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The Clachan Inn

Dumfries & Galloway, St John’s Town of Dalry - Modern British - Pub with rooms - ££

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

The drive through the vast expanses of Galloway Forest Park is jaw-dropping, even in dreich (Scottish for low mist or drizzle). As you drop into pretty St John’s Town of Dalry, you'll find the ‘quaint and cosy’ Clachan Inn, proclaimed by visitors as ‘possibly the best of all pubs’ – complete with flagged floors, open fires, great beer, a relaxed, warm vibe and terrific food. The full menu offers plenty of pub favourites (the deliciously gamey haggis Scotch egg with sharp piccalilli is a ‘belter’) alongside refined modern dishes such as mackerel with stewed 'nduja and heritage tomatoes or wood pigeon with a ‘perfect’ pea risotto, black garlic and pickled girolles. Choose from the specials board and you might be rewarded with an accurately cooked piece of pork belly accompanied by North Sea squid, celeriac, romesco and a chorizo emulsion (‘pure pleasure’). On the ‘lighter lunch’ menu, you’ll find th...

The drive through the vast expanses of Galloway Forest Park is jaw-dropping, even in dreich (Scottish for low mist or drizzle). As you drop into pretty St John’s Town of Dalry, you'll find the ‘quaint and cosy’ Clachan Inn, proclaimed by visitors as ‘possibly the best of all pubs’ – complete with flagged floors, open fires, great beer, a relaxed, warm vibe and terrific food. The full menu offers plenty of pub favourites (the deliciously gamey haggis Scotch egg with sharp piccalilli is a ‘belter’) alongside refined modern dishes such as mackerel with stewed 'nduja and heritage tomatoes or wood pigeon with a ‘perfect’ pea risotto, black garlic and pickled girolles. Choose from the specials board and you might be rewarded with an accurately cooked piece of pork belly accompanied by North Sea squid, celeriac, romesco and a chorizo emulsion (‘pure pleasure’). On the ‘lighter lunch’ menu, you’ll find the likes of ox cheek on dripping sourdough with a buttered duck egg, a chargrilled halloumi wrap with sweet-potato fries, and an 'epic' fish-finger sandwich, which is obviously a local favourite. Dessert might be a riff on burnt Basque cheesecake served with a decent rhubarb compôte or an excellent lavender créme brûlée. There's a short selection of reasonably priced wines too.

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VENUE DETAILS

8-10 Main Street
St John’s Town of Dalry
Dumfries & Galloway
DG7 3UWGB

01644 430241

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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