An Lochan

By the people behind the acclaimed Royal Hotel in Tighnabruaich, Argyll, An Lochan opened in 2004, & in 2005 won the title of New Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Chef Awards. And given its reputation for excellent seafood & game, this accolade was certainly not misjudged. It’s not a bank-breaker however, & even the tasting menu weighs in at just under £30 (hot & cold smoked salmon with horseradish dressing to start; then peat-smoked haddock chowder with mussels; sorbet; a main course of assorted fish with hollandaise & dark chocolate & orange mousse, say, to finish). The coastal-themed artwork lends character to the smart, modern interior, but while the seafood here is definitely a speciality, there are plenty of fantastic meat dishes available to keep carnivores happy – duck breast, pork belly, beef & venison appear regularly on the menu. Certainly worth the schlep from central Glasgow.