THE RUSSIAN TAVERN at The Port Royal Hotel, PORT BANNATYNE
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Freshly landed seafood
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Seashore Village Inn at Port Bannatyne
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Interior of The Russian Tavern
In the heart of the sailing and fishing village of Port Bannatyne, right on the seafront, is The Port Royal Hotel. Built partly in 1725, and then in 1810 A.D. this local pub was bought eight years ago by a Russian family who have transformed the interior. A professional French kitchen has been installed, a modern beer cellar, and the gloomy bar has been transformed into a re-creation of a Russian Tavern of Imperial Times. There are cedar tables and floor; piano and casks of Real Ales; wooden dolls, tapestries and wall-plates from Russia; wild flowers and candle-light; chess, dominoes and cards. But most importantly of all: freshly landed seafood and fine a la carte Russian cuisine is served all day, with a good selection of Russian wines, beers and vodkas.
Staying the weekend, Count Nikolai Tolstoy declared:"This is the best Beef Strogonoff I have tasted... EVER!" Not suprising, since the beef is ranched Highland Cattle, killed on the Orkney farm when fully mature, marinaded in fine wine, and cooked with wild fungi collected on Bute, then seasoned with smoked Hungarian paprika. This is served with red cabbage baked with apple, cinnemon, ginger and cider, sauerkraut, and latkes made with potatoes and onions grown for flavour in Northern France.
There are four guestrooms available at £64 per night for two, including Russian breakfasts.
To reserve a table in the Tavern, or to book a room, please call 01700 505073, send an e-mail to stay@butehotel.com or visit our website.
24 Nov 2008 | 8:30:43
Christian Melot says
Just a note of thanks to join in the general praise for this little auberge. The live fish and crayfish are cooked a demande. The Boeuf Strogonov is of Michelin Star quality. The ambiance is totally without pretentions...the tables and floor are bare wood, the barrels of beer are on the bar, everyone converses and the view is straight out on the sea across the yacht bay. The price of a room includes a breakfast unrivalled for variety and quality: tartelette quiche with local wild chanterelles, stuffed tomatoes, smoked ham and marinaded peppers, charcuterie, salads, bread and croissants straight from the oven, fresh frut salads, honey and home yoghurt!! Je reviens!
Christian Melot, Rue Thiers, Combe-la-Ville, Paris