June News
Cologin
There’s a few new food and drink experiences in and around Oban this summer which we are pleased to recommend to our guests. First, a personal favourite, and one you probably won’t be able to replicate back home, a visit to an oyster farm. (Okay I admit I do know the owner Judith AKA ‘The Oyster Lady’.) You will learn how these ‘love them or loathe them’ mollusks filter-feed in the saline water of Loch Creran. You’ll get a guided look at how oysters grow from tiny spat to fully matured bivalves and you’ll get a chance to perfect your oyster shucking technique as you prise the two shells apart. Booking is by email caledonianoysters@gmail.com and sturdy footwear is recommended.
Another food tour which will also need good boots is a visit to the Highland Baker. Coinneach MacLeod and his partner Peter will lead you over the hills to meet their Highland cattle (and admire the sea views) and then sit down with them to tuck into some of Coinneach’s famous baking and perhaps enjoy a dram or two as this sociable couple entertain you with stories of the Hebrides and their life on the farm. The tours can be booked online and further information found here: https:hebrideanbaker.com/farm-tours
And finally, if you’d like to explore the wonderful world of Scottish whiskies then the Oban Whisky Vaults is worth a visit. It’s now under the new ownership of renowned Scottish fiddle player Bruce MacGregor. Bruce runs a popular music and whisky bar in Inverness and he’s now brought MacGregors to the Oban Whisky Vaults. He has revived the live music sessions at the bar so you can just go along and enjoy a dram and local musicians or you can try out the new West Coast Whisky Experience which is on offer three times a week at 7pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This unique journey into the world of whisky combines, music, song and story telling with five exceptional malt whiskies which brings Scotland’s rich heritage to life. Booking is online (open to over 18s only) and groups can be accommodated to a maximum of 20. The experience lasts 90 minutes and further details are online at: https://www.macgregorsbars.com/west-coast-whisky-experience
Why not curate your own whisky or gin experience at Cologin! Local firm Ooshka Bar will bring their tastings to you. Focussed exclusively on extraordinary smaller, independent producers and bottlers you’ll enjoy authentic whiskies and gins which will broaden your experience and leave you wanting more. Their team specialise in smaller groups and as long as you’re over 18 they’re happy to produce a special event just for you. As Cologin and the Barn Bar are licensed premises you can have your tasting in your accommodation or in the conservatory or beer garden. Just make sure you ask us first!
Contact tastings@ooshkabar.co.uk to discuss your needs with husband and wife team Mark and Alexandra.