Orkney Adventures – Part 2

The Lynnfield Hotel is a wonderful place for foodies to hang their hat whilst visiting all these fabulous islands and produce. Not many folks can boast a distillery for a neighbour but The Lynnfield can with Highland Park on its doorstep! Elements of distilling, Orkney craftsmanship and heritage food production are reflected in the dining room décor whilst the house is charmingly furnished with fine carpentry, both historic and by current Orcadian artists. The owners are very passionate about their Orcadian roots and menus reflect this with Westray Cheese (our soufflé), North Ronaldsay Mutton and Orkney Ice Cream to name but three. Our dinner was a real treat – with dishes expertly cooked, making the most of the superb local flavours, and the menu so well balanced it was very hard to choose! The breakfasts are also of an exceptionally high standard – something I always make a point of mentioning – breakfasts are so important to the traveller and often the meal they will remember when they head off home. http://lynnfield.co.uk

Although not open to the public, Crantit Dairy’s Orkney Ice Cream is well known across the isles and beyond in good delis. They have a range of flavours including Original, Vanilla, Raspberry, Lemon Curd, Orkney Fudge and Toffee and most recently won 2** Gold Great Taste Awards for their fantastic J Gow Rum and Raisin flavour, made with the local rum, and their Orkney Original. http://www.spanglefish.com/orkneycreamery/index.asp

Another more recent addition to Orkney’s food scene and already making its mark on the mainland market is Orkney Craft Vinegar that is increasingly seen on Orkney and in superior delis and farm shops across Scotland. This artisan family business has created a fine choice of vinegars using the Slow Food Ark of Taste Bere Barley, grown and milled on Orkney at Birsay Mill, and locally foraged meadowsweet, naturally dried and used to infuse his Meadowsweet Vinegar. With other variations in development stage this is a fascinating company and an excellent ingredient for your salads and cooking. https://www.orkneycraftvinegar.com

With gourmet cheese from Wilson’s of Westray https://www.facebook.com/Wilsons-of-Westray-1220845061288011/ and other tasty toppings, you need a lovely oatcake, Stockans, the name associated with Orkney Oatcakes for more than a century! Based in Stromness where every oatcake is created, their products can be purchased in many places on the mainland too. A regular visitor at major food events on the Orkney stand, they have a delicious range including fine thin ones to rustic thick ones, with also Beremeal and bite size! https://www.stockans.com

Those who know me know I adore local ceramics so a visit to Orkney would not be complete without a treat from the
Harray Potter. Andrew has been throwing pots in Harray at Fursbreck Pottery for many a year – always cheery and a gifted novelist too! I love the way he uses shapes and artwork inspired by archaeological finds in his creations. Orkney is so rich in Neolithic sites and often the ancient designs were both practical and beautiful as is certainly the case with Andrew’s. He has a great range in all shapes, hues and sizes and you can shop online. His novels also reflect these ancient times as they depict adventures and sagas of these ancient folks. http://orkneypottery.co.uk

The Orcadians are a wonderful blend of Nordic and Scots, welcoming and full of life. We look forward to our next visit.

Since I wrote Part 1 of our trip I have continued researching the North Ronaldsay Mutton, on Slow Food Ark of Taste. There should be another batch for those wishing to try it sometime in November however there are challenges with local abattoirs closing that you may be aware of so if you wish to know more do click on the links below…

Radio Orkney:
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioorkney/around-orkney-tuesday-11th-september-2018/

My Twitter feed:

https://twitter.com/wendygoodfood

The petition:

https://twitter.com/wendygoodfood/status/1039035177111044096

More Members’ News…..

Bhaile pancakes Sunday 16th Sept – sounds wonderful so check it out! https://www.bhaile.co.uk

With Demijohn you never know what they will come up with next! Introducing the Burghley Bounder Cocktail….Something new and fun to shake off any Autumnal blues. While exhibiting at Burghley Horse Trials a week or so ago, they came up with a fabulous new gin and citrus cocktail recipe.  Burghley Bounder CocktailFor this and other inspirations check them out! https://www.demijohn.co.uk

Treat your loved one (as mine did!) to some Sheila Fleet Jewellery and whilst you are there savour the flavours in their fabulous café at The Kirk Gallery & Café. This design in Sheila’s Skara Spiral collection was inspired by carvings on Neolithic stone slabs and fragments of pottery discovered at the ancient village of Skara Brae in Orkney. Carved over 5,000 years ago by our ancestors, these decorative artworks have survived millennia. https://sheilafleet.com/shops/the-kirk-gallery-cafe-orkney

Whitmuir The Organic Place is so much more than a place to shop and eat. They grow much of their produce and are a voice of reason in Scotland’s oft broken food system so it is worth signing up for their newsletter too! Celebrating the harvest here with some great very local produce – still lots of broccoli, cauliflowers, all the kales, apples, courgettes, salad leaves – come and visit and buy some great good food or order online at www.whitmuir.scot Don’t just campaign for a better food system – eat one today!  They work their socks off to grow and cook real food and value your support.

Enjoy a luxurious soak in a Jacuzzi bath followed by an amazing dinner by award-winning chef proprietor Ian McAndrew, a restful and quiet night’s sleep followed by a sumptuous breakfast at Blackaddie. It’s a wonderful way to set yourself up for the Christmas mayhem or recover from a busy summer. https://www.blackaddiehotel.co.uk Such a lovely part of Scotland to explore.

Special autumn offer at Prestonfield – a wonderful opportunity https://www.prestonfield.com Prestonfield has glamour and style with incredible service so take the chance and savour the moment in this beautiful place.

Whether you are organizing an office outing or a family get-together the Contini team is delighted to look after you and your guests. All their prices include crackers, fantastic ambiance, award winning food and plenty of festive cheer. Please book via www.contini.com Choose between George Street, Scottish Café at the Mound and Cannonball.

Knockinaam Lodge Wedding by Marc Millar Wedding Photography

 

 

 

Late availability and other offers at Knockinaam Lodge with 20% OFF stays between 17 – 28 SeptemberAvailable on all length of stays in East, West or Hannay and includes DBB. For your special rate click the link below or call reception on 01776 810471. https://www.knockinaamlodge.com Such a stunning location with fine food and fascinating history.

Escape to glorious Crinan where they still have had sunshine with clear blue skies and sparkling seas.  The hills are turning purple with heather now, there are red berries on the rowan trees and you can collect your own brambles from the hedgerows to make jelly or just eat them straight from the bush!  The days are getting shorter which means that you may be lucky enough to be treated to a spectacular sunset while you enjoy your dinner in the Westward Restauranthttps://www.crinanhotel.com

Explore The Torridon night sky with their brand new Stargazing package. The Torridon Hotel has launched a luxurious two-night astronomy experience in the highlands with local astronomer Stephen Mackintosh. On November 9th and 10th, guests will enjoy a luxury stay combined with two stargazing excursions where Stephen will talk you through observing the night sky in the magnificent surroundings. https://www.thetorridon.com

With Scottish Food Fortnight still in full swing for another few days and it is apple season with Craigie’s harvesting, baking, and juicing as fast as they can! They are huge supporters of the campaign whose aim is to celebrate the amazing produce we have on our doorstep! https://craigies.co.uk

 

You can book your dinner online at the delightful shooting lodge, East Haugh Country House on the edge of Pitlochry. For shooting, fishing or just relaxing. Seafood and game specialities and a great roast onSunday – better book as it is very popular! https://www.easthaugh.co.uk

If you can fit in a trip to Italy this month, experience Salone del Gusto & Terra Madre for yourself from 20thSeptember until 24thSeptember in Turino. https://salonedelgusto.com/en/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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