Where to eat?
There are lots of little cafes and restaurants nearby in Thornhill, Callander, Kippen, and then of course you can go to Stirling City or further afield. Alternatively if you fancy dining at home in the Bothy then why not try our 'Heat & Eat' or 'Chef & Shepherd Suppers'
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The Lion and the Unicorn
The local pub The Lion and Unicorn is 1.6m from Muir Estate and is an excellent place to gather for lunch or dinner. Their menu is very varied and there are the usual pub favourites to be had. Their Christmas Menu is great! Again, due to it being the festive period I would book. https://www.lion-unicorn.co.uk/
The Cross Keys
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Just 6 miles from Muir Estate is this cosy 5 star hotel and restaurant that has been mentioned in travel guides to have seriously thought over irresistible gastro pub food. As a group of 4 we have only eaten here a few times but oh my goodness it is delicious. It's mainly traditional British dishes but down to their absolute best and with interesting twists. Call them to make a reservation on 01786 870 293 and have a look at their menu's, you won't be disappointed. https://kippencrosskeys.com/food-ales/
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The Roman Camp Hotel
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Right in the middle of Callander, just over 4 miles from Muir Estate is this17th century former hunting lodge on the river with its peacocks, turrets and blazing fires offers a cross between Downton Abbey and Cluedo – a dramatic backdrop for an indulgent grand afternoon tea (pre-booking required). Not just one but two laden cake stands bring an outrageous array of up to 20 savoury and sweet morsels – per person! Luckily it’s a place where time stands still and sofas are comfy. This is what a review said and I have to say all the reviews seem very consistent and the hotel gets great reviews on Trip Advisor. We are definitely going to try this place when dining out is permitted again, it's perhaps a bit stuck in a time warp but that is part of it's charm I think, but the menu looks fabulous! I will post again once we have eaten there. http://www.romancamphotel.co.uk
MHOR Fish
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Mhor Fish is a sit-down and takeaway chippy with a difference. They serve acclaimed fish suppers using the best Scottish produce, plus a few tasty alternatives, including fish chowder, handmade Scottish beef burgers, Loch Creran oysters, Isle of Lewis mussels, and puds, too. They also serve wines and beers. https://mhorfish.net
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Cromlix Hotel Chez Roux
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Owned by Andy Murray the famous Scottish tennis player, dining at Cromlix is a culinary experience that need not be confined to the dining room. There are lots of luxurious spots within the hotel that can accommodate more intimate, private dining. Chez Roux restaurant, originally overseen by the late legendary French chef Albert Roux is now overseen by his son Michel Roux Jr, and is run by award-winning executive head chef Darin Campbell. The restaurant is housed in the glass-walled conservatory overlooking the grounds and offers diners a ringside view of the chefs at work in the extensive open kitchen.
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Guests can also opt to dine in the small Study which seats up to 10, the first floor Billiard Room which can accommodate 20 and the Garden Room for parties up to 24. (Room hire charges apply – contact events@cromlix.com for more information.)
The Tasty Fry
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If I was going for a take-away fish supper it has to be this place. We have had MANY a fish supper from the Tasty Fry and for being just about as far away from the sea as you can get in Scotland the battered haddock is just amazing. It's only a little over 4 miles away so you can pre-order, pick it up and be back eating it at the dining table in the Lodge in not too long at all. Call 01877 331578 to place your order.
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MHOR Bread
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This wee bakery, shop and tearoom is just fantastic! This is where you need to buy your fresh bread and bakes while staying at Muir Estate. Their brownie's are delicious! I ate one cold once and didn't like it at all but if you pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds, add some double cream ore vanilla ice-cream...OMG, JUST DELISH! You can buy freshly made sourdough, giant meringues, stonking wee pies, or elegant patisserie. Or pop through to the tearoom and sit down for a slap-up breakfast, hearty lunch, or a great cup of Illy coffee which is very good, and a selection of cakes. They’re all about simple, delicious, local food. https://mhorbread.net
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The Gargunnock Inn
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Now we've not tried this place yet and it's been impossible with lock down and all the restrictions but the write ups about this place are very good and it's a little over 8 miles from Muir Estate. They serve a mouth-watering selection of steaks, sandwiches and pub lunch staples, and there is an attractive specials board. All in all it should make for a very nice pub lunch or dinner. http://www.gargunnockinn.co.uk/home/4590113588
Nick Nairn Dining Experience
This is for the real foodie! Scoland's Michelin Star Celebrity Chef' Restaurant and Cook School just 9 miles away from Muir Estate at the Lake of Menteith where you can have unique dining experience. You can also have a fabulous day at Nick Nairn’s award winning cook school which offers the very best in tuition, produce, facilities and location. The Cook School has transformed into a foodie utopia, hosting unique dining experiences, foodie festivals, events, gourmet pizza pop-ups, weddings, concerts and more.
https://nicknairncookschool.com/Experiences/Type/dining
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The Smiddy
This is a fabulous farm shop, just 5 minutes drive from the estate, that works with farms as locally as possible. The beef comes from Lochfield Farm in Doune, just 3 miles away from the shop and lamb is from Dunblane or Alloa (depending on the time of year) and they stock free range chicken from Gartmorn, Alloa and game when in season. All of their pork is top quality pork and is free range and delicious although if we are honest you can't beat the Kippen Butcher pork sausages which are also sold at the local shop in Thornhill, 1.6 miles from the estate.
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The Smiddy also has a really good grocery section selling fresh vegetables, lots of supper tasty treats at the cold counter and deli which would make a very yummy picnic. They also sell cakes, tray bakes, bread, biscuits, pastas, sauces, gourmet frozen and ready meals, etc so you don't have to venture too far if you need a special ingredient.
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The Cafe is excellent for breakfast, brunch or lunch and has a good selection of cakes. I often have the black pudding and poached eggs and if you are an avocado fan they do a fabulous breakfast plate with loads of the green stuff...I'm not a fan. I'm sorry, just can't get into the green beastie! The coffee is also very good. https://www.blairdrummondsmiddy.co.uk
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EDN MESS (caterers)
Food that isn’t boring, food that you want to eat and food that offers depth of flavour no matter what your dietary requirements. These caterers also take special pride in their ability to create outstanding vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes, dishes that are special, exciting and don’t compromise on taste. They do breakfast, lunch bowls and bites, evening meals, big feasts and do more than British, but South American, Italian. It all looks very tasty.
info@edn-mess.co.uk
+44 7590 641 724
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More recommendations to come...
We are new to Stirlingshire so want to make sure that the places we recommend are up to standard. It's been difficult to try everywhere due to lockdown but don't worry you will have plenty of choice. Keep watching, and if you need any recommendations about Perthshire, visit www.woodcroft-house.com and you'll find lots of information and advice. Perthshire is just next door to Stirlingshire so we're sure you will find yourself there at some point.