Weekend Pass: Killoran House

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 13:31

Dervaig, Isle of Mull (01688 400362, www.killoranmull.co.uk)

Why go there?

If, as the ad campaign would have it, Carlsberg made relaxing hideaways, chances are they would bear a striking resemblance to Killoran House. Ten miles from Mull's capital, Tobermory, the hotel combines a spectacular setting with equally stirring service. Owners Ian and Janette McKilligan are relatively new to the hospitality game and their enthusiasm is evident in everything from the welcome to the food.

How do I get there?

Make your way to Oban and take the ferry to Mull. Once at Craignure, turn right and drive through Salen before taking a left turn on the Dervaig road. When you reach Dervaig at the T-junction, go left. Follow this road for about a mile. You will see the sign for Killoran on the left.

What's the food like?

Ian dreamed of becoming a chef before following an alternative career path, but taking ownership of Killoran has allowed him to re-engage with his foodie fantasies. A mighty fine job he is making of it too. The five-course dinner menu makes use of local produce such as scallops, meat and cheese. Typical dishes include roasted fillet of turbot with asparagus velout, baby new potatoes and broccoli dressed with almond butter, and chargrilled king prawns with a mango and avocado salsa.

Home comforts

All but one of the bedrooms have expansive views and each comes fully equipped with coffee and tea-making facilities and TV/DVDs. Luxury Tub toiletries are available in the en-suite bathrooms, as are fluffy robes and towels. Another major plus is the comfortable lounge, which has a balcony, squishy sofas, a stereo and a huge glass table, perfect for playing the array of board games on offer. There's also wi-fi and a computer room.

Bed test

Doubles are slightly on the small side, but there are plans afoot to install king-size beds throughout.

Out and about

Weather aside, you can't really go wrong in the Western Isles. There's a fine beach five minutes away at Calgary, while Tobermory and its multi-coloured harbour frontage is only half an hour's drive away. There's great walking to be had on the nearby island of Ulva, while a drive hugging Mull's wild west coast will eventually take you to Fionnphort. From there it is possible to catch the ferry and follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims to the spiritual island of Iona, where stunning stretches of white sand and a dramatic sense of history await.

The bottom line

Prices range from 100 to 120 per double room per night for bed and breakfast. A five-course dinner costs 30 per person.