Ben View Phoenix Hotel

Located way out west in a picture-postcard location overlooking the Isle of Mull across the water, this comforting restaurant is unsurprisingly painted all in white. Inside, it’s a cute, cosy spot where yet more white-painted walls are enlivened by eye-catching prints and shelves of cookery books. The menu reflects the seasons and the area well, with plenty of fine Scottish produce leading the way, be it Tobermory trout or Highland lamb rump. For dessert, don’t overlook a soufflé if it’s on offer.

Situated close to mainland Britain’s most westerly point, the Ardnamurchan peninsula, Mingary Castle is the result of years of restoration work on the original 13th-century building that had been in ruins for over 100 years. Located down miles of single-track roads, it’s a remote yet utterly spectacular location. Today, a hotel and restaurant sit inside the one-time castle, with the latter serving a set menu of robust, hearty and traditionally based cooking, utilising local produce like venison from their own estate.

‘Seasgair’ means ‘warm and cosy’ in Gaelic, and diners will certainly feel cosseted in the impressive Inverlochy Castle. The whole experience is like stepping back in time to the country houses of old. Begin with an aperitif in the Grand Hall, accompanied by live music, before taking your seat in one of the elegant dining rooms. A 5 course set menu is served to everyone at the same time with canapés on arrival. Michel Roux Jr’s influence on the menu sees classic French dishes combined with the Scottish ingredients.