Eat: Knockinaam Lodge, Dumfries & Galloway

Knockinaam Lodge ~ Full of History

You can’t stay at Shingle Lodge and not treat yourself to the culinary delights that Knockinaam Lodge offers, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Knockinaam Lodge is the grown up, big sister to Shingle Lodge, built in 1869 as a hunting lodge this small, luxury boutique hotel has just 10 bedrooms and suites. It may look imposing but its owners and staff warmly welcome all their guests. They pride themselves on their discretion and attention to detail without being stuffy or imposing. It is no surprise to learn that Knockinaam holds many awards including 3 AA Red Stars and 3 AA Food Rosettes.

Although we haven’t stayed in the Lodge itself, we know that there are three bedrooms that are dog-friendly (dogs are welcome with prior arrangement and a small fee). One of these is the Churchill room, which is one of the largest, over-looking the garden with a partial sea-view and a super-king sleigh bed. It is so-called because this is the room that Sir Winston Churchill stayed in when he visited Knockinaam. Where he held a secret meeting with General Eisenhower, and their Chiefs-of-Staff, during the Second World War and it is said they planned the D-Day Landings.

Delicious Food ~ Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Whilst this remote house has much history, it is the food that will entice you even more. So be sure you book a table for dinner and prepare to enjoy some of the best food you will ever taste.

Whilst you enjoy your pre-dinner drink in the cosy bar (maybe the fire will be lit) or outside on the lawn, while watching the sun go down, you will be given the dinner menu and canapés to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant is small, with candle-lit tables, it’s comfortable with lovely views out onto the lawn and the sea. You might be lucky to get the bay window table and see deers roaming in the grounds or rabbits playing on the lawn.

Dietary Requirements? No Problem Here

When you book Knockinaam Lodge, they do ask, that if you have any dietary requirements you should let them know. Since having ME/CFS, I have a LOT of dietary requirements! Whilst I am not allergic to anything, eating certain foods does make me feel rotten very quickly and spoils the evening and my sleep, so I do my best to avoid them. However, knowing that the lunch and dinner menu is a tasting style menu, I was nervous about advising them of my long list of, quite restrictive, dietary requirements.

I needn’t have been, we had breakfast twice, lunch once and dinner 3 times during our week’s stay. The menu changes daily showcasing the best of local and Scottish produce. On no occasion did I feel that my meals where different, or an after thought by the Chef, they looked and tasted just as delicious as the ‘normal’ menu.

I can truly say that every single course was just delicious, the care, the thought and attention to detail put into every single dish was just outstanding. From the homemade breads and pastries, homemade raspberry jam (which is scrumptious, a must try!) and marmalade, to the tiny petit fours, enjoyed with coffee in the cosy lounge, on big squishy sofas, we could not fault one bit of it.

If you are looking for a ‘home away from home’ with its own private beach, total seclusion, peace and tranquility, friendly staff and delicious food, then this is the place for you. Just don’t tell too many people about it (wink, wink)!