The Merkister Hotel, Orkney

The Merkister Hotel, Orkney - Image reproduced from their own website.

So, on that day of all hearts (Feb 14th), we ventured out for a meal to The Merkister on the side of a bonnie Orkney loch. A bonnie wee spot with a grand bar and plenty comfy seating galore. We've eaten in the bar before and it was grand, so this time we tried the restaurant, which is really bonnie. They're in the Michelin Guide too. The setting was gorgeous, the food divine and the choices of seasonal local food quite outstanding.

A starter of Orkney Cheese in crumb with a seasonal fruit jelly. Image from their own website.

All in all a reasonably priced meal which was beautifully cooked and presented. No photo's from us as we respected the sign on the door saying please switch off laptops and phones when dining. Fair enough, I'd say.

Was it lovely, yes. Would we go back, probably. The food was great, the service fantastic and the atmosphere and ambiance just lovely. Well worth a trip. The menu changes daily so its always fresh and up to date. Pretty reasonable for good beautiful local food too I'd say. All sourced from the local butcher, fisherman and growers when they can source it. Orkney Aberdeen Angus steaks too as well as a plethora of beautiful fish and seafood.

A couple things I'd think they could perhaps improve to turn it from fantastic to amazing - sliced loaf bread offerings at the start of dinner, aren't really my thing that's for sandwiches at home, some nice bread or rolls would have helped continue the special ambience! And, sadly in my book, they committed regular but,  heinous crime of soggy side veggies. Beautifully presented, great choice, but soggy beyond belief and barely touched by our chops. Had I been a baby teething or weaning perhaps I'd be happier, but I'm not. A few wee tweaks could see that good though eh? 

They look like they do cracking lunches, free wifi and excellent coffee so maybe another trip would be a good idea. Its in the bonniest location which of course is best viewed when its not dark outside!

Until next time - have you tried somewhere new and local to you? Go exploring! Happy Scoffing!

Merkister Hotel, Harray Loch, Harray, Orkney, KW17 2LF

Tel: 01856 771366
Fax: 01856 771515

Or email contact here

Getting there. Halfway between Kirkwall and Stromness on the A965, take the A986 approx. five miles along the road. The Hotel is signposted left at Russland road and is situated at the loch side.

The Tapas Bar, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

There is a peedie door into a peedie eatery called The Tapas Bar, in The Ferry (thats Broughty Ferry, Dundee to those not from the area) which just doesn't let you know the delights that are to come. Truly delightful. I've had tapas before but not like this. The food was breathtaking, the service just perfect and the value surreal (£10-15/head). They do a set lunch menu which allows you to taste a full range of the flavours they proudly serve.

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

It also means when you've popped in with a couple of pals you've not seen in ages - you don't have to fret about what to order - it just arrives as if by magic. Its a peedie place with limited tables so booking is essential. And its worth the efforts.

 

And we scoffed olives and corn nuts. Followed by goats cheese, asparagus wrapped in beatuiful cured ham,  and many other wee nibbles. The mains were a mix of skewered blackpudding, chicken and veggies, gorgeous croquettes, beautiful king prawns in garlic and chilli, potatoes with spices, skewered tiger prawns, and the most amazing crusted and seasoned pan fried Hake I've probably ever had!

 

The service fantastic mix of friendly chat and attentive explanation of the beautifully cooked foods we were served to make the visit both informative, friendly but also quite an intimate affair. Really worth a trip.

 

So if you find yourself soon to be in 'The Ferry' - book yourself a space. Its truly worth it. And, don't just take my word for it - lots of gorgeous reviews here at Trip Advisor.

 

And no pictures from me of the food - I'm sorry - I was far too busy gossiping and scoffing! One of the reasons we try often to eat so frugally at home to indulge in places like this when we can!

 

Until next time - find somewhere new your friends think is really worth booking and try something new - happy scoffing.

 

Contact details - 01382 776941

The Tapas Bar, 27 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2BH

 

 

When the haggis landed on the wrong page.

As it still feels like the depths of winter here in the frozen north, comfort food beckons. Now you can't get more comfort food than haggis and tatties (mashed

Potatoes).  Doesn't this look bonnie? This version of an old classic was beautifully presented with a whisky sauce. Given the presentation you can see it was cooked by someone else at the lovely Kirkwall Hotel. So its in the 'eating out' category of life. I'm not known for my culinary artwork. I'm more the eating before its ready type.

So if you fancy quenelles of tattie and haggis delightfully adorned with micro salad shoots,on a plate, try The Kirkwall Hotel. Their menu never fails to deliver, even when serving up this classic.

And for main, monkfish, roast pepper sweet and sour glaze with a chorizo, spinach and tattie mash. Now, I'd like to tell you this was amazing, but I could only drool at my partner in crimes plate. Too quickly devoured to get a photo of this modern take on humble monkfish, it was THAT good.

Compliments to the chef!

Until next time, whether its old comforts or modern twists, happy scoffing.

And be careful with smart phones, they only make you look daft!

Kirkwall Hotel Ltd, Registered Office: Harbour Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1LE.Registered in Scotland Co no 452534. Telephone: +44 1856 872 232      Fax: +44 1856 872 812      Email: enquiries@kirkwallhotel.com