while providing a modern café experience.

Large windows also offer views towards the bow of the historic ship, ensuring Discovery remains at the heart of the experience.

More than just a museum cafe

During my visit to 77º South, I had the opportunity to sample several items from the menu while taking in the café’s unique setting overlooking RRS Discovery.

Enjoying a sausage roll for brunch

For brunch, I opted for a sausage roll which was cooked wonderfully, with a crisp pastry and flavourful filling that made for a great start to the visit. Alongside it, I tried both the chocolate & Dundee orange marmalade milkshake which was delicious.

I also sampled waffles served with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. The waffles were warm and freshly prepared, pairing perfectly with the ice cream supplied by iconic Scottish brand Mackie’s. It was a simple combination done exceptionally well and rounded off the visit nicely.

Beyond the food and drink, what stood out most was the café itself. The design has clearly been carefully considered, creating a space that feels modern while remaining closely connected to Discovery’s story.

One of the most impressive features is a circular table surrounding a pillar adorned with a highly detailed map of Antarctica, a thoughtful nod to the ship’s polar expeditions and a detail visitors could spend several minutes admiring.

The surroundings are equally impressive. During my visit, the sun was shining with only a few clouds in the sky, allowing natural light to flood the café through its large windows. Looking out across to Discovery itself created a wonderful atmosphere and served as a constant reminder of the remarkable history sitting just outside.

77º South succeeds in offering much more than a standard museum café. Between the quality of the food, the attention to detail in the design and the stunning views across Discovery Point, it feels like a destination in its own right and another welcome addition to Dundee’s growing waterfront offering.

Supporting Dundee Heritage Trust

Unlike many visitor attraction cafés, 77º South is operated directly by Dundee Heritage Trust rather than an external operator.

The charity hopes the new venture will not only enhance the experience for visitors but also encourage more local people to spend time at Discovery Point, helping create a lively waterfront destination while supporting the organisation’s wider work.

Ashleigh Pink, Commercial Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “77º South at Discovery Point is an exciting new addition, bringing fresh energy to the site and joining the buzz around the recently announced Discovery Mast Climb, as the area continues to evolve.

“With chef Paul Regan at the helm, the café is set to bring a welcoming and creative offering to locals and visitors alike, proudly created using local ingredients and championing local flavours.”

As Discovery Point continues to develop new experiences for visitors, 77º South adds another reason to visit one of Dundee’s most iconic attractions - whether you’re setting off on your own adventure or simply stopping by for coffee and a cake with one of the city’s best views.