Chloe Frost-Smith

Born from another restoration project under Manuela and Iwan Wirth, you know that The Fife Arms will be an experience. Indeed, the former hunter-lodging, whilst preserving Scottish traditionalism is whacky and utterly unique in a way that it simulates a gigantic art installation. Dining at the Clunie Restaurant for a wood-fired Sunday roast is an absolute must. 

There is luxury, and then there is Aldourie Castle Estate. Amidst 500 acres of gardens, meadows, and greenhouses, stands Aldourie Castle. With such a grand exterior, the rooms are remarkably less austere; instead, they are homely and comfortable. Our highlight is The Boathouse: carved in the shape of a boat's hull, watch the sunset over Loch Ness. It's magical. 

The freshest of fish, spaghetti perfectly al-dente and the most refreshing of cocktails await you at La Dogana. Sip a glass of wine at the beach club before settling down for dinner with views out across the ocean. 

A wine lunch? An eight-course dinner menu? It's a yes from us, particularly if we're offered a stool at Eleanore. Here the bread course is your traditional english muffin, the trout is made confit and the mackerel is served with a deliciously, smoked kipper dashi. 

Pickled, poached, grilled and baked the brunch scene at Argyle Place is something to behold. If we trust any nation to conjure up the creamiest porridge, it's the home of the spurtle (aka Scotland) and so you can bet just how tasty the vanilla porridge topped with honey roast peach and toasted hazelnuts at this neighbourhood spot is. Porridge not your thing? Don't fret, the ham benedict is something to write home about. 

There's multiple reasons why we are drawn back to Ardfern time and time again. It's teeming with soul and character but it's also mastered the art of being a kitchen, day and night, a shop and a wine bar. So, whether you're grabbing a bottle to go, popping by for brunch or settling down for a three-course extravaganza (save room for the tonka bean tiramisu), Ardfern has you covered. 

Proving that you don't need to pop over the channel to get your hands on those ever-so buttery delights is ARAN. A lemonade factory, a dental practice to a now, much-preferred, artisan bakery. Pop by for a spelt and sesame sourdough and the weekly fill of croissants and stay for the roasted pear, whipped goats cheese and walnut focaccia. 

Amble from Pitlochry to the idyllic Loch Faskally. Grab the kayak, your dryrobe,  your hiking boots and a good, old-fashioned picnic for the perfect day-out. 

Seasonal bites, some sell-out pastries and sensational coffee, that' Ante in a nutshell. Perched just below Spry Wines, this daytime restaurant and bakery is our go-to for a spiced honey flat white with a hand laminated pain suisse on the side. The smoked salmon piled high in the seaweed brioche, fennel slaw and pickled cucumber is equally scrumptious. Lunch sorted!