Scotland is blessed with thousands of miles of pristine coastline and as a result our seafood is the envy of grateful diners around the world. The clean, cool waters of the deep lochs and surrounding sea produce more than 65 species of fish and seafood.
Fishermans Kitchen
Come to the Isle of Seil across the famous Atlantic Bridge, near Oban and enjoy a Luxury Seafood Experience.
The Fisherman’s Kitchen affords the opportunity to enjoy a bespoke dining experience exploring fresh and local seafood all cooked by the Fisherman himself.
Drew Stephenson, alias The Fisherman, has fished from Balvicar since his teens and has a passion for sharing his love of the freshest seafood imaginable. A chance suggestion to offer fresh seafood for a corporate event saw the birth of this venture. The Fisherman’s Kitchen was launched in 2016 with a focus on good local produce including brown crab and lobster caught by Drew himself from his own wee boat “Fisarakah”. This is complemented with fresh produce from fellow local fishermen and local smokehouses.
There are a number of options to experience with the Fisherman including private dining for up to ten people by arrangement, platters to take away for any special occasion or just for the joy of the produce to include a variety of fresh seafood and smoked fish served with home-made bread and a variety of freshly made sauces.
Specialist shellfish workshops with Drew learning how to handle, cook and then eat a variety of the finest fresh shellfish can also be arranged. Diners also have the option of staying at the Fisherman’s Kitchen and can then enjoy a unique Fisherman’s breakfast in the morning.
Drew is also delighted to cater for those in the party whose choice is perhaps not Seafood and will happily accommodate personal dietary preferences.
The Fisherman’s Kitchen is available throughout the year and looks forward to welcoming you sometime soon.
Fisherman’s Kitchen, Tigh Ian, Balvicar. PA34 4TF
01852 300578
Mobile: 07810521475
www.fishermanskitchen.co.uk
Instagram: thefishermanskitchen_oban
www.facebook.com/fishermanskitchenargyll
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Starfish Restaurant & Gallery
Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Starfish restaurant is the perfectly positioned place to dine after a day of exploring beautiful Kintyre and wider Argyll.
Starfish specialise in locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish, prepared with simplicity and care, served in relaxed surroundings. The menu is varied, with something to suit everyone - including vegetarians and those who prefer non-fishy dishes. Rightly so, though, the highlights reflect what’s available on the doorstep and landed daily on the quay.
From famed Tarbert prawns (langoustines), lobster and scallops, to Gigha halibut and locally smoked salmon - to name just a few. The shellfish platter is a firm favourite with visitors, either as an individual feast or sumptuous sharing starter, washed down with a crisp glass of white from the well-appointed wine list.
Popular with hungry sailors, walkers and cyclists alike, the team provide hearty portions to satisfy their needs, while the friendly and informed staff provide a warm welcome and promote a pleasant dining experience. Adding to the ambience, the restaurant also acts as a gallery, showcasing the work of talented Scottish artists, which is also available to purchase.
The village of Tarbert is just a couple of hours drive from Glasgow, with a vibrant social calendar of festivals throughout the year, making it a great weekend break away from the city. There are multiple accommodation offerings, including rooms directly above the restaurant. Open seasonally from March until the end of October, check out specific opening times and other information via the website.
www.starfishtarbert.com
01880 820733
www.facebook.com/starfishtarbert
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Oban Tourism
One of the town’s original seafood restaurants used to proudly proclaim ‘from the pier to the pan as fast as we can’ which perfectly summed up the advantage of operating within sight and smell of the sea. Oban is built around its famous distillery which overlooks the bay and the town’s now equally famous seafood restaurants are but a salmon’s leap from the coastline with many enjoying stunning views towards Kerrera, Lismore and the Isle of Mull.
If you venture inland you’ll still find fabulous seafood and fresh shellfish: Argyll’s rich sealochs stretch like fingers into the glens and produce that unique mix of salinity and peat that produces plump rope grown mussels. Oysters are plentiful too, local oyster producers supply to top London and Edinburgh eateries and Oban’s award-winning restaurants – of which there are now several.
There are plenty of seaborne adventures in Oban too. Go sea-fishing for giant Hake, take a whale and dolphin safari or swim with basking sharks. Learn to kayak or perfect your skills at one of several kayak schools. Paddle board or sail or just admire the many yachts and ferries.
The town welcomes visitors by boat and the new step ashore short stay pontoons on North Pier make access easy for everyone. Take a day trip to one of the islands or relax and just gaze out to sea. Oban is a beautiful, vibrant and friendly highland town and it’s closer than you think.
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North Harbour Bistro
Based on the small Hebridean island of Scalpay, the North Harbour Bistro, has emerged into a multi award-winning destination seafood restaurant, recently winning awards for “Informal fine Dining Chef of the Year” at the Scottish Food Awards & Academy in 2018 and “Fish Gold Medal and Islands Restaurant of the Year” in 2017. At the Bistro you will find fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative, modern cooking techniques, offering a unique dining experience which stands apart from local competitors.
The restaurant and seating area outside offer stunning views of Scalpay and the North Harbour where the local fishermen land their daily catch of the king of crustaceans! (Lobster), tasty Brown Crab and a favourite of the Bistro menu, delicious Scalpay Prawns (Langoustines).
The Bistro offers an informal, friendly and welcoming dining experience where the food is passionately prepared by George Lavery, chef and owner, to create stunning and delicious dishes like “Creel Caught Scalpay Crab Sandwich” served with a delicate mustard and herb mayonnaise and crisp pumpkin seed bread and “Slow Braised Pickled Octopus” served with creel caught Scalpay Langoustines in red cabbage gazpacho, which can be enjoyed with a glass of your favourite drink, taking in the local sights, wildlife and some wonderful sunsets.
Come and experience the North Harbour Bistro & all that Scalpay has to offer.
en-gb.facebook.com/NorthHarbourBistro
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Heathbank Hotel
Situated in the tranquil Northbay, Heathbank Hotel is perfectly placed with the famous airport beach and the Sound of Barra ferry just 2.5 miles away. The family run hotel is the perfect place to dine after exploring the island’s beauty, be it the Machair blanketed with primroses, varied wildlife, boat trips, kayaking, snorkling, walking, cycling or just meandering along one of the unspoiled beaches.
Heathbank Hotel is a unique, but modern small hotel on the Isle of Barra. The family run hotel is managed by ‘locals’ who have good knowledge and understanding of island life.
At the end of each day visit the warm and friendly bar, which stocks a wide range of malt whisky, a wide selection of gins, wine and chilled ales. Coffee and tea are available daily from 11am with homemade soup and baking served throughout the day. The evening menu runs from 5.30pm until 8pm which focuses on the delicious locally sourced Langoustines, Scallops, Cockles, Smoked Salmon and Haddock.
The local fisherman call in with catch such as Monkfish, Turbot and Halibut which allows them to offer fantastic daily specials.
They offer a smaller menu option for meat and vegetarian dishes. Heathbank Hotel also source produce as locally as possible from their shellfish to fish and lamb. All desserts are homemade and delicious.
Heathbank, Northbay, Isle Of Barra, HS9 5YQ
01871 890266
info@barrahotel.co.uk
www.barrahotel.co.uk
www.facebook.com/heathbank266
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Connor’s Restaurant
Situated on the seafront in the picturesque village of Portpatrick, Connor’s Restaurant offers the ideal view while you enjoy their cuisine. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 12 noon all year round, so depending on the time of year you will get to enjoy the sun sparkling off the sea while sitting outside or the waves crashing over the rocks while you are cosy inside.
They have a varied menu offering up as much local produce as they can, when it is seasonally available. Connor’s Restaurant cater for all, so whether you prefer something from the sea or field you are sure to enjoy a meal with them. The A la carte menu is on offer all the time along with mid-week lunch and Sunday specials.
One of the customer’s favorites on offer is the fresh Portpatrick lobster and crab. It is caught daily (weather depending) from just outside the harbor, it can be in the sea in the morning and on your plate by the evening. These can be enjoyed in many different ways from simply grilled to delicious sauces.
The wine list is specially selected to go along with the menu and the bar has a great selection of Scottish malts, Gins and Vodka.
Connor’s restaurant is a place to enjoy a quiet lunch, a family meal or a celebration. Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Connor’s Restaurant
1 South Crescent
Portpatrick
Wigtownshire
DG9 8JR
Tel 01776 810314
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The Pierhouse Hotel – The Voyage of a langoustine
In the quiet village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you will find one of Scotland’s favourite seafood restaurants at The Pierhouse Hotel.
Located with breath-taking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull in the most idyllic and romantic destinations, The Pierhouse Hotel AA Rosetted Scottish Seafood Restaurant has won a fast-growing reputation as one of Argyll's best-kept secrets.
Using the finest seasonal Scottish seafood, meat, game and vegetables, the Pierhouse works very closely with local suppliers to achieve exceptionally high standards of quality and fresh ingredients.
Oysters hand-picked from Loch Creran oyster beds; mussels and langoustines harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive; lobsters and crab kept mouth-wateringly fresh in creels at the end of the pier where guests may view, subject to tides.
The voyage of a langoustine – travel with fisherman Hughie McLeod on his boat. Hughie has been fishing for The Pierhouse over four generations.
www.facebook.com/PierhouseHotel
www.instagram.com/thepierhousehotel
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