Coruisk House
Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands
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There’s more than one reason for taking the winding single-track road to Elgol in the south-west of Skye. A climb to the summit of Blà Bheinn, one of the island's most spectacular mountains, a boat trip to the lovely Loch Coruisk within the magnificent Cuillin range, or simply a shoreline walk with views to Canna and the smaller isles. And then there is Coruisk House, the boutique hotel with five immaculate bedrooms, warm fires and a set dinner every night for both residents and non-residents alike. In this wild corner of Skye, Clare Winskill and Iain Roden have created a magical retreat where cocktails can be taken before dinner in one of their ‘rustic chic’ lounges ahead of a five-course menu that changes from day to day, season to season. Begin, perhaps, with a fluffy little celeriac zabaglione, follow with an intense shellfish bisque served with Clare’s own walnut bread, then a dish of sea trout alongside a plump Skye scallop, a trout and pepper mousse and sweet pickled cucumber to cut through the richness. Loin of Hebridean lamb arrives with a serving of slow-braised shoulder, fennel purée, wild chanterelles and – the highlight – a mini shallot tarte tatin. The one unsteady note comes from a coffee and Laphroaig whisky soufflé (two flavours fighting each other), though it is saved by a splendid cardamom ice cream. The thoughtfully composed (and pricey) wine list includes some fine Burgundies, selected by Iain and Clare during their travels across Europe in the closed winter months.
