Scotland’s South West Coastal 300 route is an amazing circular drive with many one-of-a-kind attractions along its enchanting banks and coastlines. The route glides along the Solway coast, crosses to Mull of Galloway, then travels up to Portpatrick, through Sanquhar and back to Dumfries. Amongst the many towns, historical sites and adventure destinations, sit some of the country’s most fabulous food and drink hotspots, making the route a food lover’s dream. Here’s a list of great places to get a tantalising taste of Scotland while travelling along the South West Coastal 300 route.
1. Brodies Restaurant, Wine Bar & Gin Lounge, Moffat
Experience an exceptional dining experience true to the meaning of relaxation and luxury. The coffee lounge and main restaurant are open to customers throughout the day, while the evening wine bar is simply perfect for unwinding after a drive.
The spectacular Gin bar, which is open from noon, boasts a medley of fifty different gins and tonics, and offers pre-booked gin tastings. For a light snack, choose from the delicate range of cakes and scones, or indulge yourself with a sumptuous one course or decadent three course dinner. With such an excellent range of food, drinks and service it’s no wonder Brodies has retained its AA Rosette and Two Michelin Knives & Forks since opening.
2. The Steamboat Inn, Carsethorn
The Inn sits on Carsethorn’s seafront and entices diners with its beauty, character and homely atmosphere. You can sit inside and be surrounded by the Inn’s unique warmth and quirkiness, or go outside to drink in the stunning coastline. The Steamboat Inn is the epitome of family dining and being pet friendly, visitors can bring along their four-legged family member, who will be greeted with a cuddle and dog biscuit. Book in advance because with its generous portions and wonderful atmosphere, it is very popular and difficult to get a table during peak times.
3. Cavens Country House, Kirkbean
This award winning Country House has received an AA rosette and three VisitScotland medallions. Every day is a pleasant surprise at Cavens, as their menu changes daily according to the best local produce on offer. After dining you can enjoy their private wine cellar, honesty bar or perhaps indulge yourself with a coffee liqueur by the fireplace. Cavens Country House’s delectable dishes, fine China and peaceful gardens, makes their dining experience elegant, tranquil and almost therapeutic.
4. The Loch Arthur Creamery, Farm Shop & Cafe, Beeswing
The winner of Artisan Food Category of Scottish Rural Awards 2017 as well as the “Hidden Gem” award in November 2017, makes this creamery a definite must for your foodie road trip. The Farm Shop offers a fantastic selection of organically grown and locally produced foods, while visitors to the Cafe can enjoy a selection of cakes, soups and light meals. Enjoy your meal while taking in the ecological marvel of the building, which was constructed using living materials thus allowing its customers to truly become one with nature.
5. The Pancake Place, Dumfries
The Pancake Place is a family-run restaurant, which holds to its values of outstanding home-cooked food, served in a friendly environment. The menu includes a variety of other dishes in addition to their incredible pancakes. Try their delicious soups or scones, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth with their incredible pancakes. Either way, The Pancake Place is a great stop along your culinary food trail.
6. Annandale Distillery Company Ltd., Annan
This famous Distillery, owned by Johnnie Walker, is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries. Currently owned by David Thomson & Teresa Church, the Distillery offers visitor tours, tastings of their peated and unpeated whiskies and really yummy food. If you have a designated driver and a taste for whisky then stop by the historical Annandale Distillery Company.
7. Blackaddie Country House Restaurant, Sanquhar
Savour your meal in serenity with views down the river during breakfast or be surrounded by breathtaking gardens during a gourmet dinner. As a guest of the hotel, seating is reserved for you; however booking is essential if you plan to drop in during your travels. Ian McAndrew, owner and Michelin star chef of Blackaddie, guarantees travelling foodies a memorable fine dining experience with cuisine that has been cooked to perfection.
8. The Anchor Inn, Bar & Restaurant, Kippford, Dalbeattie
This well-liked waterfront inn overlooks the yachting estuary and peaceful hills of Kippford and is perfect to nip in for ale, malt or a hearty meal, pub-style. Take a break from the road and enjoy the Inn’s homely and welcoming nautical theme, open coal fire and local photographs. The pub is pet friendly and if you find yourself too weary from travelling or a little tipsy from enjoying their Scottish hospitality, you can always stay overnight and be on your way the next morning.
9. The Mariner Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Kippford, Dalbeattie
The dining and bar area at The Mariner reflects a nautical theme with various items of maritime interest, including model ships such as the Cutty Sark, a ship’s throttle, port and starboard lamps, a ship’s wheel and rigging. There’s even a vintage brass diver’s helmet! The theme compliments the location as The Mariner is set on the edge of the Urr Estuary on the stunning Colvend coastline. On the menu, you will find a good selection of dishes to suit a variety of tastes including, of course, North Sea Haddock and Whitby whitetail scampi. Children’s menus are also available and, in the summer months, there is an extensive beer garden and a decked area with seating overlooking the yacht moorings and the spectacular coastline. The bar serves a good selection of beers, wines and spirits.
10. Galloway Wild Foods
If you’re looking for an extraordinary experience with food and need a little exercise after sitting in the car for too long, why not try your hand at foraging. Galloway Wild Foods offers interesting scheduled events in which you can explore the edible landscape and wild resources Galloway has to offer. Take a trip on the wild side with Galloway Wild Foods and learn something new in the process.
So get onto your motorcycle, into your car or motorhome and make your foodie road trip dream a reality with Scotland’s South West Coastal 300 route.
