Experience a Taste of the NC500 this Winter in Inverness
From exceptional food and drink to fascinating culture, events, history and heritage, the vibrant city of Inverness has so much to offer and is a great place to get a taste of the NC500 this winter.
So why not wrap up warm and discover all that the capital of the Highlands and the local area has to offer…
A Taste of the NC500 this Winter
The North of Scotland is renowned for its incredible food and drink and Inverness is a hub for exceptional cuisine, bringing some of the freshest local ingredients together with esteemed chefs. A match made in heaven!
Transforming their outdoor area into an enchanting winter venue, Ness Walk’s Bruach ‘Wintertide’ allows you to indulge in some of the best street food in the city whilst sipping on a delightful range of cocktails to accompany the menu. Book now at www.nesswalk.com.
Whilst we highly recommend visiting the numerous distilleries around the NC500 this winter, The Malt Room offers the chance to sample a selection of world-renowned and locally produced whiskies, spirits and craft beers in one place. Join them for a tasting night or try one of their ‘Whisky Flights’. Find out more at www.themaltroom.co.uk.
Just south of the famous Loch Ness, the Grouse & Trout serves freshly prepared local cuisine in their charming country hotel full of rustic character, stone walls and beamed ceilings. Exceptional food to keep you warm in the cold weather. Find out more at www.steadingshotel.co.uk
Or what about an evening of fine food and drink, great company and some fascinating tales of Scotland. Downright Gabbler in Beauly use the best of locally sourced ingredients to explore Scotland’s history and culture through the drinks that have helped shape our country. Take a look at some of their enjoyable events at downrightgabbler.co.uk.
Photos: Bruach Winter Tide at Ness Walk, The Malt Room, Grouse & Trout, Downright Gabbler
Luxurious Apartments in the Heart of the City
Why not indulge yourself on the NC500 this winter with a city break in a luxury apartment. Make your stay in one of Frisco Villa’s beautifully renovated Victorian villa apartments even more special with their Winter Weekend Spa Offer and relax with style in their double sized copper bath tubs. Find out more at www.friscovillas.com.
Or choose from one of eight beautifully restored and recrafted Art House Apartments in a stunning B listed Victorian building, and take advantage of their Winter Warmer Offer. View more details at arthouseapts.co.uk.
If you would like to be in the heart of the city, then the luxurious serviced Highland Apartments by Mansley would be ideal. Take in sweeping views of the River Ness, Inverness Castle and Ben Wyvis in one of their stunning one or two bedroom apartments. Visit bymansley.com/highland-apartments to book (Don’t forget to use Promo Code ‘BookDirect’ for 10% off!)
You don’t have to stay within Inverness to find luxurious accommodation. Have you ever wanted to stay in a historic Scottish Country House? Blervie House in Forres is just a short drive from Inverness and the North Coast 500, and combines the best of stately home elegance with twenty first century conveniences in each of its 12 stately bedrooms and 300-acre private estate. Book direct at blervie.com to take advantage of their 3 Night B&B Offer.
Get closer to nature in one of Ace Adventures & Hideaways’ luxury glamping shepherd’s huts. Located in a tranquil and private setting near the River Findhorn in Moray, each hut has a comfortable double bed, wood burner and outdoor campfire – perfect for a cosy, rustic glamping experience this winter. Ace Adventures also offers a range of outdoor adventures – find out more at aceadventures.co.uk.
Photos: Frisco Villas, Highland Apartments by Mansley, Blervie House, Ace Adventures & Hideaways
A Unique Shopping Experience on the NC500 this winter
Although a small city, Inverness offers a large choice of shopping experiences. As well as multi-national outlets, the city is home to an abundance of local independent businesses, gift and souvenir shops, kiltmakers, an indoor Victorian Market and regular outdoor markets.
If you’re looking for a luxurious shopping experience in the heart of the city centre, quality tailors Brook Taverner’s impeccable British styling and attention to detail is conveyed in every stitch of their men’s tailoring. NC500 Members can also receive a free wool scarf (worth £20) with every purchase. Visit their store at www.brooktaverner.co.uk.
For contemporary and expressive artwork and giftware, Fiona Matheson Art is a must-visit. By appointment only, get the chance to meet the award-winning artist herself and peruse her striking landscape paintings, cushions, cards and luxurious silk scarves. Find out more about Fiona at www.fionamatheson.com.
Venture further along the NC500 this winter to the village of Beauly, just a few miles west of Inverness, for some truly unique and charming shopping experiences. The Old School Beauly is an award-winning lifestyle shop which specialises in clothing, gifts and homewares. Based in a beautiful old Victorian School building, each classroom has been lovingly renovated and now showcases the very best of Highland retail. Whilst you can but online at oldschoolbeauly.com, a visit to the shop is an experience in itself.
Beauly is also a great place to stock up on some tasty, locally produced goodies and hampers at Robertson’s The Larder. While you’re there, say hi to Heather, Katie-Morag and Jamie, their beautiful Highland Cows. Find out more at www.robertsonsbeauly.com.
And be sure to stop at Cheeky Highlander in Bunchrew on your way to Beauly. The shop is full of interesting and eclectic antiques, art, collectibles, gifts and so much more. You can also find lots of fascinating items on their website at www.cheekyhighlander.co.uk.
Photos: Brook Taverner, Fiona Matheson Art, The Old School Beauly, Cheeky Highlander
