Ardanaiseig Hotel

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2011 edition.

There can be few finer escapes for a romantic getaway than Ardanaiseig, a stately old country house hotel hidden into the banks of Loch Awe in the shadow of mighty Ben Cruachan. Unlike many other country houses in the Highlands Ardanaiseig is much more accessible from the Central Belt making a visit for lunch or dinner a viable option too. Gary Goldie has been head chef now for over a decade and his assured touch is evident throughout in an equally assured old world dining room. Lunch offers a light menu and a set menu, while the highlight are the five course dinners. Herbs, vegetables and fruit from the hotel’s garden find their way into the likes of pan-roasted halibut with wild mushrooms in a Muscat sauce and breast of mallard duck laced with foie gras. Foodies will also enjoy their annual mushroom foraging excursions and the cookery courses they offer too. If you really want to impress a loved one book the Boat House, a stand alone split-level villa for two with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the loch.