REVIEW : EAT - Rokeby Manor. Scottish Highlands
Blink and you’ll miss the town of Invergarry, blink twice and you’d definitely miss the Rokeby Manor Hotel located on the way out of Invergarry on the way to Skye, if it wasn’t for the sign.
Invergarry is more a hamlet, a group of of a few lovely houses and cottages and I recall a church; but it’s the landscape that will hold your interest more than the dwellings especially in Autumn when the trees are showing off every outfit in their wardrobe.
REVIEW OF LUNCH AT ROKEBY MANOR, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS (BLACK SHEEP HOTELS)
Rokeby Manor is an early Victorian house and retains all its characters as a country home. Decorated in similar fashion to that of their sister hotel, Whispering Pine, you’ll find lots of tartan, tweed and antiques that fit in so well with the buildings history and character. The rooms are charming and cosy and the restaurant, Emily’s Byre is packed with farmhouse rustic appeal.
No overnight stay here but we were treated to lunch in Emily’s Byre with Black Sheep Hotel’s Director of Marketing, Saket Gupta.
As per Whispering Pine Lodge and with Cluanie Inn, all three hotels that sit in Black Sheep Hotels portfolio, all work predominantly from the same menu, Scottish Indian fusion but there are some signature dishes that you will only find at each hotel.
Saket’s recommendations were spot on with some nice choices available for lunch.
Our favourite dish without a doubt was the Dahi Chaat - bitesized puffs with chickpea, tamarind chutney and yoghurt. There is no dainty way to eat these and they have to be consumed almost immediately as the puff dissolves. You pop the whole thing in your mouth and wait for the creamy, crunch sensation to fill your mouth before biting down on a wee flavour bomb!
All the menus at the Black Sheep Hotels showcase some great seafood dishes and at Emily’s Byre you’ll find Pan Seared Chilli Prawns for starters and the likes of Fish Amritsari for mains whilst the Salmon Kedgeree under the Scottish Specials might catch your eye.
Another tasty lunchtime treat, that’s ideal for the many hillwalkers and hikers, is the Lamb Kebab Naanwich. A mixture of lamb pieces, yoghurt and spices layered between three beautifully cooked naan breads.
We finished lunch off Masala Chai served in these traditional Bombay tea carriers. The tea is aromatic and sweet and perfect for giving you a warming boost before heading back outside into the crisp Autumn air.
The dining room is very cosy and soon filled up with travellers. I suspect that this restaurant and bar will fill up pretty quickly and over the Summer will be a hotspot for Staycation and International tourists. It’s a great pit-stop for something to eat on the way to Skye; and they do offer vegetarian dishes and gluten free alternatives, so it’s worth asking.
Rokeby Manor, Invergarry, PH35 4HG, Scotland. Tel : 01397 704250 www.blacksheephotels.com/rokeby-manor-home/
My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10
I was invited by Black Sheep Hotels, Rokeby Manor to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.