Scottish food and drink is amongst the best in the world and Blairgowrie – renowned as the ‘Berry Toon’ – and the surrounding area with its rich soil and fertile agricultural land is at the heart of that.
East Perthshire tantalises the palate with its rich Scottish cuisine – boasting some fantastic local produce with everything from soft fruit to artisanal cheeses, and venison, beef, lamb and game to gins and whiskies.
You could easily spend a week here enjoying a fusion of traditional flavours and modern culinary artistry, making this part of Scotland a must-visit destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
With so many pubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from, here’s a guide to our favourite places to eat in east Perthshire’s cateran country:
Dining at The Angus Hotel in the heart of Blairgowrie is an informal affair with a choice of the cosy surroundings of The Bay Tree Bar and Restaurant and The Lounge or The Jute Mills Restaurant which also has an outside seating area for the summer months. The chefs at the Angus use the finest local produce to create a modern menu that remains true to the hotel’s Highland Heritage. Whether you are looking for an informal light meal, lunch or an evening meal you can be assured of a great choice of the best quality food and fine wines.
Set on the border of Angus and Perthshire just off the A94 between Coupar Angus and Meigle, the Tavern in the village of Ardler has been trading for over 100 years, catering to the needs of locals and travellers alike with a wide-ranging menu of traditional favourites – including vegetarian and vegan options and the Tav’s renowned steak pie!
The Cateran Café in the heart of Blairgowrie offers delightful, nutritious food – everything from hand crafted sandwiches, daily specials, various platters and a delectable supply of cakes and pastries goes hand in hand with artisan coffees. George and June like to use local suppliers where possible and their menus are inspired by food they have enjoyed on their travels. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available and there’s a kids’ menu for wee ones.
Recommended by The Restaurant Guru, the Glenisla Hotel in the Kirkton of Glenisla has also been providing sustenance to travellers for hundreds of years. This traditional coaching inn offers wonderful food using local produce, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available, a children’s menu and daily specials. They also offer a takeaway menu on Fridays and Saturdays. Last food orders are at 7.45pm, and booking a table is advised, particularly at weekends.
Built in 1840, Kinloch House is a fine example of a traditional Scottish country house and is also one of Scotland’s culinary gems. Award-winning chef Steve McCallum and his team pay great attention to detail in the kitchen and perfection in the dining room and are passionate about the importance of freshness and quality in everything they create. Local Scottish game, beef, fish, shellfish as well as produce from the hotel’s own garden all feature on their daily menus, offering a fine dining experience that is second to none.
This award-winning restaurant located in a stunning refurbished church is known for its fresh seafood, often caught earlier that day. As well as the fish, meat and game on the menu, there are also vegetarian options and they can turn out a pretty good pizza too. With daily changing specials, delicious homemade bread, yummy puddings, homemade fudge with your coffee, there really is something for everyone.
Strathmore Golf Centre on the outskirts of Alyth doesn’t just offer fantastic golfing experiences, it also has a cosy and welcoming restaurant in the Clubhouse with spectacular views of the Vale of Strathmore. The wide-ranging menu caters to all tastes with a breakfast menu, hot rolls, sandwiches, pies and toasties as well as burgers and main courses, a children’s menu and festive menus. Open to all, the Clubhouse boasts a relaxed atmosphere that is enjoyed by both golfers and those who just fancy something to eat.
So whether you are looking for a pub meal or a fine dining experience, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets in east Perthshire’s cateran country.
But don’t just take our word for it, come and try for yourself!
Find out more at www.visitcaterancountry.com/eat-and-drink