The Shandwick Inn

The inn looks a bit decrepit from outside, but indoors it’s surprisingly clean and cozy, and our room had been recently renovated. The beds were comfortable, and breakfast was good, delivered in a bag by the door in the morning. Pub prices are good too, though we didn’t get to eat there: it opens at 4pm and we had to check out by 10am. After a tire blew, we arrived at 9:10pm, hungry and exhausted, just after the pub had stopped serving food at 9pm. The hostess kindly offered us a basket of chips. We’d had fish and chips steadily since arriving in Scotland and were tired of them, but in that moment the offer sounded delightful. The place is off the main road, so it’s quiet, but there’s nothing around. See the photos for the pub menu and our breakfast.

My room and bed were clean, with the usual tea, coffee, and shower gels. I had the venison stew at Shadwell, and it was lovely; I found the food better there than at Tuckers. I’ve only given the room two stars because Room 4 at Shadwick had nowhere to hang clothes, while the rooms at their sister inn, The Tuckers Inn in Invergordon, have a wardrobe or hooks.

We waited more than an hour for our meal, and the food was dreadful. The gravy was a powder mix that had turned to gloop, and in my opinion the beef hadn’t been cooked on site but bought in. I refused to pay for my main course. The chef came over to “talk” about it and denied that the gravy was a mix, then said I’d eaten most of the meal. My wife is a retired chef, and we both know when gravy is Bisto mix rather than made from meat juices. He wouldn’t accept any part of my complaint and started pointing his finger. I raised my voice to end a confrontation that could have been avoided. The chef left the rest of the staff in a very awkward position. Terrible way to treat customers.

The food was excellent across all three courses, and the menu had plenty of choice. We came for my birthday meal. It’s in a lovely location, and the friendly, welcoming staff had quite a busy Monday night on their hands. No complaints, just a lovely experience.