Are you in need of some top quality food, but also want to get away from it all? Our list features eight restaurants, some including rooms, that are perfect for those who want to escape the chaos of everyday and enjoy some stunning food in some of the most remote corners of the UK.
These remote restaurants might just force you to try out a detox from all your gadgets. The constant beep of your phone, ping of an email or pointless chatter on the television can cloud your thoughts and interrupt some well needed you time. To fully appreciate what these remote venues have to offer, try going without technology. Or at least take a break from it once you've arrived (our old friend GPS could be useful for actually finding some of them)!
Some benefits of a digital detox include more time to think and reconnect with your loved ones and surroundings. If you choose to make a weekend trip, getting into the fresh air might not seem very tempting but if it's cold simply wrap up warm, put on your best hat and scarf and you'll be able to see a whole new side to the outdoors. There has been extensive research that shows exercising outdoors can improve your mental and physical health. You've got nothing to lose - and we suppose it's a good way to work off double doses of pudding!).
At these remote restaurants you can indulge in some impressive food that fully exhibits the benefits of using locally sourced produce. From hand collected seaweed, on-site farms and large gin or whiskey selections, there is bound to be something you'll love. These venues are perfect if you're looking for some peace and quiet but want to enjoy food that delivers pure satisfaction.
Etive: Taynuilt, Scotland
Taking its name from the Gaelic for 'house by the stream', a real culinary treat can be found at The Taynuilt. Tucked away on the west coast of Scotland the scenery is truly breath-taking. The menu, devised by head chef and proprietor John McNulty, reflects the very best of local and seasonal produce. The two AA Rosette rating is well deserved and each dish is brilliantly matched by resident sommelier David Lapsey's wine selection. Dishes include Taynuilt foraged mushrooms with toasted sourdough and slow honey braised shin of Ballimore farm beef. The Taynuilt also has a speciality spirit and whiskey shop, The Drammery, with over 100 single malts and 50 gins to choose from. The three star hotel has 10 en-suite rooms, each named after a Scottish Loch. It is about an hour from Glasgow on a direct train or a 20-minute drive from Oban.
Contact: 01866 822437/enquiries@taynuilthotel.co.uk
Kinloch Lodge: Skye, Scotland
Kinloch Lodge prides itself as somewhere to escape the noise and speed of modern life and takes feeding guests very seriously. Located on the Isle of Skye, at the foot of a mountain and the head of Loch na Dal, you are surrounded by beautiful scenery. Whether you plan to spend the day exploring or prefer relaxing from the comfort of the hotel, the menu is sure to please. Marcello Tully, the Brazilian-Scottish Chef director retained his Michelin star for six consecutive years. His menu celebrates the best of the Highlands's local ingredients with kippers for breakfast and home-baked scones for afternoon tea.
The Kinloch Lodge also offer a special gastronomic tour for its guests to explore the island's best food hotspots.
Contact: 01471 833333/reservations@kinloch-lodge.co.uk
The Three Chimneys: Skye, Scotland
Also on the Isle of Skye is the recently refurbished Three Chimneys. It has an impressive restaurant, and rooms available for those who journey in search of great food, stunning views and lots of fresh air. Company founders and full-time directors Eddie and Shirley are immensely proud of Scottish produce - Shirley was even awarded an OBE for Services to Food and Drink in Scotland in the Queen's 90th Birthday Honours List. The restaurant now has a state of the-art new kitchen installed ready for this season. The menu reflects the very best of fresh, home-cooked food and champions Scottish ingredients. The Skye venison with roasted squash, sauerkraut and charcoal roasted pear sounds like an absolute delight!
Contact: 01470 511258/eatandstay@threechimneys.co.uk
The Mariners: Cornwall, England
Situated in the small fishing town of Rock, Cornwall, The Mariners has some wonderful dishes to offer, made with top quality fish that couldn't be fresher. Owned by Michelin Star chef Nathan Outlaw, visitors will not be disappointed with the quality and style of the menu. Produce availability and seasonality dictate what is on offer so expect the menu to change frequently. Currently the menu features a starter of pickled Porthilly oysters with gherkins, cucumber and jalapenos.
Each dish is cleverly paired with local beer from Sharp's brewery. The restaurant has a wonderful view overlooking the sea and is perfect for those looking for a quiet place to enjoy a delicious meal.
Contact: 01208 863 679/info@themarinersrock.com
L'Enclume: Cartmel, England
Where you set off from determines how remote this gastronomic beauty is. It is around a five hour car journey from central London or three to four hours on the train. The nearest train station is a 10-minute drive to the restaurant, so you may want to order a taxi. Once you arrive, you'll forget all the effort it took to get there. Set within a stunning landscape, L'Enclume is just what you need to escape a hectic city. Once again, the top priority on the menu is making the most of seasonal and local ingredients. Organic vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers are grown on L'Enclume's very own 12-acre farm.
The sample menu boasts aged veal in coal oil and Goosnargh duck with cherries and smoked beetroot. L'Enclume also has rooms available so it's perfect for a weekend away in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
Contact: 015395 36362/info@lenclume.co.uk
The Rhug Estate: Corwen, Wales
Hidden amongst the rolling hills of Denbighshire, Wales, The Rhug Estate is an established, award winning, organic field-to-fork farm with a purpose built restaurant, The Bison Grill, to showcase its produce. You can visit for breakfast, brunch and lunch, or on Sundays they offer a traditional roast featuring meat from their organic farm.
The farm shop supplies sought-after organic cuts of Aberdeen Angus beef, bison, chicken, salt marsh lamb and game to top Michelin-starred restaurants in the Far and Middle East as well as London hotspots like the Dorchester and the Shangri-La.
The Bison Grill bistro focusses on seasonality and local produce down to the tiniest detail. The egg mayonnaise is even made using eggs from the Nant Ucha Farm. It is a popular pit stop for those heading to Snowdonia or across to the Llyn Peninsular. The Bison Burger is a must try, served with red onion marmalade and triple cooked chips.
Contact: 01490 413000
The Turks Head: Woodbridge, England
This country pub, hidden in the depths of Suffolk, offers quality, wholesome food. They have a large gin collection and rotating local cask beers as well as a vast wine list. Head chef Chandramauli Dwivedi, also known as Mauli, begin his career under the guidance of Antonio Carluccio and was part of a team gaining accolades as one of the Top Ten Italian restaurants in India. His menus reflect the infinite possibilities that local produce provide. The Suffolk sirloin steak with mushroom rarebit peppercorn sauce and hand cut chips is just what you'll need after a long walk in the stunning Suffolk countryside. Dogs are welcome so expect to see them curled up in front of one of the log fires.
Contact: 01394 610 343/info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk
Inver: Strachur, Scotland
Inver is tucked away on the shores of Loch Fyne, where the bountiful ingredients from the loch and beyond provide the centrepieces for many of the dishes. Run by husband and wife duo Pam and Rob, Inver has built up a formidable reputation in just the three years since it has been open, including being voted Restaurant Of The Year in Scotland by the AA Hospitality Awards.
In the evening guests are treated to a set, four course menu with dishes showcasing ‘forgotten Scottish dishes’ and beautiful wild ingredients. Mains include plates called things like halibut, leeks and brown shrimp, and venison, celeriac, pear and prune – giving diners just enough to be excited by while maintaining a little mystery to keep an element of surprise. Oh, and did we mention the views? There's nothing quite like looking out of an old stone cottage onto the opposite banks of a Scottish Loch.
Contact: 01369 860537/ask@inverrestaurant.co.uk
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Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted pralineServe this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
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Chocolate and hazelnut roulade
This chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
-
Baileys Cheesecake
This no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
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Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline
Serve this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
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