Eating and drinking — visitscotland

Edinburgh Whisky Experience

Jemy — Sun, 28 May 2017 09:58:21 +0000

Hi all,

My wife and I made Scotland our home at the start of 2016. We have had quite a few family members over from New Zealand recently and have been practicing giving people a local tour of Edinburgh as kiwis like to travel and we have had no shortage of guests.

Recently we had a group of 8 and at times it felt like herding cats. To get around this we took everyone to the Whisky experience and had the joy of handing over motivating people to stay in one group to the guide.

Granny in particular was through the moon and had a great time. I can't rate this enough for an (adult) family outing if you have people from out of the country visiting. Just put them in a barrel and give them a dram or two.

What are your favourite Scotch Whiskys? I am still branching out!

Oldest pubs

Sergestus39 — Sun, 28 May 2017 00:12:12 +0000

Hi everyone. Travelling with my wife to the Highlands this summer, anyone can post a list of the oldest and most colorful pubs? Looking for real old placed, those that have not been totally renovated and so keep the charm of the old stones.

Thank you!

Edinburgh Old Town Coffee Shops

Emilyrjohnston — Fri, 12 May 2017 20:44:54 +0000

A coffee shop is the perfect haven for when life becomes a little too stressful, and a new environment is what is needed. A break from the library is every students wish, and the cafes surrounding new town are quick to grant it. Offering mouth watering treats and drinks, it's easy to give into the lull of coffee shops. It's easy to call these places home, when you get to know the staff, have a favourite seat and when they're actually warmer than your own flat.

Whether on a busy day and in desperate need of a break, or on a slower relaxing weekend, when a brunch helps to wake you up, these cafes are perfect. So I've compiled a little list of a few of my favourites for you to hit up too, whether its to escape the cold, have a good chin wag or as wee pick me up.

Peters Yard

Peter's Yard has been a favourite of mine, long time. It's filled with goodies that will set your heart a flutter. My favourite of these treats are the Blueberry and Vanilla buns. On the menu are Swedish bakes, with tasty sandwiches, soups and even pizza in their sister shop Soderburg. Alongside these tasty brunches, lunches and snacks, is a menu filled with teas, coffees and even a couple hot chocolates. It's perfect to sit in when the weather is cold, or sit out at their tables that fill the Quartermile, braving the weather with a blanket around your legs.

Black Medicine Coffee Co.

This is a perfect spot to go to near uni. Its filled with wooden furniture, giving it a very rustic feel. It's one of my favourite places to go for lunch - a counter full of tasty paninis with many different fillings, its easy to get your fill. Or you can get down to basics with a bowl of porridge, or filled croissants. You'll have to hit it up at the right time, as this is a popular place for students and general public alike. It's perfectly hipster for all you non-hipsters.

Kilimanjaro

Kili is a great place to hit up when you're trying to avoid the distractions of the outside world and focus on who you're with, or the work you've brought with you. With no wifi, its the easiest way to leave the world of facebook & twitter behind, at least for a couple of hours. It offers delicious teas, coffees, sandwiches and brunches. Simple dishes like scrambled eggs on toast, are the perfect start to the day along with a fruit smoothie or a filled ciabatta with a chai tea latte is ideal for a midday break.

Love Crumbs

This is a new find of mine, but is the cutest cafe to enjoy a break, a little further away from central university campus. Located in the the grass market, this cafe is the perfect mix of quirky crockery and shabby chic. I posted about this in my previous Foodie Friday, but it needs to be mentioned again because its just so darn cute. With homemade cakes filling shelves by the counter, and amazing blends of teas, coffees and hot chocolates, its a winner in my books.

Mademoiselle Macaron

If you're looking for somewhere very cute and very tasty, then Madeoiselle Macaron is the place to go. If the name doesn't give it away - it's filled with macarons. With so many different flavours and colours, your heart will burst when you see the counter full. They have adorable window displays and wall decorations, your eyes won't stop from jumping from one thing to another. It's the perfect little quiet spot to eat macarons till your heart is content.

The Elephant House

This is one for any Harry Potter fan, as J K Rowling wrote some of Harry Potter here! It's a cute cafe sitting on George IV, where you can spot lots of people following in Rowling's foot steps and creating their own masterpieces. There's plenty of choices of what to eat, both snacks or main meals are on offer, and some breakfasts for those who want to start the day off right. Although it does become busy, with many tourists coming to see the famous writing spot, its a great spot to go to feel inspired.

Thurso Restaurants

Stash1 — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 23:58:00 +0000

We will be in Thurso, Scotland in late May for a week. Looking for decent pubs/restaurants to eat at within a 50 mile range.

The Ultimate Whisky-Fuelled Experience in Speyside

travelswithakilt — Tue, 02 May 2017 16:04:59 +0000

A trip to Scotland is very likely to involve at least a dabble in our national drink, be rude not to. How best to get properly stuck in though? To really immerse yourself in the origins, the process, the product and the people that make it all happen?

I'm just back from the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival - bringing together over 500 whisky themed events across 5 days every year. Speyside is the north east 'Golden Triangle' of 50+ whisky distilleries and is, for many, the heart of Scotch whisky. It's got some of the absolute giants that you'll see on bar shelves across the globe (Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, The Macallan....) but is also home to some of the lesser-known treasures such as Glenrothes, Glendronach and Cardhu. Not to mention loads that even the proudest of whisky experts will never have heard of.

The Festival is an unmatched chance to get to know everything you'll ever need to know about Speyside and its impact on the worldwide drinks industry. All knowledge levels are welcome and there's something for everyone. You can expect ceilidhs, food (haggis, lots of haggis) and whisky pairings, locally-influenced feasts, distillery visits en masse and endless drams that you'll not be finding in your average bar. There's a very international crowd and a great atmosphere throughout.

I love the island buzz of distillery hopping on Islay (I like getting my head blown off by an Ardbeg as much as the next guy) and the personal experience on offer at any one of our distilleries dotted around all over the country but, for scale, Speyside has it for me. Stay tuned to my blog at travelswithakilt.com over the next week for my full event write up.

Has anyone ever been to SoS? What's your favourite dram order at the bar?

Family Friendly Pubs

Bree — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 20:09:44 +0000

We are taking a family vacation to Scotland from Canada with our nine year old in the late summer. We are really hoping to hear some live music but understand that children are either not allowed in pubs or only until a certain hour. Are there any places that we can go to hear live music with our daughter? We are going to be in Inverness, Fort William and Edinburgh. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Breakfast in Inverness

celopho — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:11:22 +0000

Are there any restaurants within walking distance of Ardconnel Street that serve breakfast starting at 7 or 8 am?

Eating near Balmoral

cpetrusek — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 14:55:20 +0000

Going to Balmoral Castle on a Sunday. Is there a good place to have lunch in the area?

Best Sports Pub in Edinburgh ?

bandk — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 21:41:01 +0000

where is the best place to drink and watch sports ?

thank you !!

10 Best fish and chips in Scotland

VisitScotlandAmy — Tue, 03 May 2016 08:59:16 +0000

A fish supper takes some battering.

Fish in crispy batter, plump chips, with salt ‘n’ sauce if you’re in Edinburgh, salt ‘n’ vinegar in Glasgow. Guzzled outside in the cool of the evening, washed down with a glug of Irn Bru.

Best.

Food.

Ever.

Here are 10 great chippies that your tastebuds will thank you for visiting:

There’s Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven. It was UK ‘chippy of the year’ in 2013.

At Anstruther Fish Bar you can polish off your fish supper overlooking the harbour. Watch out for the hungry seagulls though.

The most northerly fish and chips in the UK are at Frankie’s in Shetland. Oban Fish and Chip Shop in the town’s George Street is a stone’s throw from postcard scenery of Oban Bay.

Hungry? Ashvale Fish Restaurant in Aberdeen serves the Ashvale Whale - 1lb of haddock fillet.

Glaswegians smother their suppers from the Merchant Chippie in the High Street with salt ‘n’ vinegar.

It’s salt ‘n’ sauce at Edinburgh favourite, L’Alba D’oro in Henderson Row.

Walking in The Trossachs is great for working up an appetite. Sort it with a fish supper at Mhor Fish in Callendar. Or head ‘doon that watter’ to the Isle of Bute, and Rothesay’s traditional West End Café.

In the mood for a fish supper now. But where’s the best?

Local pubs with music in Inverness

Jennie_Dallas_1853 — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 13:08:21 +0000

Hello. I am a new member to this group, and will be traveling to Scotland from the USA in September, 2017. After three days in Edinburgh, we will make our base in Inverness, staying at a B&B about 1 mile from the train station and the Eastgate shopping area. I have visited the Highlands twice before, but never stayed near the city center. This time, I would like to visit a (several) pub(s) that feature music, hopefully within walking distance of the B&B so that we can indulge in the wee dram or two without having to drive home. Doing an on-line search, I found Hootananny, Tooth and Claw, Johnny Foxes, Gellions Bar and Blackfriars Highland Pub all seen to fit my requirements. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on these or other pubs. In particular, are these "tourist bars," or places where we might meet and talk with local residents?

Needing Castle Suggestion to Host Dinner for Group

Peter921 — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:21:18 +0000

I am planning on bringing a group of 36 adults for a tour of Scotland in late August and I am looking for suggestions to organize a special dinner for them at a castle. Is anyone aware of any castles that can offer a reasonably-priced dinner one evening for about £40.00 per person or is this even possible? Our coach tour will be for 11 days and will almost a make complete circle of Scotland while we are there. Thank you!

Best spots for a family picnic

VisitScotlandAmyR — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 14:23:14 +0000

Picnics are a must-do summer activity, combining the great outdoors with pleasure of eating! What could be nicer?!

What are everyone's favourite spots for a picnic with the family in Scotland? Are there any places which have particularly good facilities, lovely views or short walks suitable for younger ones? Any near farm shops where you might pick up a few tasty extras?

I recently climbed the Berwick Law in North Berwick and spotted lots of families tucking into their 'pieces'. It's a short but fairly steep ascent, and the 360˚ panoramas from the summit are absolutely awesome!

What is your favourite Restaurant in Scotland?

fishypro — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 10:46:20 +0000

I thought that we should start this topic to learn about new or existing restaurants throughout Scotland.
I will start the ball rolling with my 3 favourite restaurants:
1. The Kitchin, in Leith, is definately my number one restaurant. I visited here a few years ago with my wife for her 40th birthday and enjoyed the tasting menu. Tom Kitchin actually sat down with us and had a coffee & a chat. Amazing experience that will never be forgotton.

2. The Newport Restaurant, in Newport by Dundee, is owned by Jamie Scott (Masterchef Winner) and is a wonderful restaurant with a completely different idea of serving food. This is not to be missed.

3. Pura Maison, Crieff, is a new restaurant that is 1 year old and run by Stuart Leishman & Jennifer Neilson. This restaurant is Scotland meets France through & through. Fantastic dishes and great presentation top with friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Best routes for a walk and a pint?

VisitScotlandAmanda — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:29:50 +0000

(Tobermory, Isle of Mull - a 2 hour walk from Aros Park)

Recently over on the VS blog they featured a post - 12 stunning pub walks in Scotland - which raises the question, what are YOUR favourite walks in Scotland for a stretch of the legs, a nice view and a pint or two at the end of it? Did you favourite make the list or do you have another hidden gem to share?

I live in Edinburgh and often find myself walking along the waterfront from Granton to Cramond on the weekend's for fresh air and a drink when the sun is out. If we're lucky we walk over the causeway to the island at low tide too.

What else should I add to my weekend walking to-do list?

Best Bars in Edinburgh

VisitScotland — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:32:17 +0000

From a glamourous cocktail with the girls, to a traditional Saturday afternoon pint, Edinburgh has all tastes covered with its wide-ranging bars.

The Dome - a visit to the Dome always feels like an occasion. See it in all its glory at Christmas time when the giant Christmas tree centres the round bar.

Bramble Bar - a hidden away cocktail bar underneath Queen Street, this place serves up old classics as well as creative new inventions and has a really cosy vibe.

Peartree House - one for summer, this place has a large cobbled beer garden, perfect for the rare warm Edinburgh day.

The Sheep Heid Inn - the oldest pub in Scotland, this was established way back in 1360. It’s also home to a 19th century skittle alley!

The City Cafe - this has an American Diner feel, complimented with cocktail and beers pitchers as well as guest and resident DJs.

These are just a small handful of some of the great bars Edinburgh has to offer. Where would you recommend?

Scotland's best beers

VisitScotlandNikki — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 11:27:11 +0000

Scotland has been celebrating its best beer, with breweries across the country sharing the spoils at the inaugural Scottish Beer Awards.

Winners included Tempest Brewing Co in the Scottish Borders, BrewDog from Ellon, Fallen near Stirling and Orkney Brewery.

But who would you crown Scotland's best beer?

(The Tasting Hall at Orkney Brewery)

A brewery trip is not just about trying a sample - you can see how its made and what food to pair your beer with. What's been your best beer experience on a brewery tour?

You can find out more about Scotland's beers and breweries too.

The best Haggis

fishypro — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 06:14:06 +0000

What are the best varieties of Haggis? Are there any healthy types of Haggis? Does a Gluten Free Haggis Exist? What do you think?

Best places to eat between Dundee and Aberdeen?

Fishjagger — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 11:11:09 +0000

I was looking for options for the best places to eat between Dundee and Aberdeen. Seafood in particular would be ideal!
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

What's your favourite Scotch whisky?

VisitScotlandNikki — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 15:19:47 +0000

Whisky is wonderful stuff but it's well worth diving deeper and visiting a distillery in person - as well as trying a dram (or two...) you can see how they craft their unique single malts and whisky blends, and often learn a secret or two about their methods.

Scotland's lucky enough to have five whisky regions which are all really diverse - meaning no two whiskies taste the same!

What distilleries would you recommend are worth a visit?

If you've never visited one, then why not plan a trip there? Check out our interactive whisky eBook for all the info you need!