We are very proud and lucky to set sail from a special part of the Scottish Highlands that produces amazing food and drink. We like to shop local, to keep our food miles down and to support the amazing businesses that make Argyll such a wonderful place for a holiday by using local suppliers where we can.
When the winds, tides and ferries allow it, you might experience the following local suppliers on a trip with Argyll Cruising.
Coffee from Argyll Coffee Roasters
Each day starts with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast is served. Our coffee is roasted in a small and magical village, tucked away on Cowal’s secret coast, called Tighnabruaich. Eve and the team create lots of unique blends including seasonal specials, but we love to drink the Clyde Steamer whilst we cruise the beautiful Clyde. You can visit Argyll Coffee Roasters’ shop at Hayshed Barn in Carry Farm https://www.argyllcoffee.co.uk/pages/coffee-bar or browse their online shop https://www.argyllcoffee.co.uk/ for coffee related must haves as a reminder of your trip.
Smoked fish from Argyll Smokery
Some mornings you might be lucky enough to sample Argyll Smokery’s trout or salmon with eggs and hollandaise for breakfast. You can shop online for hampers through their website and browse recipe ideas. https://www.argyllsmokery.com/
Squat lobster or catch of the day
When the tide is right and the weather is good enough for fishing, you might be treated to freshly caught squat lobsters, fresh mussels or mackerel. The local fishing boats in Tighnabruaich and Lamlash Bay are friends who are happy to drop off their catch if we happen to radio on the right day. Equally, our four fishing rods are often in use and lunch might be courtesy of your fellow passengers! Watch Ted’s tutorial for Karen who caught mackerel during our visit from Scotland’s Greatest Escape’s judges, where we were awarded best in category.
Venison from Winston Churchill
Venison steaks are both a popular dinner and a low carbon ingredient, coming straight from the hills around the Holy Loch. Winston Churchill have a small shop tucked up near the turning to Tighnabruaich, or you can order hampers from their online shop. https://www.winstonchurchillvenison.com/
In the middle of summer our green leaves come from an organic smallholding on the banks of Loch Fyne. If you are a keen gardener keep an eye on the facebook page for willow weaving weekends https://m.facebook.com/ourveggiepatch
Cocktail hour begins as soon as the anchor has dropped for the evening. You can sip a gin and tonic and watch the world float by. The twilight hours are a great time to soit otters, especially at low tide. Whilst we have plenty of whiskys for after dinner, our guests love the local gin. Bute’s distillery has grown in recent years and there is now an event venue, which includes a place to eat, relax and enjoy. Keep an eye on Bute Yard’s social media for events and food popups. https://www.buteyard.com/
If you prefer an ale or larger whilst you watch the sun set, our beer comes from the local farm near Loch Fyne. The brewery has a beer garden shop open nearly every day of the year and they host the ever popular Fyne Fest during summer. The online shop also delivers beer to your door https://www.fyneales.com/
Wine from Vintners
The evening meal onboard Splendour can be accompanied by complimentary red or white wine from some of Argyll’s finest. In Dunoon we shop at Vinters. You can visit their well stocked wine shop which also serves coffee, wine and cheese.
Wine from The Wee Wine Shop
When we’re in Oban we’re supplied by Jean-Pierre from the wonderful Wee Wine shop. Most of their wines come from sustainable viticulture, small vineyards and with no or very little added sulphites and are bottled at the estate.
Toiletries from Arran Aromatics
And it’s not just food and drink we source locally. Each cabin is stocked with products from Arran Aromatics, who use mineral-rich water from the Isle of Arran to create their soaps, shower gels and shampoos.
We hope you enjoy sampling the produce and products from our local suppliers as much as we do and look forward to welcoming you onboard soon. https://www.argyllcruising.com/cruise-calendar/
“A wonderfully relaxing trip, great company, Iggy’s wonderful food and calm and sunny weather. Thank you!” Helen
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | April 2022
“Fabulous trip, good to be aboard Splendour.” Paul and Elaine Taylor
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | May 2023
“Everything was as splendid as the ship’s name.” Geoff and Sue Crowley
Kyles and the Isles | 2022
“We will always hold our cruise on the Splendour dear in our hearts.”
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | May 2023
“Everything we’d hoped for and more. We so enjoyed the walks, food, company, scenery and laughter.” Denise and Allan
Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll | May 2022