Perched along the serene banks of a picturesque loch, The Loch & Quay offers a refined dining experience that celebrates the bounty of Scotland’s remote coastal regions. As you step inside this upscale waterfront destination, the first thing that captivates your senses is the stunning ambiance – floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the glistening waters, the rugged mountains in the distance, and the tranquil boats rocking gently at the private dock. This breathtaking scenic setting immediately sets the tone for an unforgettable culinary journey.
The Loch & Quay’s talented culinary team, led by Executive Chef Isla Mackenzie, is dedicated to showcasing the very best of Scotland’s seasonal ingredients. They work closely with local producers, fishermen, and foragers to source the freshest produce, sustainably caught seafood, and unique wild foods that flourish in this remote corner of the Highlands. From the delicate umami-rich kelp harvested offshore to the sweet wild berries foraged from the nearby forests, every element on the plate pays homage to the hotel’s stunning natural surroundings.
The culinary team’s commitment to showcasing Scotland’s regional bounty is evident in their meticulously plated dishes. Each course is a work of art, featuring clean flavors, vibrant colors, and visually striking presentations that highlight the intrinsic beauty of the ingredients. Dishes might include a starter of seared scallops with pea purée and crispy prosciutto, or a main course of pan-seared halibut with roasted heritage carrots and a drizzle of herb-infused oil. Vegetarians and vegans are equally delighted with inventive plant-based options like a wild mushroom and barley risotto or a salad of foraged greens, pickled beets, and toasted hazelnuts.
The Loch & Quay’s dining experiences are further elevated by the hotel’s dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. The on-site garden supplies many of the herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers used in the kitchen, while the hotel’s in-house smoker transforms locally caught salmon and trout into delectable delicacies. The restaurant also proudly features a carefully curated selection of Scottish craft cocktails, regional wines, and artisanal non-alcoholic beverages that complement the flavors of the cuisine.
Whether you’re enjoying an intimate dinner for two, a family celebration, or a lively private event, the team at The Loch & Quay is committed to delivering an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Scotland’s rugged coastal splendor. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a world of refined waterfront ambiance, innovative seasonal cuisine, and unparalleled hospitality.
Waterfront Dining
At The Loch & Quay, the waterfront setting is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the dining experience. Guests can choose to be seated in the elegant main dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views across the loch, or on the expansive outdoor terrace for a more al fresco experience. The private dock provides direct access to the water, allowing diners to arrive by boat or simply stroll along the boardwalk as they work up an appetite.
The scenic vistas are a constant source of inspiration for the culinary team, who often incorporate elements of the surrounding landscape into their dishes. A chilled cucumber soup, for instance, might be served with a sprinkle of wild flowers foraged from the nearby meadows, while a dessert of caramelized pineapple is plated alongside a sprig of fresh mint from the on-site garden.
Cuisine Styles
The Loch & Quay’s menu showcases a contemporary coastal style of cuisine that celebrates the abundant regional influences of Scotland’s remote northwest. Seafood, of course, features prominently, with locally sourced langoustines, oysters, and sustainable white fish taking center stage. But the culinary team also embraces the land, incorporating native ingredients like Highland venison, Orkney lamb, and wild mushrooms into their repertoire.
For guests seeking more plant-based options, the hotel’s kitchen offers a range of inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes that showcase the versatility of Scotland’s seasonal produce. Dishes like roasted beet salad with whipped goat cheese, or a risotto made with foraged wild greens and toasted pine nuts, demonstrate the team’s commitment to catering to all dietary preferences.
Drink Offerings
Complementing the refined dining experience, The Loch & Quay’s bar program features an extensive selection of craft cocktails, expertly mixed using local spirits, seasonal produce, and artisanal mixers. Signature offerings might include a Loch Spritz, featuring a local gin infused with wild botanicals, or a Highlands Old Fashioned made with a small-batch blended malt whisky.
The hotel’s wine list also pays homage to Scotland’s burgeoning regional wine scene, showcasing exceptional bottles from the country’s leading producers. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, the bar offers a range of artisanal beverages, from house-made shrubs and cordials to locally sourced juices and botanical-infused sodas.
Dining Events
Throughout the year, The Loch & Quay hosts a variety of special dining events that provide guests with unique culinary experiences. Chef’s Tasting Menus allow diners to indulge in multi-course gastronomic journeys that showcase the team’s creativity and technical prowess, while seasonal celebrations such as Autumn Harvest Feasts or Festive Holiday Dinners bring the local community together to savor the bounty of the region.
The hotel also provides a stunning setting for special occasions, from intimate wedding receptions to milestone anniversary celebrations. The culinary team works closely with event planners to curate customized menus that reflect the couple’s personal tastes and the hotel’s commitment to showcasing Scotland’s finest ingredients.
Culinary Techniques
The Loch & Quay’s chefs are masters of their craft, with a deep understanding of traditional Scottish cooking methods as well as innovative modern techniques. Open-fire cooking is a particular point of pride, with the team utilizing a custom-built wood-fired grill to impart rich, smoky flavors onto seasonal seafood and locally reared meats.
The kitchen also embraces the art of fermentation, crafting house-made condiments, pickles, and preserves that enhance the terroir of the ingredients. Housemade sourdough bread, for instance, is the perfect accompaniment to the hotel’s selection of artisanal charcuterie and local cheeses.
Foraging also plays a significant role in the culinary program, with the chefs regularly venturing into the surrounding forests, moorlands, and coastlines to harvest an array of wild herbs, edible flowers, and other unique ingredients that infuse the dishes with the essence of the Highlands.
Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainability is a core value at The Loch & Quay, and the culinary team is committed to sourcing the majority of their ingredients from local purveyors, small-scale producers, and ethical farms. This not only ensures the freshness and quality of the food, but also supports the vibrant network of artisanal suppliers that thrive in this remote region.
The hotel’s on-site garden provides a continuous bounty of herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers that are incorporated into the kitchen’s daily output. The team also maintains close relationships with local fishermen, ensuring full traceability of the seafood that graces the menu, from the waters they were caught in to the methods used to bring them to the table.
By embracing sustainable sourcing practices, The Loch & Quay is not only delivering a world-class dining experience, but also contributing to the long-term health and prosperity of the local food system. It’s a commitment that underscores the hotel’s dedication to celebrating the unique terroir of the Scottish Highlands while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.