The Clachan Inn
St John’s Town of Dalry, Dumfries & Galloway
The drive through the Galloway Forest Park (the largest forest in the UK) is jaw-dropping, even in dreich (Scottish for low mist or drizzle). As you drop into pretty St John’s Town of Dalry, you'll find the Clachan Inn, proclaimed by visitors as ‘possibly the best of all pubs’ and ‘quaint and cosy’ – with flagged floors, open fires, great beer, a relaxed, warm vibe and terrific food. The menu offered one July lunchtime delighted an inspector, with plenty of pub favourites (the haggis Scotch egg is a ‘belter’, the golden yolk pooling gently over gamey meat and a sharpish piccalilli) alongside refined modern dishes such as mackerel with stewed 'nduja and heritage tomatoes, or wood pigeon with a ‘perfect’ pea risotto, black garlic and pickled girolles. Choose from the specials board and you might be rewarded with an accurately cooked piece of pork belly accompanied by North Sea squid, celeriac, romesco and a chorizo emulsion (‘pure pleasure’). On the ‘lighter lunch’ menu, you’ll find the likes of ox cheek on dripping sourdough with a buttered duck egg, a chargrilled halloumi wrap with sweet-potato fries, and an 'epic' fish-finger sandwich, which is obviously a local favourite. Dessert might be a riff on burnt Basque cheesecake served with a decent rhubarb compote, or an excellent lavender créme brûlée. Wines from £18.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Separate bar, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required
8-10 Main Street, St John’s Town of Dalry, Dumfries & Galloway DG7 3UW
01644 430241
