Crieff, Scottish Restaurant Guide

“A brilliant annual treat!” that’s “worth the enormous drive to get there!” – this stunning venue regularly tops our annual diners’ survey as the UK’s best venue, and was once again applauded unanimously in reports this year for its “exceptional cuisine”. The flagship for the world-renowned golf resort, it’s a cosseting, dark-walled space whose elegant decor helps offset its windowless position within the heart of the hotel. “Unique flavours are beautifully presented” by chef Stephen McLaughlin who worked with Andrew Fairlie for 26 years before the latter passed away in 2019; and GM Dale Dewsbury presides over an “amazing” front of house team. As well as the ‘Degustation’ menu “it offers a three-course à la carte for £125 per person, which is a nice find in these days of taster-only options”. Top Menu Tip – “the signature home smoked lobster is a great dish”.

“Food, service and ambience are all excellent”, as one might expect of this grand resort hotel’s traditional dining venue, which focuses on spectacular Scottish seafood and roast meat, leaving more adventurous interpretations to Restaurant Andrew Fairlie (its neighbour along the corridor). Even some diehard fans, though, complain that “the price has gone up and up over the years”.