FOOD : The Globe Inn, reaching for the stars
Q : What do you get when you cross a whisky distillery, fine dining and Rabbie Burns?
A : The Globe Inn in Dumfries
Let me explain. The Globe Inn was Burns’ favourite Howff (as he recalls in his own words in a letter to his publisher, George Thomson) Here at the Globe Inn you can take a seat at Burns’ very own dining table, surrounded by his artifacts and memories. The very same place where he ate, drank and held court for many years.
The Globe Inn stands as a silent witness to the legacy of Robert Burns, our beloved Bard (national poet) of Scotland. With its charming façade and rich history, it was within the warm embrace of these walls that Burns found solace, inspiration, and a pint or two. In this quaint tavern, the poet would engage in animated discussions with fellow intellectuals, recite his lyrical masterpieces, and share laughter and banter late into the night. The Globe Inn remains a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts, who seek to immerse themselves in the ambiance that once enraptured the great Robert Burns.
The Globe Inn is now owned by David Thomson and Teresa Church who acquired The Globe Inn in 2018, driven by their desire to preserve and restore the historic Burns Rooms for posterity. Rather than owners, they consider themselves ‘Custodians of The Globe’! David and Teresa also own Annandale Distillery. Read my article HERE about Annandale Distillery.
REVIEW OF THE GLOBE INN, DUMFRIES
The best way to enter The Globe Inn is from Dumfries High St, down a small vennel to the inn. You definitely feel history closing in as you come across the small entrance door and have to duck your heid!
The decor captures its rich history and rustic charm. As you step inside, the warm ambience sets the tone for an intimate dining experience. The walls are adorned with artwork and photographs depicting famous literary figures who have graced the Inn's halls, paying homage to the establishment's long-standing reputation as a haven for poets and writers. The cozy seating arrangements create an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and savour their meals.
The Globe Inn is a culinary gem that promises to tantalize the taste buds of all who enter. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, this charming inn offers an impressive menu that showcases the very best of Scottish cuisine. The Globe Inn takes pride in sourcing local, seasonal ingredients bursting with flavour. Whether you choose to indulge in their A La Carte menu or their Tasting Menu, you’re guaranteed that each dish is carefully crafted to provide a truly memorable dining experience that will leave you longing to return for more.
We were dining at lunch time for which there are 3 menus to choose from - the Lunch menu (2 courses for £30 or 3 courses for £34), the Lunch De Marche menu (5 courses for £45) or the Degustation menu (8 courses for £90 with paired wines available too)
Seated near the rear of the restaurant, almost underneath the large mural that fills the back wall and certainly in the presence of Rabbie Burns we tucked into the Lunch De Marche menu.
With two Michelin star trained Chefs in the kitchen, both having worked at prestigious Michelin star restaurants in Scotland such as One Devonshire Gardens and Gleneagles, you know the love and attention to detail will be spot on.
WELCOME CANAPE - profiterole filled with chicken liver mousse. You’re presented with a solo profiterole with a wee purple edible flower sat atop. A good wee bite and a hint of what was to come.
BREAD - curry, parmesan and apricot. Two thick slices of extremely delicious warm bread and lovely presented butter.
AMOUSE BOUCHE - pea, watermelon and barley with whipped feta. I am a massive fan of peas so I was delighted with this dish. I loved the chewy barley at the bottom on the bowl.
1st Course TARTARE - Quail’s egg and horseradish. This was the most impressive dish and wins my award for the most beautiful looking dish I’ve had in a while. Finely diced and well seasoned beef with croutons, herbs and nasturtium leaves. I so didn’t want to eat it but I just had to taste it.
2nd Course HAM HOCK - with piccalilli and pineapple ice-cream. Again so well put together and the pineapple ice cream really complemented the saltiness of the ham hock.
3rd Course MAINS - there are 2 courses to choose from so we chose one each.
Roasted coley, tomatoes and a pesto emulsion - one thing you will pick up on is the vibrancy of each plate of food. The colours are vivid and bright and just a delight to look at. The fish was perfectly cooked and a nice array of veg to go with it.
Pork Loin and ravioli with red cabbage and confit mushroom - the pork lion was a little dry and just slightly overcooked but it still packed flavour. I wasn’t a fan of the confit mushroom.
4th Course BASIL -Limoncello Parfait. Light, tart and ideal to cleanse the palate.
5th Course LEMON TART - and marscapone - I was 50/50 on this dessert. The tart filling was too set for my tastes although again, the flavours were spot on.
PETIT FOURS - I love how the went from little to large but the best one was the pistachio bite in the middle.
The Globe Inn are reaching for the stars not only in culinary terms of pushing the boundaries of their creativity, taste and presentation but also literally, they are chasing that Michelin star!
Having dined in many a Michelin Star restaurant the experience goes beyond the mere act of eating; it becomes a gastronomic journey of flavours, textures, and sensations. From innovative fusion dishes to traditional delicacies prepared with a modern twist, every bite is a revelation and the food elevates the concept of fine dining to a whole new level.
With so much experience in the kitchen, the presentation, delivery and flavours of our food, I have no doubt that The Globe Inn will be putting that Michelin plaque up on the wall!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE GLOBE INN
They are only open Wednesday to Sunday for food
You can take a Rabbie Burns tour of the Globe Inn
The Lunch De Marche menu does not cater for dietary requirements and can take up to 1.5 hours to serve
The Degustation menu does not cater for dietary requirements
There are very limited vegetarian dishes on the menu
Disabled access is limited due to it being a very old building
The Globe Inn, 56 High St, Dumfries DG1 2JA www.globeinndumfries.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold 9/10
I was invited by The Globe Inn to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.