Profile
The Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant with Rooms is an absolute jewel by the harbour in Mallaig. Book dinner and be sure to allow time to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way whether by train, car or ferry. Once the busiest herring port in Europe it is still very active and also a popular holiday spot.
This bonnie bustling fishing port is a hive of activity, creating a colourful panoramic view for the Cornerstone, strategically located on the first floor overlooking the harbour where the seafood is landed and delivered fresh daily to their door. This fabulous family business comprises Sharon and her sons: Callan front of house and head chef Cameron at the helm in the kitchen. Energetic and gifted, together they have created destination dining, popular with locals and visitors alike, with a delicious choice of daily dishes and an AA Rosette. Frankly we were blown away by the flavours and quality, the presentation and friendly service. If this is off your normal beaten track it is worth every mile of travel to a corner of Scotland you may not have visited for a while…
..and thanks to their two lovely bed-and-breakfast rooms you need not rush away – stay overnight and savour the experience and the wine list. Both bedrooms have stunning views over the harbour and islands and ensuite bathrooms. The bedrooms open onto a pretty shared lounge and mini kitchen to make coffees etc.
The menus are delicious using carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, from simply perfectly cooked Mallaig scallops, mussels, haddock with homemade tartare sauce and hand cut chips; to mouth-watering sea trout with sea herbs, pomme Anna, trout roe sauce; superb monkfish with sweet chilli sauce & seasonal salad; mackerel with pickled shallot & herb dressing. With Highland venison and wild mushroom options for the carnivores and vegetarians respectively, they too are always catered for. The ham hock starter was a winner and for dessert, we had the delicious drambuie crème brûlée with blueberry compote and home made shortbread was a dream.
Mallaig is the terminus for the West Highland railway line, voted one of the top railway journeys in the world, and all summer the Jacobite (“Harry Potter”) steam train travels the line from Fort William, terminating at Mallaig. Mallaig also provides links to and from Skye, the Small Isles, South Uist and Knoydart.
There is much to see and well worth a trip. The Cornerstone is a real asset and Mallaig is lucky to have such a lovely family and gifted team.
