Eating and Drinking in Perthshire

Perthshire's farm shops and markets are ideal for purchasing fresh local produce. Blairgowrie is famous for soft fruits, and the Perth Farmers' Market has a wide array of artisan goods.

Blairgowrie's summer months burst with strawberries and raspberries, and local farms sell these fresh delights directly to visitors. The Perth Farmers' Market, held on the first Saturday of each month, features fresh vegetables, cheeses, and baked goods. Arrive early to enjoy the best selection, with prices ranging from £2 to £10.

Whisky is a central part of Perthshire's heritage, with several distilleries offering tours to showcase their distinctive processes and rich history.

Visit Edradour, one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, where tours cost £14 and provide insight into traditional whisky-making. The air is filled with the unmistakable scent of peat smoke, adding to the sensory delight. Aberfeldy's Dewar's Distillery also has tours for £12, complete with tastings. For more options, check our guide to Whisky Distilleries in Perthshire.

Perthshire's craft beer scene is growing, with breweries like Inveralmond and Moulin offering tours and tastings of their award-winning ales.

Inveralmond Brewery in Perth provides tours for £10, where you'll learn about the brewing process and sample ales like Ossian. The quaint Moulin Brewery near Pitlochry, part of the Moulin Hotel, has a cozy atmosphere to sample traditional brews, a staple since 1995.

For a gourmet dining scene, visit Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder or Two Sisters Restaurant in Comrie, both known for their fine menus.

Gleneagles Hotel has a Michelin-starred dining scene with tasting menus starting at £130. Alternatively, Two Sisters Restaurant provides a more intimate setting with seasonal dishes for around £50 per person. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

Perthshire is well-known for its game and venison, with many restaurants sourcing these meats from local estates.

Venison steaks, priced around £22, are a highlight, reflecting the region's hunting traditions. The Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry is a top choice for game dishes, offering a rustic setting that pairs well with a local whisky.

Perthshire's tea rooms and cafes offer a relaxing atmosphere with pleasant treats like homemade scones and locally-roasted coffee.

Spill the Beans in Dunkeld is famous for its scones and jams, with prices starting at £5. In Aberfeldy, The Watermill Bookshop and Cafe serves coffee and cakes for about £8, providing a perfect spot to unwind with a book.

Perthshire's proximity to rivers and lochs ensures fresh seafood options, with salmon and trout being popular choices.

The Taybank in Dunkeld serves excellent seafood dishes, with main courses priced around £20. Smoked trout from Loch Tay, available in local eateries, pairs wonderfully with a crisp wine.

Perthshire features various family-friendly dining options, with restaurants providing children's menus and entertainment.

The Boathouse Kitchen & Bar in Kenmore features a diverse menu with kids' meals around £7. In Perth, The Bothy is a favorite, offering hearty Scottish fare and amenities like high chairs and coloring books.

Perthshire hosts several food festivals annually, where visitors can enjoy local produce and culinary events.

The Perth Festival of the Arts in May often includes food events, while the Crieff & Strathearn Drovers' Tryst in October celebrates the region's droving history. Many events are free, providing an affordable way to engage with local culture.