Throughout our three decades of planning Scotland and Ireland golf tours, one of the most common misconceptions we’ve encountered is that the food in both countries is assumed to be, shall we say, uninspired. This assumption is an understandable one with deep roots. There was a time when award-winning cuisine in these parts was as foreign as a birdie on the Road Hole.
But no more.
What was once only found in the heart of London is now available in every corner of the British Isles. Those in search of fine dining will find it everywhere from Edinburgh, Dublin, and Belfast to sleepy corners of the Kingdom of Fife, to the outer reaches of the Isle of Skye.
The Michelin Guide recently released its list of starred restaurants for 2021. On it were several familiar names where the H&B Forces often enjoy a little of the Good Life.
Number One
Located inside The Balmoral hotel, Number One is both an address and an apt description. From the lofty perch at 1 Princes Street, Chef Mark Donald has crafted a menu that draws on both Scottish and international roots. The setting is equally inspired, with red lacquered walls and comfortable banquettes inviting the diner to savor every bite and linger just a little longer.
The Oak Room
Speaking of impressive settings, one would be hard pressed to find one to top The Oak Room at Adare Manor. Less than two years after it debuted, Chef Michael Tweedie’s restaurant was granted a Michelin Star, and for very good reason. The history and setting of Adare Manor is infused into every dish, thanks to a variety of local ingredients, some of which are sourced from the estate itself. Adare Manor is simply one superlative after another, yet nothing punctuates the experience more than the tasting menu in The Oak Room.
Andrew Fairlie
The only Michelin Two Star restaurant in Scotland also happens to be located at one of its great destinations for golf. Simply put, Andrew Fairlie at famed Gleneagles is a sublime fine dining experience fitting of its grand location. The smoked lobster is as legendary as the restaurant’s late namesake, whose legacy Chef Steve McLaughlin has carried forward with excellence.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
Ireland is home to just a pair of Michelin Two Star restaurants, and the first to earn that distinction is still one of them. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is a frequent recommendation by the H&B Concierge thanks, in part, to its location within Dublin’s acclaimed Merrion Hotel. Of course, it’s the blend of French and contemporary Irish cuisine which truly earns our seal of approval as well as that of our discerning travelers.
Captain Richard Grant and Friends from Eagle Brook Country Club at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
OX
There was a time when the last place anyone would expect to find exceptional dining was Belfast, but those days are long in the rearview. Perhaps nowhere illustrates this better than the aptly named OX on Oxford Street. Although it might sound like it’s built for carnivores, patrons will find a varied menu of local seafood, seasonal vegetables, and yes, the occasional chateaubriand. There’s also an impressive array of Irish microbrews available for those in need of a post-round pint.
The Peat Inn
Another surprising place you’ll find Michelin Star dining on your Scotland golf vacation is The Peat Inn. Located in the Fife countryside approximately 15 minutes southwest of St. Andrews, the Peat Inn delivers a refined experience in a relaxed atmosphere. The perfect cap to any day that begins with a round at The Old Course.
The Cellar
The tiny town of Anstruther is perhaps best known for an eatery that is consistently awarded the “best fish & chips in Scotland.” Just a few steps away from the famous Fish Bar, and on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, is The Cellar. Before he won his Michelin Star here, Head Chef and Proprietor Billy Boyter earned his stripes at Number One in Edinburgh. To say his cuisine is inspired would be an understatement, and the passion is felt in every dish.
As you can see, any notion that the food during a Scotland and Ireland golf trip will be underwhelming is simply an outdated one. The Good Life which comes by way of fine dining is getting better every day, and just so happens to be our specialty.
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