Gastro hotel in remote corner of western Scotland with high level of “hygge” and exceptional food
Inver Restaurant & Rooms / Barnacarry / Argyll / Scotland / UK
I am a sucker for hotels located off the beaten track. Where there is something truly unique that makes people travel for hours to reach said destination, be it a unique location with a spectacular view, or a famous designer that has created something truly stunning or like this hotel, an exceptional food experience.
Inver is located on the banks of Loch Fyne, in the western part of Scotland. The hotel is a passion project of chef Pamela Brunton and partner Rob Latimer. Pam has worked at a number of great restaurants, such as Noma in Denmark and Fäviken in Jämtland, Sweden. They harbored a dream of opening their own place and got a hot tip that a perfectly located place were about to come on the market. They loved it and decided to go for it. In 2015 Inver opened its doors.
The food is what is in focus at Inver where seafood from the Loch and produce from local growers as well as what can be found in the wild forests of the region are turned into delicious creations on your plate. A wonderful example of modern Scottish cooking.
There are two different accommodations to choose from at Inver: luxury bothies and the smaller and cozier shepherds’ huts. The cabins are placed on both sides of the white washed main building. It is here, in the main building, where you’ll find the bar and the restaurant where dinner is served. The look is pared down, a kind of rustic farmhouse feel.
We stayed in one of the huts, which was standing right on the Loch. One of the features I appreciated the most was that the bed was elevated inline with the big window, so we could lay in bed and enjoy the stunning view. Another thing I have to mention is the breakfast. In the evening you order what you want and in the morning it is delivered to your hut so you can enjoy it in the privacy of your own room. Or outside on the patio of the weather agrees.
Welcome to Inver Restaurant & Rooms!
Checked in and ready to head to our Shepherd’s Hut.
Our hut, or cabin, was embedded in greenery.
The interior is rustic and really cozy.
I love that the bed was built so we could lay in bed and enjoy the view of the stunning Loch Fyne and the Old Castle Lachlan.
The view from our hut.
We took the short walk out to the Old Castle Lachlan. M is exploring the old ruins.
I am trying to get warm after a dip in the cold water.
Dinner is served in the main building.
Before dinner, a stiff Negroni to get in the right mood.
Dinner at Inver is a really exceptional event. The techniques and the beautiful displays. And the taste, of course!
The sun is setting over two full guys heading back to the cabin to crawl into bed.
Almost home…
In the morning breakfast is delivered to your cabin.
The Scottish Summer weather was a little moody so we decided to set breakfast up indoors.
The drive to and from Inver is so scenic.
We have stopped at Rest & Be Thankful Viewpoint where there is a food truck serving delicious burgers.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are a hotel loving foodie. If you like cozy hotels located off the beaten track where you get to experience an exceptional dinner, you will be so happy at Inver.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the dinner. Of course! But not only the dinner. I loved that the breakfast was brought to our shepherd’s hut in a little basket. A great start of the day.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to take the short walk out to the Old Castle Lachlan sitting on the other side of the bay. A perfect little stroll to build up an appetite before dinner.
If you like this hotel you might also like:
Mesnerhaus / Mauterndorf, Austria
Hisa Raduha / Luce, Slovenia
d’une île / Rémalard, France
