There’s still time to vote for your Hidden Gem in the Scotsman Food and Drink Awards 2018
To vote just head along to the Scotsman Food and Drink awards page and pick your favourite from the following list. Our Hidden Gems (as nominated by you):
Aberdeenshire Larder
(Balmacassie Industrial Estate, Broomiesburn Road, Ellon)
The region’s top chefs and restaurants proudly serve produce from this speciality butcher and game supplier. It stocks local produce including beef, lamb and wild game from Buchan. A visit to the shop would not be complete without a taste of the Hot Thai Kitchen.
Aurora Modern Eatery
187 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh
A cosy interior made entirely of reclaimed materials sets Aurora up with a Nordic, raw and modern atmosphere. It serves a monthly tasting menu and a seasonal dinner menu that changes every week.
Brodies
1-2 Altrive Place, Holm Street, Moffat
This laid-back, contemporary eatery serves meals through the day, with a bistro-style menu that caters for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Favourites include the cauliflower risotto served with garlic and broad beans as well as the breast of Barbary duck, glazed in honey and cinnamon, served with wilted summer greens.
The Caddy Mann
Mounthooly, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
This countryside restaurant is easy to miss with an understated exterior however, its meals created by Ross Horrocks, formerly of Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, creatively showcase the best produce from Scottish Borders farmers, game estates and independent suppliers.
Cavens Country House Hotel
Kirkbean, Dumfries
Set in an elegant country retreat that was built in 1752, Angus Fordyce’s team creates unpretentious dishes using ingredients such as salmon smoked by Barony County Foods, Galloway beef and cheese from Loch Arthur Creamery.
The Cluny Bank and Franklin’s Restaurant
69 St Leonard’s Road, Forres, Moray
Chef-patron Lloyd Kenny uses the best ingredients, such as meat from Macbeths Butchers, cheese from Connage Dairy and berries from Wester Hardmuir, to create innovative, hearty dishes at this impressive restaurant with rooms.
LeftField
12 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh
This modern restaurant offers an intimate dining experience away from the crowds and overlooking Bruntsfield Links. Scottish Borders beef is a main feature with all steaks having been matured for at least 28 days and served at a minimum of 8oz.
North Harbour Bistro
North Harbour, Isle of Scalpay
This restaurant may be tiny but owner George Lavery’s passion for local produce such as Scalpay shellfish is huge. In an unpretentious building that also houses the community shop, Lavery serves up creative seafood and meat dishes.
The Steam Packet Inn
Harbour Row, Isle of Whithorn, Wigtownshire
The views from this family-run restaurant over the harbour are spectacular – and the food is just as impressive. Guests can watch the fishermen at work while eating the freshest seafood including lobster, sole and monkfish, bought straight from the boats.
Stevenson Centre Café
Garthspool, Lerwick, Shetland
Situated in the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve, the café offers a selection of homemade cakes, scones and biscuits alongside freshly ground coffee and teas. With views of the North Sea, the café is ideal for spotting puffins and whales.
The Sun Dancer Bar & Restaurant
Harbour Street, Nairn
Lee Jack’s restaurant overlooks the Moray Firth and serves high quality produce, from Highland braised beef, lamb and game to fresh crab straight from the sea. After dinner, guests can stroll along the promenade and admire the stunning views.
The Tin Coo Farm Shop & Dairy
Devenick Dairy, Bishopston Farm, Banchory-Devenick, Aberdeen
With a window into the milking shed, the ingredients served at this café could not come any fresher. The Philly cheese steak sandwich, featuring the dairy’s Coos ‘R’ Oot cheese and the Mac and triple cheese, which includes Granite City, Reeds Aricht and Smoked Deesider cheeses are not to be missed.