Welcome back to another edition of Foodie Explorers, Issue 11 no less!
We hope you enjoyed our last issue, please let us know what you would like to read more about. This issue our spotlightisontheIsleofArran. Describedas‘Scotlandin miniature’, Arran is easy to get to yet feels like a lifetime away. Read all about our stay at Lamlash Bay Hotel and what relaxing activities are on offer on the island to chill out with.
So relax, grab a cuppa and get planning some getaways.
Best Emma (& Mark) (…and Cleo and Frankie, the cats)
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All details are correct at the time of going to press but subject to change. Foodie Explorers takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication.
RELAXATION
Lamlash Bay Hotel
A relaxing and peaceful break in Arran. Lamlash is so easy to reach from Glasgow but feels like a million miles away.
if you get a sea view room you will be able to look over to the Holy Isle.
Don’t despair if you don’t book a sea view, there are views from the bar, restaurant and there is an outside seating area as well.
Our room had everything we needed, local Arran Aromatics toiletries were provided, which we love, a big comfy bed and a couch allowed us to enjoy the view.
The Lamlash Bay Hotel is located right on the waterside so
Facilities within the room include a TV, en-suite shower room, a hairdryer,
tea and coffee making facilities, which included a Nespresso, Caramel Logs and a bottle of still and sparkling water. An iron and ironing board is also available on request.
The restaurant is downstairs and separate from the bar area. Nonguests can also still come in to have drinks in the bar or have a meal in the restaurant.
There are a wide range of dishes on start with, from hearty Cullen Skink soup to Heritage Tomato bruschetta via Haggis Butcher Bon Bon’s. For the mains, classics such as fish and chips
and burgers are available alongside pizza and the Lamlash Bay signature dish of pan fried sea bass, king prawn,, garlic crushed potatoes with a creamy leek and dill white wine sauce.
Our first full morning on the island was dull, and misty, however, the mist soon cleared, allowing us to view the Holy Isle giving whilst eating breakfast. We had cereal, yoghurt, fruit juice and fresh fruit to start followed by creamy porridge made with local rhubarb and ginger jam. You can also have your porridge
made with water or vegan milk. We also had a cooked breakfast of bacon, plump and juicy sausage and poached eggs.
Lamlash is 3 miles south of Brodick, and is under a 10-minute drive or bus journey from the ferry terminal, the main gateway to the island, connecting it to central Scotland.
Driving to Lamlash Bay Hotel takes around 7-8 minutes. Simply turn onto the A841 where it is a continuous road to Lamlash. There is free on-street parking available nearby and a car park with electric vehicle charging points next to Ship House on the seafront.
If you are a foot passenger on the ferry, then local buses leave from outside the ferry terminal at Brodick. The 323A goes to Whiting Bay and the 323 further on to Blackwaterfoot (South of island route). You can take either of these buses to the Glen Isle stop in Lamlash (just before the Lamlash Bay Hotel).
We loved our stay and would happily return for a relaxing break, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, so we enjoyed some drinks in the cosy bar as well, which stocks a selection of local whisky and gin and has a warm stove at the fireplace.
Lamlash Bay Hotel, Shore Road, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, KA27 8LU
Website: lamlashbayhotel.co.uk
In Lamlash itself there are shops such as Island Porcelain and Chameleon Clothes shop, plus bars at The Glenisle Hotel, Drift Inn and Pierhead Tavern. Made in Arran and The Old Pier Cafe (closed in winter) are nearby for sustenance.
Coast Discovery Centre is a family friendly centre where you can learn about the marine life surrounding Arran. Activities such as shore scrambles, scuba taster sessions and nature trips around Arran have taken place previously (closed in winter).
Lamlash Golf Club, The Arran Yacht Club, Arran Coastal Rowing Club and Arran Kayak Club are nearby and there is a bowling green and tennis courts.
For walkers there are walks such as to Dyemill and Clauchlands Point.
Lagg Distillery
Opening in 2019, Lagg Distillery is the newest distillery on the Isle of Arran and you will find it on the southern tip of the Isle of Arran. It's a modern and spectacular building which the architects created to echo the contours of Arran as you’d see it from Ailsa Craig.
The distillery is operated by Isle of Arran Distillers, who also operate Lochranza Distillery. The difference with this site is that Lagg Distillery produces a peated spirit.
There are distillery tours as well as a dining options, we can verify the soup is good! It is best to pre-book a table if you are dining as it is popular.
The distillery is less than 20 miles from Brodick (via the String Road or via Whiting Bay) and 25 miles from Lochranza.
Lagg Distillery Kilmory, Isle of Arran, KA27 8PG laggwhisky.com
6 things to do on Arran
1. 2. 3.
VISIT ARRAN CHEESE
Not only do you get to see the full range of their cheese on offer – you can also watch the cheesemaking as it happens. They also sell cheese from the Bellevue Creamery at Blackwaterfoot on the other side of Arran – make sure to try their Arran Brie, Camembert and blue cheese.
JAMES OF ARRAN CHOCOLATE SHOP
We remember this shop from our first visit to Arran, in fact, it may have been our first stop! At James of Arran you can not only buy handmade chocolates but also, if you are lucky, get to see them being made. We missed out on this, however, you can still peek into the Willy Wonka world through a window in the shop.
James of Arran, Shore Road, Brodick, KA27 8AP
ENJOY A GIN AND TONIC ON THE BEACH
Just outside of Brodick is Arran Botanical Drinks, a large shack with an idyllic beer garden beside a sandy beach thus making it possibly Scotland’s only beach bar!? They began life as Arran Gin but then branched out and started making cassis (blackcurrant liqueur).
The first thing you notice about Lagg Distillery is that it looks so modern, clean and tidy compared to most other distilleries. It only opened in 2019 and is owned by Isle of Arran Distillers, who run the well-established Lochranza distillery in the north of the island. The key difference is that at Lochranza they produce non-peated whisky but here at Lagg, they are making peated whisky only.
Lagg Distillery, Kilmory, Arran, KA27 8PG
CORRIE SHEEP
The ‘sheep’ in Corrie are a little different, as you will see when you visit. These are to see the sheep cleats – these are used for attaching boats to but these particular ones have been given an unusual paint job!
It isn’t a visit to Arran without a visit to the Glenrosa ducks. Here you will find a friendly and boisterous bunch of ducks and an honesty box with duck food costing aa mere 50p per bag, and what do you get for 50p these days?!
GLENROSA DUCKS
Grenfell by Steve McQueen
Over the next three years, Steve McQueen’s film installation Grenfell will be shown in public art galleries in six major cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It will open at Tramway in Glasgow this spring, after which it will travel to Chapter in Cardiff, The MAC in Belfast, The Box in Plymouth, Tate Liverpool, and MAC in Birmingham.
In December 2017, artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen (b.1969, London) made an artwork in response to the fire that took place earlier that year on 14 June at Grenfell Tower. 72 people died in the tragedy. Filming the tower before it was covered with hoarding, McQueen sought to create a record so that it would not be forgotten.
Following the fire, a Government Inquiry was launched that was conducted in two phases.The findings of the first andsecond phase of the Inquiry have been reported, the recommendations of which are yet to be implemented, meaning a similar tragedy could happen again.There is an ongoing criminal investigation.
Steve McQueen said “I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds. I was determined that it never be forgotten.”
Grenfell was first presented in 2023 at Serpentine in London’s Kensington Gardens, following a period of private viewings, prioritising bereaved families and survivors. The work was then placed in the care of Tate and London Museum.
This national tour is being coordinated by Tate in collaboration with the partner venues and is made possible thanks to support using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and from Art Fund.
Each presentation will be free to visit and will be accompanied by a public engagement programme of talks, workshops and community events supported by the Grenfell Foundation.
Listings information
Tramway, Glasgow, in partnership with The Common Guild 8 – 23 March 2025
Chapter, Cardiff 10 May – 15 June 2025
The MAC, Belfast 17 July – 21 September 2025
The Box, Plymouth In 2026. Dates to be announced
Tate Liverpool In 2026-27. Dates to be announced
MAC, Birmingham In 2027. Dates to be announced
Admission free. Visitors are advised to check with the relevant venue for booking information and any access and support needs they may have.
Content note
Visitors are advised that the film contains close-up aerial imagery of the tower six months after the fire. This includes views inside the building and contractors at work. Some visitors may find the imagery upsetting. Each venue will help any visitors who need an opportunity to pause, rest and reflect after viewing the work.
JORVIK Viking Festival Preview
A brand-new Viking longship, a sword that never misses its target, and recreations of the world’s largest fossilised poo
Five days of Norse fun, living history, hands-on combat, and lectures, washed down with the finest mead, culminates in a parade of over 200 Vikings through the historic streets of York, and two dramatic evening son-et-lumière shows.
A free living history encampment forms the heart of the Festival, taking over Parliament Street with an array of tents featuring craftsmen and traders, with the opportunity to handle replica armour and weapons.
Major highlights of the Festival include the March to Coppergate (Saturday 22 February), which sees a column of over 200 Vikings mustering in Dean’s Park, next to York Minster, before making their way through the city to Coppergate – free to watch from many vantage points along the route. The parading Vikings then join the Viking Games at the Eye of York, next to Clifford’s Tower –when tempers are likely to fray, leading to an epic battle between rival factions!
On Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February, the Eye of York also hosts the Evening Spectacular, a dramatic retelling of a Norse legend featuring a sword that can never miss its target – the ultimate warrior’s weapon. Actors and re-enactors perform a stunning piece of open-air theatre with a thrilling soundtrack, culminating in a fiery finale not to be missed.
One of the smaller – but perennially popular – events takes place at DIG, the sister attraction to the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre.
One of JORVIK’s most infamous exhibits is the Lloyds Bank Coprolite –the world’s largest fossilised Viking poo.
During Poo Week, children can recreate their very own poo, learning about how the composition of human excrement tells us so much about the person who passed it! Undigested seeds, bits of bone and worms feature in the recreations!
JORVIK Viking Festival week is also the last chance for visitors to experience A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre. A ride through Viking-age York is the centrepiece of the attraction, but at the moment, the city is covered in a thick blanket of snow, creating a Norse winter wonderland!
For more information on all the events that form part of this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival, and to book tickets, visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
Stills installed at new Eden Mill
Distillery
Scottish distiller Eden Mill has installed the wash and spirit stills at its new distillery just outside St Andrews.
Located just seven minutes from St Andrews, the distillery will open its doors to tourists in summer 2025, offering immersive tours, a shop and a 3rd floor cocktail bar where guests will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy views across the Eden Estuary.
Cameron House Pop Up Dining Series
Chef Rohan will once again be taking guests on a culinary journey from Indonesia to Malaysia with a pop-up series that will kick off from Friday 14th February until Saturday 26thApril.
Be guided through the sights, scents and sounds of Eastern Asia with an expertly crafted fivecourse set menu inspired by Rohan’s heritage.
With dinner sittings at 6.30pm, the five-course dining experience is priced at £75 per person (or £110 with wine pairings), with bookings available at cameronhouse.co.uk
Adventures on Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) offers the perfect family day out.
Some of Scotland’s most celebrated chefs will lead a “straight fire” line-up at what has been dubbed the "world’s best BBQ."
The fire-cooking extravaganza,Meatopia, will Make its Scottish debut at SWG3 in Glasgow from 6th to 8th June including chefs such as Robin Aitken of Margo,; Dean Parker, cofounder and head chef of Celentano’s; El Perro Negros’ Nick Watkins; Edinburgh’s Hamish McNeil, the innovative head chef of Eleanore; Edinbane Lodge’s CalumMontgomery; and Roberta Hall-McCarron and Dominic Greechan, the duo behind The Little Chartroom and Ardfern,
To book tickets, visit Meatopia.co.uk.
Running daily from 15th to 23rd February, this much-loved heritage railway promises a magical journey through Yorkshire’s stunning countryside, with steam and diesel trains operating along the five-mile route between Keighley and Oxenhope.
But the experience is about far more than just the train ride. Families can explore six charming stations, each with its own unique character, as well as visit two railway museums at Ingrow, the iconic Oakworth Station—made famous by The Railway Children—and the railway’s engineering hub at Haworth.
At Keighley Station, visitors can step inside the recently launched Water Tower Visitor Centre, offering an interactive glimpse into railway history, while the Old Parcels Office café-bar serves up a fresh new menu for a mid-journey bite to eat.
For local families in the BD20, BD21, and BD22 postcodes, the railway’s Residents’ Travel Card provides 50% off standard fares and discounts on on-train refreshments and special events.
Day Rover tickets are available for adults (16+), children (5–15), and families, with discounts for early booking.
For more details and to book in advance, visit kwvr.co.uk
News
Book Release - Breaking Bread
Written by third generation baker David Wright, Breaking Bread, How baking shaped our world is a thought provoking book.
Through the book David looks at not only his own relationship with bread and the bread making industry, he also tells the stories of those who make bread and sell bread, as well as providing information from dieticians and doctors to give us a warts and all delve into the bread making industry.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival returns with almost 500 events across 89 venues in 6 days kicking off this year from 30th April.
With 28 villages and towns in Moray Speyside, many of the 51 distilleries will throw open their doors including a number that are usually closed to the public.
Banhoek Chilli Oil was created by brothers-inlaw Ken Kinsey-Quick and Adi Meintjes, who were tired of the inconsistent chilli oils served in pizza restaurants. What started in a small kitchen quickly moved into a garage, and in 2020, formally making its permanent home in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art factory in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Hand-made in the Banhoek Valley near Stellenbosch, South Africa – and the winner of coveted Great Taste and Great British Food Awards – Banhoek Chilli Oil is premium canola oil infused with bird’s eye chillies.
Drizzle on burrata, roasted corn, steaks, grilled prawns and more.
Banhoekchilli.com
The event will kick off with an industry dinner on Wed 30th April, co-hosted by Speyside Distillers Ltd followed by the annual ceilidh on 2nd May for visitors to the Festival. Both events will take place for the first time at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel, in Aviemore. Usually pre-sold, a rare opportunity to secure a spot at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School will launch this year, along with the ticket sales.
spiritofspeyside.citizenticket.com
London Nootropics the award-winning adaptogenic coffee brand have a collaboration with the creators of the Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungi, to launch 'Mush Love'.
Thisspecial, limited edition blend delivers a smooth, balanced energy boost without the jitters or crashes.
Mush Love combines the best of functional mushrooms with high-quality speciality coffee to help you feel more vibrant, focused, and resilient.
londonnootropics.com
Luxury urban living
Located in what is perhaps London’s most distinguished neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, 15 Basil Street has a perfect central location being close to the centre of London and mere steps away from the world famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols Department Stores and a short walk from the sophisticated, designer boutiques of Sloane Street.
Fine restaurants are abundant, whilst delightful pubs can be found hidden away in the back lanes.
Here you will find 6 floors of artfully designed
serviced apartments combining privacy and luxury with comfort and convenience.
Owned by the same family that owns London's most prestigious five star hotels - Royal Lancaster London, The Landmark and K West, 15BasilStreet, offers a slightly different offering, in terms of self catered accommodation, but still maintaining a high quality design, service and luxury amenities.
15basilstreet.com
Romantic gifting
The Outer Hebridean distillery behind the award-winning Isle of Harris Gin is launching a limitededition 'I Love Harris Gin' bottle just in time for Valentine's Day.
The Valentine's Special Edition features a new label with the words 'I Love Harris Gin' and beautiful flecks of copper hearts in 24 unique patterns – alongside a bespoke gift card for customers to pen their own romantic message to loved ones, which will be handwritten with care by the distillery team.
harrisdistillery.com
For when you really want gin instead of tea!
yvonneellen.com
A dashing gentleman mug for the dashing gentleman in your life.
chaseandwonder.com 4.
Will you Brie mine? A heart shaped Brie made with milk from Sharpham's own Jersey herd, Sharpham Brie is a mould ripened cheese.
sharphamcheese.co.uk.
thecuriousdepartment.com 5.
Dragonfly Swarm, taken from the Heirloom collection, continues the exploration between opulent objects of desire and the rich tapestry of emotion connected to them.
Whether you're storing your precious jewels, potions, tonics or elixirs (or make-up, toiletries and everyday essentials), carry them in style with this Everyday Pouch.
The pouches are handmade in England, using their signature sumptuous velvet fabric with gold zip detailing, including waterproof lining and an internal pocket. Comes shipped in a gorgeous gift box.
candoverbrook.co.uk 6.
Nestled in Hampshire’s chalk-rich terroir, Candover Brook Vineyard produces wines that embody elegance, balance, and minerality. With its pale blush hue and fine, vivacious bubbles, the Rosé NV is a sparkling expression of romance and connection, perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day.
Stylish gift boxes give an additional personal touch, and there is also an option to add a handwritten note.
Hotel news
Relive the joy of a sleepoverreimagined with luxury and indulgence set against the iconic backdrop of Hyde Park.
This package combines comfort, style, and pampering for an unforgettable getaway. This new package, in partnership with premium pyjama brand, Their Nibs, is designed for friends, families, and groups seeking the ultimate night of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.
Guests are invited to book a stylish sleepover in a room category of their choice, with the following perks to add a touch of glitz and glam to their night in!
Their Nibs luxury pyjama sets for all guests
Delicious treats: A sweetie jar brimming with delicious sweet treats and a £25 dining voucher per person to enjoy in-room or at the hotel’s restaurant
Signature cocktail: A freshly crafted cocktail of your choice delivered to your room
Relaxation essentials: A Temple Spa kit to create a spa-like ambiance in your suite
Extended stay perks: Early check-in from 12pm and late check-out until 3pm for a truly relaxed experience.
Nestled amidst breathtaking Welsh landscapes, Plas Weunydd offers beautifully designed, dog friendly shepherds huts, glamping tents and a boutique hotel, which will re-open in April, following a light refurbishment.
Whilst here, guests can enjoy immersive experiences designed to help guests reconnect with nature and unwind in tranquility.
Picture serene hikes, exhilarating biking trails, wild swimming, remote mountain side saunas, alfresco dining under the stars, and a plethora of organised outdoor activities, as well as spaces that inspire calm and reflection.
Stunning boutique hotel in Norfolk,TheHarper, announce its partnership withTHEOUT, asthey launchtheir brand-new campaign ‘Get Out and About withTHEOUT atTheHarper’, making getting out ofthecity for that much needed R&R allthe more straightforward.
Thecollaboration betweentheiconic Norfolk hotel and luxury car rental service,THEOUT, takesthe hassle out of travelling to your dream destination.
Forget queues, check in counters or trips beforethetrip,THEOUT delivers first-class cars right to your door for a seamless travelling experience from start to finish. What’s better, throughthepartnership, guests ofTheHarpercan claim 10% offtheir bookings withTHEOUT, to make surethey’re travelling in style this Autumn.
THEOUT have a large fleet of top oftherange Defenders, Range Rovers and Discoveries and with all extras included intheprice, be that insurance, mileage, additional drivers, car seats or bike racks, you can take your loved ones on that dream staycation withoutthehassle or headache.
theharper.co.uk theout.com
At the foot of the dramatic Atlas Mountains stands the elegant palace of Selman Marrakech, rising out of the desert. Renowned Parisian architect Jacques Garcia’s designs will overwhelm you with a sensual welcome, from the 55 stunning rooms, suites and villas to the colonnaded portico entrance and the magnificent 80m pool in the manicured gardens. The hotel has just launched a collaboration with a 2 Michelin star chef from Paris to overhaul the restaurants (and launch a new dining destination).
2.
royallancaster.com
selman-marrakech.com
plasweunydd.co.uk
Ombre crepes
Ingredients:
3 eggs
80g unsalted butter, plus extra for frying
800ml buttermilk
Few drops vanilla extract
300g plain flour
90g ground almonds
30g caster sugar
3tsp baking powder
350ml milk
220g Bonne Maman Black Cherry Conserve
Method
• Melt the butter over a medium heat. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the melted butter, buttermilk and vanilla. Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. Finally whisk in the milk.
• In a separate bowl, mix all the Black Cherry Conserve with one or two tablespoons of the batter, then sieve the mixture.
• Separate the remaining batter into 4 bowls. In the first, add 1-2 teaspoons of the sieved Black Cherry Conserve batter mix. Repeat this with bowls 2 and 3, adding more conserve batter each time, so you obtain 3 different shades. Leave the batter in the 4th bowl plain.
• Heat a knob of butter in a crêpe pan. When the pan is hot, pour in a ladle of batter, then leave to cook for one minute. As soon as bubbles form on the surface, flip the crêpes and continue cooking for a few minutes until they are nicely browned.
• Plate the crêpes, building up a pile, alternating the shades of pink, from the darkest to the lightest.
• Serve with the remaining Black Cherry Conserve and fresh fruit.
SAVOURY PANCAKE RECIPE FROM MALDON SALT
Savoury eggs Benedict pancakes with crispy bacon
SERVES: 2 PEOPLE, MAKES 8 PANCAKES | PREP TIME:25 MINS | COOK TIME:40 MINS
Ingredients:
For the chive pancakes:
200g self raising flour
1 tsp salt
250ml milk
1 egg, beaten
50g grated Parmesan 15g chives, finely chopped Butter for frying
Method
Start by making the pancake batter. In a large bowl mix together the self-raising flour and salt. Then in a small jug mix the milk and beaten egg. Create a well in the middle of the flour, then slowly add the milk mixture ensure to whisk it in thoroughly after each addition this is the best way to ensure you don’t get any lumps.
Once all the milk and egg are added and you have a smooth batter, add the grated parmesan and finely chopped chives and whisk again. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 180c.
Get a small glass bowl that fits comfortably over a pan so that the base of the bowl won’t touch the water. Add some water to the pan so it comes up approximately 1 inch up the side.
Then in the glass bowl add the egg yolks, the vinegar and 1 cube of butter. Place the bowl on top of the pan of water and heat it so the water is gently simmering.
Constantly whisk the egg yolks until they thicken slightly. Then add the remaining butter a cube at a time, whisking all the time.
Don’t add the butter too quickly, ensure each is incorporated before adding the next. Once all the butter is added you should have a thick and creamy sauce.
For the hollandaise:
2 egg yolks
150g unsalted butter, diced and room temperature
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
Maldon Sea Salt
Cracked black pepper
8x rashers of streaky bacon
2x whole eggs
Finely chopped chives, to serve
Squeeze in the lemon juice and then season with Maldon Sea Salt and cracked black pepper, taste it and adjust it if necessary.
Turn the heat off the pan but allow the bowl to sit on the pan still while you prepare the rest of the dish. The residual heat from the pan will ensure your sauce doesn’t split but give it a whisk every now and then.
Place the streaky bacon on a tray and then into the preheated oven to cook for roughly 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
While the bacon is cooking, place a medium nonstick frying pan on a medium low heat. Melt a little butter in the pan, then fry the pancakes, spooning on some batter so they are roughly 12cm in diameter. Fry each pancake for 2 minutes on each side then flip and cook the other side. They should be lightly golden and fluffy inside. Set them aside on a plate while you cook the remaining pancakes. While you are frying the pancakes, place a pan of water on to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and then poach two eggs. When you are ready to serve, place 3 or 4 pancakes onto each plate in a stack. Then top with some rashers of streaky bacon, followed by the perfectly poached egg. Then finally spoon over the hollandaise sauce and garnish with some finely chopped chives. Serve immediately.
Fingal Hotel Valentine’s Day cocktail Violet’s Kiss
Ingredients:
35ml Belvedere Blackberry &
15ml Creme de Cassis
10ml Chambord
Method
Pour all ingredients into shaker and dry shake.
Add ice into shaker and shake.
Fine strain into Nick & Nora glass (a coupe glass, like a Martini glass but not as wide).
Fingal Hotel serve with homemadevioletand cassis macaroon.
