It would also all too easy for a resort hotel like the Auchrannie Resort on the wonderfully scenic Isle of Arran to stick with lowest common denominator eateries. Thankfully this four star hotel is more ambitious than that and boasts a trio of restaurants, where Auchrannie’s ambitious spirit shines through, especially in their signature eatery Eighteen69.
Arran Hills Sunset
Eighteen69 reclines in the the grand stone dame that kicked the resort off. The restaurant feels reassuringly old world too, but the conservatory setting makes sure it is not dark or oppressive. Far from it in fact and from our window seat we gazed out at the sun setting across the famed Arran Hills.
An Island Restaurant with Real Substance
Eighteen69, though, is not just about style and there is real substance to the menu. Local ingredients shine in regular starters like chunky Tarbert landed scallops, imaginatively paired with what was effectively a lightly spiced onion bhaji and Ayrshire streaky bacon. Then there were specials like mackerel landed just the other side of the island in Blackwaterfoot and, of course, Arran cheese.
Spectacular Scottish Beef
The standout for us was the 21 day aged prime Scottish beef fillet, cooked perfectly rare. Topped with a fresh mushroom ravioli parcel, sitting atop a potato galette and finished off with a celeriac puree it was nothing short of spectacular.
World Class Arran Blue
With the local cheese they do not just peddle out the ubiquitous, but not entirely Arran made, flavoured cheddars that are on sale all over the island. They also offer the world class Arran Blue and tastebud tingling Arran camembert from the Shiskine Valley, as well as the fine Dunlop cheddar that is produced in the south of the island.
Legendary Eighteen69 Millionaire Shortbread
On the dessert front Arran Gold liqueur (conjured up at the island’s distillery) stars as an ice cream foil to the legendary Eighteen69 millionaire shortbread alongside a raspberry granache.
For a real treat there is a tasting menu that runs to six courses and coffee. It lifts dishes from the main menu, which are served in taster sized portions. There are wines to match each course too for those looking for an evening of culinary abandon. The wine list itself is reasonably priced considering the extra transport costs with some very affordable and decent house wines by the glass complementing the more extravagant options.
Charming and Friendly
Service on our visit was charming and friendly. Wait times between courses were spot on and the lounge area where you peruse the menus before order was pleasant enough not to just feel like the holding stations many restaurants have. Eighteen69 may not be quite manage Michelin starred fine dining, but it may well be the finest dining on Arran, an island where the food and drink are a crucial part of this stellar island’s irresistible appeal.
Eighteen69, Auchrannie Resort, Auchrannie Road, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BZ. Tel. +44(0)1770-302234. www.auchrannie.co.uk
InsiderScotland Rating [effortless-gm address=”Auchrannie Resort, Auchrannie Road, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BZ”]
For a Romantic Meal 8/10. For a Business Meal 7/10. For Families 7/10. For Real Gastronomes 7/10. InsiderScotland Rating 7/10.
