The Globe Inn is one of those special restaurants that serves truly outstanding food with a side of unbelievably fabulous historical stories too.
We sent our writer, Rachel McAlley to Scotland for a foodie feast at The Globe Inn, Dumfries. She enjoyed a personal tour of The Globe Inn, found out about its past famous regular guests, and dined on some of the best food she’s had in recent times.
Robert Burns at The Globe Inn
I was invited to meet Kathleen Cronie inside The Globe Inn an hour prior to my dinner booking in the restaurant. Kathleen, an award-winning storyteller, greeted me with a huge smile, and I knew straight away that she was going to bring to life the history of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
It’s worth noting here that anyone can book The Globe Inn classic tour so that everyone can learn more about this Scottish venue and its history. Simply buy a ticket, prices vary between £5 – £35 per person. Visit The Globe Inn to find out more.
The Globe Inn was established in 1610, making it one of Scotland’s oldest Inns. Kathleen took me from room to room, where I had the chance to touch, see, and learn about Rabbie Burns in more detail.
Guests today can’t stay over at The Globe Inn, but they can tour the rooms and sit in Robert Burns’ original chair where he wrote and recited his poetry. In the bedroom, I spotted the famous glass window panes where he etched into the glass his poetic words. These very panes of glass have been preserved for over two centuries. It was a fascinating insight into the poem Tam O’Shanter that he wrote in the 1700s.
One thing that I didn’t know about Robert Burns is that The Globe Inn is where he had an affair with a barmaid, Anna Park. This was behind the back of his wife, Jean Armour. He ended up having an illegitimate child with Anna and fathered a number of children by his wife, Anna, and other women! As they say today, ‘what a player’ he was.
The Globe Inn, 1610 Restaurant
After my tour of The Globe Inn, I dined in their award-winning restaurant, 1610 and enjoyed a 7-course taster menu. The food was another-level excellent, beautifully presented, and the serving team were knowledgeable and happy to chat about each course.
Each dish as was described on the menu, as follows:
Canapes – Selection of the Day
Bread – Chefs Homemade Breads and Butter (pictured above)
Amuse-Bouche – Pumpkin Chawanmushi
Sea Bass – Mi-Cuit (pictured above)
Pork En Croute – Prune & Walnut
Cod – Carrot & Lovage
Galloway Beef – Artichoke & Mushroom (pictured above)
Marigold – Citrus & Honey
Gianduja – Hazelnut & Caramel
Cheese to Share – Selection of Farmhouse Cheese & Artisan Crackers
Petits Four – Selection of the Day
The menu consisted of far more than 7-courses — it just kept coming! Everything was perfectly fresh, and the chefs use local produce where possible. It’s hard to choose a favourite from the array of delicious dishes, but I seriously enjoyed the Sea Bass, Galloway Beef, and the excellent Breads.
I spent three hours at The Globe Inn between the wonderful tour and the meal itself, and I couldn’t have been happier. The price of the taster menu is £110 and can be paired with a wine and beer flight at an extra £85. Visit The Globe Inn to book.
Annandale Distillery
The morning after the night before, as they say, was another fabulous day in Scotland. This time I ventured to Annandale Distillery to learn about single cask malt whisky and sample lunch at the onsite café, Maltings Coffee Shop.
I was booked onto the distillery tour with Freddie, my guide, who showed me around Annandale. I learned about the history of Annandale, it’s stewards Professor David Thomson and Teresa Church, and why they restored this forgotten old distillery.
Anyone can book onto an experience at Annandale, including the Classic Tour, Whisky Masterclass, Annandale Distillery 1836 Tour, and the Founder’s Tour. Visit here to book your place. I was on the Classic Tour which was priced at £25.
Freddie talked me through the overall history of the distillery, where I also watched some of the distillers in action. I saw the machinery used and learned about the Malting, Mashing, Fermenting, Distilling, and Ageing processes that go into making whisky.
They produce a number of different whiskies, but the core range includes Man O’Sword, and Man O’Words. They distil peated, unpeated, aged, and also use different barrels like bourbon, rum, port, tequila, and many more.
I had the option to sample whiskies as I toured the distillery or take a mini collection home. So, I opted to take it home as I had three trains to catch, and I didn’t want to end up in the Highlands!
It was such a great experience visiting Annandale Distillery. Moreover, having never toured a whisky distillery before, it was a great insight into how whisky is properly produced. One thing that I will always take away from this visit is the amazing smell from the barrel barn as it was a rich tapestry of aromas.
The Maltings Coffee Shop
It was a lunchtime, so I headed into the onsite café for a spot of Scottish fodder. The café itself is located in the courtyard of the main distillery, and it is dog friendly too. I was sat near the door, one of the ornately carved tables and chairs. Upon further inspection, all the tables and chairs were fabulously carved.
The café team were wonderful, telling me the specials and answering all my questions about the menu. I opted for the Whisky Smoked Salmon and Prawn Salad, which was so good.
My plate was filled with homemade potato salad, fresh green salad, Scottish oatcakes, loads of prawns, and the best bit, Smoked Salmon with Annandale Distillery Man O’Sword Malt Whisky. The salmon was possibly the best smoked salmon I have ever had!
I’d suggest booking a table as it was extremely busy for lunch, and the phone kept ringing for table bookings. Visit Annadale to book a table.
My visit to Dumfries, The Globe Inn, and Annandale Distillery had come to an end, and I had enjoyed every single minute of being there.
Visit The Globe Inn, and Annandale Distillery to plan your visit.
Words by Rachel McAlley
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