Spring is in the air, the weekend weather is set to be dry and sunny, and Sunday is Mother’s Day. What more of an excuse do you need to get out of the city this weekend and enjoy the outdoors. A relaxing drive into the country, or to the coast followed by a slap-up meal and a stroll in rural settings is the perfect treat for your mum, and is sure to put you in her good books.
With the Scottish countryside teeming with idyllic spots to enjoy, we’re spoiled for choice.
But, look no further. To give you some inspiration, we’ve suggested three lovely rural restaurants and hotels, offering some of the best places to treat your mum this weekend.
Better hurry though, tables are booking fast.
Perthshire offers some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. Roughly an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow and you’re surrounded by vast swathes of forests, mountains and rivers. The beautiful surroundings offer an abundance of walks and activities including golf, hiking (Ben Vorlich is the highest peak in the area) and stepping back in time with a visit to Stirling Castle or The Wallace Monument.
This Mother’s Day weekend why not hit the road and head to Barley Bree? An award-winning restaurant with rooms in the picturesque village of Muthill in Perthshire, Barley Bree offers an eclectic selection of French dishes, with a traditional Scottish twist.
“Mother’s Day is a special time for us here at Barley Bree and always gets Fabrice and Ithinking about what our mothers and grandmothers taught us. Hospitality is in our blood but, for me and my mum, it’s the small things that matter. We both swear by heating up the plates before serving the main course – it definitely makes all the difference.
“For Fabrice, his cookery influences come from his grandmother back in France. Summers were spent on her farm, watching her rear pigs, make butter and milk the cows. For him, family influence is a way of life at Barley Bree and something that continues to inspire his cooking.” Says Alison Bouteloup, Owner of Barley Bree.
This Saturday, a special fixed-price lunch menu is available at just £15.50 for two courses or £19.50 for three courses. On Mother’s Day itself you can choose from a delicious a la carte menu, which includes a Sunday Roast, or alternatively go for an evening meal. A complimentary cocktail (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) will be provided for mum on both Saturday and Sunday.
All food is made using the finest locally-sourced ingredients from a well-established network of suppliers, including artisan cheesemakers and family butchers.
Bookings for Saturday and Sunday and being taken between 12-5pm.
• For more information or to book online visit http://barleybree.com , alternatively phone 01764 681 451.
The Golf Inn, a traditional village inn with a spectacular food offering is based in the heart of Gullane, a picturesque golf haven. Head Chef, Derek Johnstone was the inaugural winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and he uses this experience to create an array of delicious, affordable menus that make the most of the wonderful locally sourced Scottish produce across the seasons.
At The Golf Inn you’ll find the warmest of welcomes, superb service, spacious bedrooms and a real taste of Scotland.
With spring upon us, tasty new produce is coming in to season giving Derek and his team new flavours to play with. A spring/summer menu is currently being concocted, starting with a special Sunday Roast and all the trimmings for Mother’s Day this Sunday. For mums who prefer something slightly sweeter, they’ll be serving their classic Scottish Afternoon Tea in the restaurant also (subject to availability).
• For more information or to book, call 01620 843259. You can find The Golf Inn at: MainStreet, Gullane, East Lothian, EH31 2AB - http://www.golfinn.co.uk
Balgove Larder is a farm shop, butchery and cafe just outside St Andrews in the beautiful kingdom of Fife. The café provides simple, honest fresh food using top quality, local and seasonal produce, including meat sourced direct from their farm. A perfect place to take your mum or the whole family this Sunday, the café will be open from 9am to 4:30pm, with lunch served until 3pm.
Aside from offering a beautiful scenic coastal drive to get there, Balgove has just this week launched their new Flower Shed providing local and sustainable plants and a beautiful array of flowers. So if you’re wanting to be extra nice to mum, why not pop in and pick up a beautiful bunch of flowers after a relaxing lunch in the café.
• For more information or to book, call 01334 898 145. You can find Balgove Larder at: Strathtyrum, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SF - http://www.balgove.com/pages/cafe
