Championing local, sustainable quality food and drink in Lanarkshire, the food trail is a brand new adventure for foodies to enjoy this summer. As Scotland returns to normal, it’s time to throw off the masks and get out and support your local food and drink businesses.
The folks at Lanarkshire Larder have produced an excellent interactive map with 27 stops (not including natural tourist attractions) for you to enjoy. We were invited to promote the new initiative and we have thrown ourselves right in, splitting the trail into three parts. We recently completed part one, here’s what we found!
1 – The Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen
The first stop on the trail is a new farm shop & kitchen in Kindrochet. Inside you’ll find a well stocked shop with lots of gourmet treats – we bought some naan bread, balsamic, soup, and even a few very early Christmas gifts! The kitchen offers light refreshments including hot and cold drinks and cakes as well as a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. There is a wee wood burning stove to keep you cosy, so you can happily pass an hour while enjoying the peace. We found the food to be really high quality and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We recommend the Stornoway Eggs Benedict, a Scottish twist on the classic featuring the best black pudding in the world!
Spirit Of Scotland Monument
A short drive along from The Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen is the Spirit Of Scotland Monument. Created by artist Richard Price in 2004, the five metre high monument sits at the to foot of Loudon Hill. The piece is made of steel and stands over 5 metres tall close to where the Battle of Loudon Hill took place, involving Robert the Bruce in 1307. The area is ideal for taking a warm drink and a cake or a picnic.
2 – Roasted Strathaven
Roasted is a coffee shop in the heart of Strathaven. Its owner Theo is a real character and a well known face around the town. You can expect great coffee at Roasted of course, but you will also find freshly baked sourdough plus the most amazing sausage rolls, salad bar, and cakes (make sure you pick up a Biscoff Brownie!). Chill vibes, great service, and proper homemade food – Roasted ticks all the boxes!
Strathaven Park
If you’re doing the food trail with kids, don’t miss this award winning park. It has everything from a sensory garden to a boating lake, adventure playgrounds, and even Scotland’s oldest miniature railway!
3 – Alexander Taylor Bakery
Alexander Taylor Bakery is believed to be Scoland’s oldest bakery. Currently 6th generation, the business has been owned and run by the Taylor family for 200 years. On one side of the street is the artisan bakery which produces a large range of breads, cakes, and patisseries. On the other side is the cafe and deli. Pop in and treat yourself to some goodies!
4 – Jaro Design
Pop into this lovely little interior design shop to stock up on your alcohol supplies. Lanarkshire produces a number of different tipples including Shoogle Gin, Old Mother Hunt Rum, McLean’s Gin, Biggar Gin, Pentland Hills Gin, Ellis Gin, Strathaven Ales, and Jaunty Camper Gin – find out more about each of them here.
5 – 13 Barn Street
It looks like a wee unassuming cafe, but there’s a bit more to this little place. The chef previously worked at a fine dining restaurant and still runs a pop up each month within the cafe. The menu is definitely cafe food but done very well. We loved the Loaded Fries, and the Beef Baguette With Dip is a must try!
6 – Strathaven Hotel
If you plan to do the food trail you’ll need somewhere to stay overnight. Check out our full review here of the Strathaven Hotel.
7 – Fower Coffee
This cool coffee shop occupies a small warehouse with an industrial feel. Stuart selects his coffee carefully from suppliers abroad and roasts it on site, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee and then take a bag away with you.
8 – Strathaven Ales
Finally we popped in to see Strathaven Ales brewery. You can visit the brewery yourself and pick yourself up some of their award winning ales.
Find out more about the Lanarkshire Larder Food Trail here.