Category: Fish and Chips

The Oyster Shed (Isle of Skye) 2024 : Review

The Oyster Shed
Carbost
Isle of Skye, IV47 8SE

VISITED
23-03-2024

Visit & Vibes

One of the main stops on my recent trip to the Isle of Skye was to visit the Oyster Shed. A friend had mentioned wanting to visit this place several times, but unfortunately, it had been closed on previous attempts. I also saw it featured on the TV series “Somebody Feed Phil,” which I’m a huge fan of. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out.

So, knowing this, I was determined to make a stop and hoped that upon arrival, it would be open and still have a few oysters left so I could sample some super fresh Isle of Skye oysters.

This place is only about a two-minute drive away from the Talisker distillery, so if you’re visiting there, simply add an extra two to three minutes to your journey, depending on road traffic, and check it out.

Upon arrival, I was fortunate as it was open, and I managed to find a parking space despite it being very busy. Stepping out of my car, I was greeted by stunning views, and I couldn’t wait to go inside and try at least one thing while I was there.

The Food

Oysters £1.50 each

Unfortunately, I was still quite full from my lunch earlier that day, so I opted to try some oysters. It felt essential to sample oysters at the Oyster Shed during my very first visit—it was a must, and today, I made sure to do just that.

The young man serving me asked which ones I preferred, which caught me by surprise. He then decided to offer me one large oyster from the far north of Scotland, along with two smaller ones from their local selection.

Having tried oysters before, I had found them to be just okay for my personal taste. Thus, I was curious to see how these would compare to my previous experience since they were fresh that day.

So I decided to start with one of the small oysters from the local selection. I didn’t sprinkle any lemon over it; I wanted to try it as is. As expected, it was a bit salty and had a slightly slimy texture. Overall, in terms of flavour, it was just okay for me.

Then, I squeezed some lemon over the other two oysters, but they tasted pretty much the same—slightly salty and with a similar slimy texture. Overall, they were just okay for me.

Dish Flavour★★★★
Appearance★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Final Thoughts…

I was pleasantly surprised because I was expecting them to be extremely salty, but they were only slightly salty, which was a relief.

Overall, though, oysters are just okay for me. I’m not sure why, but I’m very glad I tried them here, as it’s been on my list since my friend told me about them, probably about a year ago.

So I’m happy to have finally tried oysters here.

On my next visit to the Isle of Skye, I plan to try them again. Next time, I’ll also explore something from their main menu to see how it compares.

Service / Staff★★★★★
Overall Value for Money★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.

The Dalmore Inn & Restaurant (Blairgowrie) INVITE 2024 : Review

Perth Road
Blairgowrie, PH10 6QB

INVITED
09-03-2024

About the location

Situated just outside the market town of Blairgowrie, Perthshire, in the heart of Scotland, we take great pride in sourcing fresh local ingredients to ensure our menu is varied and reflects our love of Scotland! Our head chef Iain Naysmith thoroughly enjoys creating each and every item on our menu as well as creating Daily Specials using whatever is in season. Our menu often includes pigeon, duck, grouse, quail and guinea fowl as well as beef, venison, hare and rabbit. To meet demands, since opening in 2009 we have added a Light Lunch and Steak Menu which both prove popular. 

Visit & Vibes

I recently received an invitation to the Dalmore Inn and Restaurant for lunch.

As I studied the maps, I noticed some familiar roads but not all of them, and I was excited to explore somewhere new—or so I thought.

Upon driving there, I gradually recognized more of the roads. When I turned onto a particular road (whose name escapes me), it all came rushing back to me. It was the same road I traversed when I conquered the Three Munros in Glenshee.

I was eager to rediscover this route, as I must have overlooked it during my previous journey, being too focused on the road at that time.

Upon arrival, I noticed they had a car park, and from the exterior, I was certain I had driven past it before. Despite this, the exterior looked very inviting, and I couldn’t wait to step inside.

Inside, I was warmly greeted and escorted to my table, situated in a charming dining area with a cosy ambience. I opted to wait until the other customers had left, particularly since there were children present; I prefer not to take photos of people, especially while they’re dining.

However, as evident from the photos, the area was indeed lovely, and the view from my table was delightful.

Décor★★★★★
Noise Level★★★★★
Restaurant Temperature★★★★
Table Dressing★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness★★★★★
Background Music Level★★★★★

The Food

Menu Choice★★★★★

Traditional Fish & Chips £n/a tonight (normally £18.95
in our own crisp beer batter with garden peas, mushy peas or beans, and home-cut chips

Examining the menu, I noted a fantastic array of options, ensuring there was something for everyone. However, the fish and chips caught my eye, especially since I was quite hungry after my drive and anticipated another long journey afterwards.

Upon arrival, the dish was beautifully presented in a quaint basket. Once transferred onto the plate, I was greeted with a generous portion of chips, a substantial piece of fish, and a delightful aroma wafting from the dish.

I began with the chips, which were impeccably cooked and possessed a delightful flavour. I found them fine as is and didn’t feel the need to add any salt, which is quite unusual for me.

Moving on to the fish, I sliced it open and took a bite. It was cooked to perfection—tender, flaky, and boasting a truly delightful taste. Combining the mushy peas, chips, and fish for a mouthful, I found the overall experience to be excellent.

The only minor issue with the fish was that it was a bit greasy, but setting that aside, its flavour was outstanding, and the chips were also exceptional.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Cranachan Parfait £n/a today (normally £9.50)
with raspberry sorbet & honeycomb

Despite feeling quite full after the fish, I decided to sample something else from the menu, so I chose the Cranachan Parfait.

Upon arrival, the presentation was truly impressive, and I eagerly anticipated diving in. Trying each component individually before combining them, I was met with a burst of textures and flavours upon amalgamation.

This dish is one I would wholeheartedly recommend, and I wouldn’t hesitate to order it again on my next visit. It was impeccably balanced and beautifully presented, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Firstly, I want to extend a big thank you to the team here for the invitation.

The staff, service, and decor were impeccable today. Everyone was incredibly friendly and attentive.

As I mentioned earlier, the fish was truly delightful and perfectly cooked. The chips were outstanding, and the dessert was amazing.

If I find myself driving through this way again, I will make a stop to try out a few other items on their menu. If you happen to be passing through or staying in the area, I highly recommend checking it out and sharing your thoughts with me.

Service / Staff★★★★★
Ambience★★★★★
Time between Courses★★★★★
Overall Value for Money★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.

The Anchorage Restaurant/Bar (Dunure, Ayr) 2024 : Review

9-17 Harbour View
Dunure
Ayr , KA7 4LN

VISITED
18-02-2024

Visit & Vibes

Finally, I got a little weekend break—well, more like a one-day break.

I decided to meet some friends, and we went for a drive.

For lunch, one of them randomly chose this place. It wasn’t until I inspected Apple Maps closely that I realized I had been here before—not to the restaurant, but to the area itself.

I visited a while ago to see the harbor and the castle ruins.

Upon arrival, it was delightful to be back and take in the view of the harbor.

I’ve always had an affection for places like this, ever since I was little and used to go fishing with my grandfather. It brought back memories of our time out on the boat. Therefore, simply standing here and gazing over the lovely harbor was a pleasant experience. Additionally, returning to the area added to the enjoyment.

Inside, it was bustling with a few people sitting around, so I refrained from taking any pictures. However, the decor was really impressive—quite modern in style.

You can probably find some pictures on their Instagram or Facebook to see for yourself. The interior was exceptionally clean, and the staff were all very pleasant.

Décor★★★★
Noise Level★★★★
Restaurant Temperature★★★★
Table Dressing★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness★★★★★
Background Music Level★★★★★

The Food

Menu Choice★★★★★

Fish Supper £15.95
SERVED WITH FRIES, GARDEN PEAS & TARTARE SAUCE (V)

I decided to order the fish supper since I was next to a harbor. Upon arrival, the presentation was pleasing, and my initial thought was that there weren’t many chips, until I noticed that the fish was hidding a generous portion underneath.

I began with the chips, which required no additional seasoning. They were perfectly cooked, with a delightful crispiness to them. Next, I sampled the peas, which were also perfectly cooked and had a lovely flavor.

Moving on to the fish, I found its batter to be thin yet crispy, and the fish itself was tender and flaky with a delightful taste.

When combined with a bit of tartar sauce, it made for a truly delicious fish and chips meal—one I’m glad I ordered here and would readily order again upon my return.

Dish Flavour★★★★
Appearance★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★
Value for Money★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Battered Haggis £3.45

Not knowing the size of the fish supper, I decided to order a side of battered haggis. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size.

Taking a bite, I was thoroughly impressed; this haggis was incredibly tasty.

The batter complemented it perfectly, enhancing its flavor without overpowering it, and imparting a pleasing consistency.

As I mentioned, the haggis was exceptionally delicious—a dish I highly recommend trying if you ever visit here, especially if you’re a haggis fan. It’s definitely one I’ll be ordering again on my return.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Overall, as I mentioned, it was a delight to return to the area, and I’m pleased we decided to check this place out.

I would definitely visit here again and try some other items from their menu on my next visit. Additionally, I would happily order the fish and chips again, along with the battered haggis.

If you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to check out this place, or there’s a charming café just down the road where I enjoyed some sandwiches and cakes during my last visit.

Once again, I had a truly enjoyable time.

Service / Staff★★★★★
Ambience★★★★
Time between Courses★★★★★
Overall Value for Money★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.