Undiscovered Scotland

 

Glenapp Castle serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and non-residents are very welcome, though a prior reservation is required. Lunch in the dining room or in guests' own rooms. Afternoon tea is available in the drawing room or in the library and can be highly recommended. There is also a 24 hour room service menu, and drinks and snacks can be served in the public rooms throughout the day and evening. But the main culinary event is dinner, which is a very special event indeed. You can read our hotel review for Glenapp Castle here.

There are two dining rooms. To the west of the drawing room is the Colquhoun Dining Room, used primarily in the evenings for dinner and dressed overall in an attractive burgundy enlivened by white details. The McMillan Dining Room, to the east of the drawing room, has lighter and brighter decor and a much more daytime feel: and is where you are most likely to be served breakfast.

Dinner comes in the form of a daily changing 6 course gourmet menu prepared by Head Chef Adam Stokes and his team. The key characteristics of the dishes served at Glenapp are superb presentation combined with excellent cooking and the bringing together of highly unusual flavour combinations which work beautifully in ways you would never expect: plus an emphasis on local sourcing, often from the castle's own gardens.

As the menu changes daily, an account of one dinner can only present a snapshot, but when we stayed, the menu commenced with three superb fixed courses: "consommé of minestrone with Skye langoustine, basil and baby artichoke"; "smoked ham hock and foie gras terrine with Piccalilli flavours"; and "salad of Ballantrae crab with Granny Smith apple, tomato and a ginger beer jelly."

Diners were then offered a choice between "breast of Harburn Estate mallard with baby leeks, duck scratchings and golden raisins" and "fillet of Cairnhill Farm beef with a truffle and foie gras cromesquis, Jacob's Ladder and a tarte tatin of banana shallot". The latter was one of the best beef dishes we have ever eaten.

Thereafter there was a choice of a dozen fine Scottish cheeses; followed by dark chocolate fondant tart or rice pudding souffle; with coffee and petit fours to conclude. All in all, a truly outstanding dining experience.

Breakfast is served in the dining rooms: and can follow early morning tea delivered to your room. A room service breakfast is also available. The first course of freshly squeezed fruit juices plus cereals or superbly presented fruits is accompanied by toast and a choice of eleven teas and two coffees. The accompanying jams, honey and marmalade are all the castle's own. The main course options include kippers, smoked salmon or smoked haddock, or a choice of eggs, ham and cheese. Also on offer is "The Glenapp Castle Grill", an excellent fried breakfast. You can read our hotel review for Glenapp Castle here.