THE GLENTURRET LALIQUE

WORDS & INTERVIEW

BETH BENNETT

Imagery Courtesy Of Lotus

Hiding in the foggy footlands of Scotland’s highlands, against the banks of the winding River Turret, lies Scotland’s oldest working distillery. Now, between the bottles, The Glenturret hosts the remarkable Lalique Restaurant under the guidance of Scottish chef Mark Donald. Seven months after opening, The Glenturret Lalique was awarded a Michelin star, so it only felt right for us to go and check it out.

Established in 1763, The Glenturret Distillery has been an essential component of the Perthshire village of Crieff for centuries and its traditions and vision have hardly changed since. The Distillery sits against the banks of the River Turret and its roots are firmly gripped into the soil of the Scottish Highlands. You can feel it, really, the history of the building as you walk around. The ancient grounds of the Distillery surround the more modern but still humbly traditional dining room of the newer Lalique Restaurant. Though exquisite and boasting luxury, there’s that embracement of the surrounding culture, the honouring of the grounds it’s built upon.

The menu showcases the very best ingredients from throughout Scotland and occasionally the wider world. There’s evident close ties with the local larder, the artisanal growers, producers, breeders, and fishers that convene in the food at Lalique with quality flavours, ingredients, and a distinctiveness above all. Headed up by Chef Mark Donald, the food is playful but with balance, precision, and an innate sense of place in their execution.

Mark Donald’s cuisine threads together the story of a young boy from Glasgow who set out on a creative journey, took an unexpected detour spanning four continents before finding his way home. His menu embraces this never-ending curiosity, love of exceptional produce, personality and distinct humour, all unified and supported by award-winning technical expertise. It’s easy to see why this was granted a Michelin star. You’re a part of something here, history and sanctuary all in one.

The Hosh, Crieff

PH7 4HA

@theglenturretlalique theglenturretrestaurant.com