While many people might half-jokingly see the pinnacle of Scotland’s cuisine as the deep-fried Mars Bar, there’s far more to traditional Scottish food than that. With some of the most spectacular seafood in the UK, the best whiskey in the world, and a host of delicious treats to tuck into, Scottish food is well worth exploring. And there’s no better place to enjoy what’s on offer than at one of ourluxury castles in Scotland, which make the perfect places to stay while you’re exploring the country. Read on for our selection of the top 10 food and drink activities in Scotland…
A gourmand with limited time on their hands can squeeze in as much eating and drinking as possible on a day-long ‘Tasting St. Andrews Tour’. Though most commonly associated with golf, St. Andrews is also a choice food destination and harbours several award-winning food producers. During this day-long tour, hungry participants will peak behind the scenes at a local dairy and a craft brewery. They’ll also sample Scottish goods, including cheese, craft ales, whisky or ice cream (your choice), shortbread and more. A tasting lunch comprising several regional specialities and wine.
The chef at this elegant 18th-century Michelin-starred inn plucks outstanding seasonal ingredients from Scotland’s brimming larder to plate up his flawlessly executed dishes. You can feast on local game, seafood from just down the road, and Scottish farmhouse cheeses in the intimate dining rooms. End the meal with a coffee in the reception room, where a blazing fire roars during colder weather.
Location: Near St Andrews Fife, Scotland, KY15 5LH
Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Edinburgh West End Whisky isn’t the only spirit on the scene in Scotland. Scottish gin is currently enjoying something of a renaissance and offers a tasty alternative to the prevalent golden elixir. Leave the car at home for Edinburgh Gin Distillery Tours, ranked in the top 20 of Edinburgh Visitor Attractions on Tripadvisor. You’ll delve into Edinburgh’s rich history of gin production and discover the science of distilling, with a chance to see their beautiful copper stills in action. We’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best food and drink activities in Scotland.
Whether you’re a bonafide Scotch geek or a neophyte who wants to find out what all the fuss is about, Rabbies Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour will bring you deeper into the world of Scotch whisky. You’ll visit Glengoyne and Deanston distilleries for tours and tastings, as well as taking in views of Loch Lomond National Park and stopping for lunch in a loch-side pub. The best of the food and drink activities in Scotland for whiskey lovers.
Housed in a converted crofter’s cottage, this restaurant is located on the very north-west tip of the Isle of Skye. It’s not the kind of place you’ll just happen to pass by, though it’s well worth going out of your way to eat here. The menu is a local affair, with many of the dish components namechecking both Skye and other Hebridean Island locales, such as Gigha (halibut), Dunvegan (crab) and Glendale (mesclun).
In Scotland, it’s pretty much the norm to end every brisk walk, bike ride or round of golf with a restorative cuppa and snack in a cosy teahouse. With friendly service, the finest teas, freshly baked cakes, and savoury goods, Scottish Tea House is one of the best places to partake in this national tradition.
This stylish restaurant is located on Oban Pier and overlooks the very waters from which much of its seafood is sourced. It will be difficult for fish lovers to pick just one dish when there are so many tempting options on the seafood-centric menu. Choose from the likes of Caledonian oysters, grilled West Coast hake, char-grilled Isle of Mull scallops, and whole roasted chilli and lime sea bream, during one of the best food and drink activities in Scotland.
Location: 1, Railway Pier, Oban, Argyll and Bute PA34 4LW
The phrase Scottish winery may seem like an oxymoron, but Cairn O’Mohr isn’t your typical winery. Set on a farm in the berry-laden region of Perthshire, this unusual winery produces a range of fruit-flavoured wines and ciders. Take a tour of the winery, and then let the kids occupy themselves in the playground while you sit out on the terrace of the on-site café sipping one of their berry, flower, or leaf-infused refreshments.
Location: East Inchmichael Errol Perthshire, PH27SP
The café at this working chocolate factory is the kind of place you’ll want to linger. The seats are comfy, and the views over Oban pier and the water are stunning. The choice of chocolate goodies available both in the café and the adjoining shop is truly bewildering. The Oban chocolatiers make full use of the region’s culinary idiosyncrasies to produce both classic and uniquely Scottish creations, including an Irn Bru truffle and a chocolatey riff on fish and chips (a fish-shaped milk chocolate with chip-shaped white chocolates).
Scotch whisky steals the limelight, but it isn’t the only delicious alcoholic beverage produced up north. Scotland is also responsible for many tasty ales. The much-praised Fyne Ales brewery is set in a converted barn and welcomes visitors to tour the premises (though you’ll need to book in advance). You’ll get to snoop around the working brewery, learning about every stage in the brewing process before participating in a tutored tasting of the final product. Large groups can make a day out of it by following the tour and then tasting it with a barbecue in the brewery’s courtyard.
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