Perthshire’s reputation as a must-visit for foodies is growing, as another local business picked up a national honour this week.
Dunkeld-based the Scottish Deli was voted the best independent retailer in Scotland at the Great British Food Awards, for the second year running.
The awards celebrate the best in food and drink, from shops and restaurants to chefs and producers.
Deli owner Simon Yearsley, who runs the store and its new restaurant with his wife, Sarah, said: “It was a huge honour to receive the award last year but to receive the award two years in succession has been amazing.
“It is a massive recognition of all the hard work that has gone into making the Scottish Deli a wonderful place to visit.”
Simon said the award was a reflection of Perthshire’s burgeoning reputation as a food and drink destination.
Just last month Dunkeld Fish Bar was named purveyor of the best fish and chips in the country at Scotland’s Dine In Awards.
Thousands of fans enjoyed the Taste of Perthshire festival in September and Perth has been named Scotland’s Food Town 2018.
Other Highland Perthshire attractions gaining acclaim further afield include Little’s Restaurant in Blairgowrie and Bake Off star Flora Shedden’s Aran Bakery in Dunkeld.
Simon said it was great to be in such good company.
“The small villages of Dunkeld and Birnam support so many great foodie initiatives,” he said.
“Businesses produce locally smoked salmon, we have our own local bakery, a great traditional butcher, award-winning chippie, thriving businesses producing honey and preserves, beer brewed just a few miles away and even locally produced Scottish beef jerky.
“Combined with lots of great tea-rooms and cafes, a community orchard and a community vegetable-growing scheme and you can see why this is an exciting place for all foodies.”
The variety of local produce is a big selling point for visitors, says food blogger Rachel Rowley.
Rachel, who writes for The Courier’s Menu magazine on Saturdays, runs Ballintaggart Farm at Grandtully and loves filling her dishes with Perthshire offerings.
“I would say the love of food and drink in Perthshire is a growing trend and I feel very proud to be part of it,” she said.
“The food and drink produced and provided here is very popular with locals but also with visitors, who are coming here specifically for the food and drink.
“The quality of the food and drink here is outstanding and there is so much variety from salmon and trout, pheasant and deer to apples, plums and soft fruit.
“In Perthshire you don’t have to go far to find great produce and that is reflected in our menus and in other local restaurants. We’re spoilt for choice.”
