Taking the road from Aberfeldy to Edinburgh Airport we eagerly tried to find a place to eat until we landed at the Perthshire's Visitors Centre, which serves a selection of food as well as sells souvenirs. Welcome to a restaurant where the average age of a guest is at least 70 years old.
In Scotland, I have noticed, during my stay, that all place are always packed with an older crowd. If you're a tourist you won't see many of the younger generation. Perthshire was no exception its fully booked restaurant,but the average age was not less than 70 years.
The restaurant looks like a big house, like those found near gas stations, and is linked to the delicatessen market next to it. A carpet, lots of tables, a high ceiling painted in white and sofas covered with burgundy fabrics.
On the menu is a selection of Scottish food, but I couldn't find one light plate without bread or that wasn't fried. So we needed up eating a burger. The specials menu also has a range of dishes, as well as a special menu for the older generation.
Thirty-four hours in the highlands and not a tasty beer I could find. Six choices already and each worse than the other, until I tried the one at the restaurant; Red MacGregor, from the Orkney brewery Quoyloo. A 4% ruby ale. An aromatic, very rich, fruity and floral beer with hints of toasted malts and intense hops on the palate.
The burger came in a round plate, open faced, one side had a green salad on and the other hosts the thick meat and additional ingredients. The quality of the meat was good, very good. Real meat, lightly red and full of taste, the bun was soft with a chargrilled flavor with melted cheddar in top and grilled bacon. The chili burger was even better, adding a lift spiciness and chili flavor to a mix that doesn't need any additional sauce. With that are potatoes on the side, thickly cut and ready to be enjoyed. Golden in color with crunchy borders - perfectly cooked inside out.
I enjoyed my meal, the reasonable prices and gentle waitresses... Sometimes you enjoy places you least expect to.
Perthshire Visitor Centre, +44 1 738 787696
