When staying on Eilean Sionnach, it’s best to make your dining plans in advance, as the day is slightly dictated by light conditions and tides. To help you explore local dining in the South of Skye at a relaxed and unhurried pace, we’ve put together our top five eating options for your trip.
Gone are the old days of grannyish tearooms and ‘chicken in a basket’ pub meals. In recent years, food tourism in Scotland has developed exponentially, so make sure you take the time to seek out the finest produce the island has to offer on your trip to Skye. Now, when you visit South Skye you have access to a natural Highland larder of stylishly presented, imaginative recipes based on locally grown and harvested seafood, meat, game, bakery and even vegetables.
1. All Day Dining at Kinloch Lodge
Kinloch Lodge’s kitchen is now under the stewardship of rising star, Chef Jordan Webb. The wonderful team at Kinloch focus on food with a local provenance, with many of their key ingredients coming from no further than the other end of the island. Kinloch’s ‘All Day Menu’ means that you can soak up the atmosphere of this traditional hunting lodge at leisure. Linger over plump, juicy mussels harvested not two miles from the restaurant; savour every mouthful of fresh salad and herbs grown in the rich Skye soils; or enjoy Aberdeen Angus beef raised under the loving care of the Mackinnon family in Torrin. With low food miles, short supply chain and animal welfare a top priority, you can feel good about supporting sustainable, local producers whilst you enjoy your delicious meal. What’s more, if the tide and light are in your favour, you may be able to arrange a ‘Gus Taxi’ to take you direct from Eilean Sionnach to Kinloch Lodge by boat.
2. Afternoon Tea at Duisdale House Hotel
When you’re on a slow adventure, afternoon tea is just the ticket and we promise you won’t have to venture very far to enjoy an afternoon tea in style. Duisdale House Hotel is decorated throughout with lavish wallpaper reminiscent of the Hotel du Vin and sofas even the tallest traveller would feel enveloped by. Have a cosy afternoon relaxing by the roaring fire in the lounge or enjoy a sunny afternoon admiring garden views from the comfort of the Victorian style conservatory. Duisdale House is certainly a hotel where you can soak up the atmosphere, whilst savouring a delicious plateful of teatime treats. Once again, if the tide, and light are on your side, you may be able to arrange a ‘Gus Taxi’ to take you to the shores below Duisdale House and back again.
3. An Evening Meal at The Eilean Iarmain Hotel
An evening out during your stay on Eilean Sionnach is very much dependent on the time of year but during the summer months, should usually be achievable. Our best recommendation is to stay very local, to ensure your dining experience doesn’t feel rushed. Luckily, we can highly recommend our next door neighbour! The Eilean Iarmain, or Isleornsay Hotel, is an enchanting privately owned hotel full of unique charm and character. There are two dining options. Book a table in the bar (Am Praban) or in the formal restaurant. The restaurant has a slightly more formal, vintage style and the bar is a relaxed, friendly place where you can linger by the open fire with a whisky in hand. The menu changes throughout the season, but has a focus on local seafood, game and meat. The puddings are a real highlight and are best washed down with a nip of one of their very own whiskies.
4. Sunday Roast at The Hebridean Inn, Broadford
Locals flock to the Hebridean Inn for the legendary Sunday Roast, which is served every Sunday from 12-3pm and we can highly recommend that you follow in their footsteps. The Hebridean Inn has a real sense of community spirit and is a place that is inspired by and loves to celebrate local produce, culture and folklore. The bar comes alive on a Friday evening, so in the summer months you can linger awhile and enjoy a live music session delivered by talented local musicians…but don’t miss the boat home!
5. Cuillin Catering Private Dining Experience
If leaving the island to eat sounds like a bit too much effort, why not have the food (and even the chef) come to you? Cuillin Catering can provide a packaged, pre-prepared restaurant quality meal for you to serve at your convenience. All you have to do is heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Alternatively, if you really want to spoil yourselves, Chef Connor can stay overnight in our Bothy and treat your group to a sumptuous private dining experience using locally sourced produce. Then, he’ll prepare you a cooked breakfast in the morning and even a picnic lunch!
Contact details for each of the recommended dining options above can be found in the activities section of this website.
Adventure awaits!