Restaurant focus: Carradales
This Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight we wanted to take a wee look at some of the wonderful produce, producers and restauranteurs that Campbeltown and South Kintyre has to offer. First up it’s Carradales Guest House in the small fishing village of Carradale.
Carradales has been lovingly restored by owners Maurice and Steve, who purchased the old Victorian Manse in 2016. Chef Steve and Front of House man Maurice both spotted the potential straight away, however as Maurice told me, ‘It was a shell when we bought it really. The first night we stayed here was in November 2016 and we nearly froze to death in this draughty old manse, with no central heating!’. It’s certainly no longer a draughty shell – the manse has been beautifully renovated, maintaining many original features but with some modern touches (underfloor heating throughout being one!). The decor is a lovely blend of traditional and contemporary – Steve’s work I’m told (he clearly has an eye for interior design as well as cooking).
After opening in April 2018, Carradales Guest House now has a 5* Visit Scotland rating (making it Kintyre’s Only 5 Star VisitScotland Guest House) and offers an intimate dining experience to residents and non-residents alike. Steve and Maurice are clearly passionate about what they do and Steve takes pride in using local produce in his kitchen as much as possible, “I bake all my own bread fresh every morning, the seafood I get from both Tarbert and Campbeltown and the beef is from North Beachmore farm. And of course our bar is stocked with all local spirits too; Kintyre Gin, Glen Scotia and Springbank whiskies and Cadenhead’s Rum. We also have a selection of Loch Fyne Ales”.
When I spoke to them, Steve had just been working on their new Autumn Menu which launched on the 4th of September. He gave me a wee sneak peak so I can tell you that dishes include a Campbeltown Cheese and Loch Fyne Rarebit with Tomato and Onion Relish, Local Smoked Haddock with Savoury Rice and a Lightly Curried Sauce and Highland Beef and Mushroom Casserole with a Horseradish Cream Mash. And for dessert, how about a Kintyre Gin, Lemon and Autumn Berry Eaton Mess? Yum! Sounds great.
If you want to go and try it for yourselves Carradales is open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week (closed Sunday). Booking is essential for dinner and recommended for lunch. Full menus can be found on their website. Enjoy!
