After spending the night amongst the bustling population of Edinburgh, it was then time to head off to Glasgow to pick up our car for the next few days; the Infiniti Q50. Next stop, the lochs. The car itself was a pleasure to drive and worthy of a review itself, so keep your eyes peeled for a car-related post coming soon to the blog!
Our bed for the night was to be at The Killiecrankie Hotel, a small, friendly hotel situated at the gateway to the Highlands, just north of Pitlochry. Our host for the night was hotel owner Henrietta, her dog Beanie, and a handful of very helpful staff.
After checking into our cosy room, we ventured out from our new home to explore the nearby gorge. Swathes of lush green forest concealed a wide river that had carved a path through the landscape, bringing with it a pebble beach. Hunter boots on, we waded in for an aquatic exploration.
After a few hours exploring the gorge, we headed back to the hotel for a rest and some well-earned dinner. The meal was served in a very cosy room at the front of the hotel and we very much felt at home as we sipped our drinks.
First up, starters. I opted for the Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Spring Onion and Stilton Cream Sauce, whilst The Lady chose the Langoustine and Petis Pois Risotto. Both were the perfect size to whet our appetites and were bursting with flavour.
For mains, I chose the Roasted Supreme of Gressingham Duck with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Honey-Roasted Fig, Carrot Puree and Grand Marnier Cream Sauce. It was an incredible dish and so rich and smooth on the tastebuds. For the Lady; Roasted Best-End of Perthshire Lamb stuffed with Red Onion Marmalade Mousse Wrapped in Parma Ham, served with Pomme Anna, Grilled Stornaway Black Pudding, Fine Beans, Creamed Cauliflower and a Madeira Jus. Plenty of components, plenty of flavour. Both dishes were an absolute dream!
Finishing off the three courses (although I may have indulged in cheese and whiskey too…) was this Warm White Chocolate Chip and Pistachio Brownie with Raspberry Sorbet, and Coffee and Tia Maria Ice Cream. Unlike the mains, both dishes were very different and, whilst The Lady managed to conquer the decadent brownie, I felt a little more comfortable after having a few scoops of the soft ice cream.
With a nip of local whiskey in hand, it was time to retire for the night. Needless to say, the bed was very comfortable and it was an extremely peaceful sleep.
If you’re looking for somewhere incredibly comfortable to stay, then I highly recommend The Killiecrankie Hotel. A home away from home, it is a place we are definitely going to be returning to, and with some guests checking in to the hotel for the 15th year in a row, there is no better endorsement than this. You can book a room via the website, but even if you are just passing by, pop in and say hello the Henrietta and the team. Just leave enough room for lunch or dinner!
Note: our stay at the hotel was complimentary for the purpose of this review