Isle of Eriska

It's hard to beat the Isle of Eriska. First, it's a private island with stunning sea views and amazing sunsets - a real romantic getaway. Linked to the mainland by a causeway, it has a remote and secluded feel that belies its proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Secondly, there's the house - a Scottish baronial pile decorated in an opulent yet tasteful style with rich colours, heavy curtains and plenty of dark, polished wood. Not to mention the thoroughly modern addition of a luxurious spa. The restaurant continues the fine balance of old-school formality and current dining sensibilities with highly professional staff offering knowledgeable and friendly service. The kitchen's daily-changing dinner menu is modern, classically underpinned, and comes driven by some of the finest Scottish and locally sourced produce available. Take Argyll roe deer with quince purée, crottin ravioli and wild juniper jus, followed by Oban-landed turbot with its own lightly smoked consommé, soft herb gnocchi and braised leaves, and perhaps a baked black olive madeleine covered with orange chiboust with a passionfruit sorbet. A cheese trolley follows dessert and coffee and petits fours wrap things up in the Hall, while an impressive wine list pays due reverence to the memorable cuisine. And don't miss the badgers that come to feed at the terrace door in the evening.

Exit A85 at Connel, onto A828, follow for 4m, then follow hotel signs from N of Benderloch
Nearest station: Connel Ferry

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