Description: On our holiday to the Outer Hebrides recently we fancied eating out and the Loch Erisort Inn was recommended to us as it would definitely be open and serving food off-season. We arrived early-ish (around 7pm) and found the place easily as it's well signposted from the main road.
Despite accidentally startling Geraldine (the landlady) we were warmly welcomed and shown to a table. For most of the evening we were the only people there and it could have felt quite awkward, but Geraldine was full of chat and we felt really at home - we certainly didn't feel under any pressure to eat quickly and leave, in fact we were there nearly 2 hours enjoying the atmosphere! The bar is great - full of really quirky charm and very well stocked. We also had the company of Zack the dog who (at our request) came to keep us company and play fetch with sticks from the log basket. Had we wanted to, we could have had a couple of games of pool at the bar, but seeing as we’d just come in from quite a chilly night we were more than happy to get ourselves comfortable beside the log fire.
Geraldine apologised in advance for being short-staffed but there really was no need - the food was excellent and we didn't have to wait long at all. For starters I had the pickled herring whilst my boyfriend had the soup. The herring was delicious: just the right blend of sweetness with vinegar and served alongside buttered brown bread and a crunchy salad. The vegetable soup was thick and tasty: just the thing to warm you up on a cold winter’s evening. My main was battered haddock which arrived piping hot and with crunchy, light batter. All too often battered fish can be stodgy and greasy but this was just right. My boyfriend had the steak pie and I pinched a bit in the name of research. The steak chunks were a good size and tender, whilst the gravy was rich and meaty, but not overpoweringly so. He really enjoyed it, especially since the portion size was generous enough for even the hungriest soul. Even though we were both stuffed, we greedily opted for dessert and were glad we did as they were delicious. My sticky toffee pudding was wonderfully rich and sweet and complimented with a couple of scoops of good quality ice cream. His apple crumble and custard was sweet but still retained the flavour and sharpness of the apples.
As we were enjoying our cups of coffee at the end of the meal, a few locals came in and were friendly and chatty, really making us feel welcome. Overall, I loved this place: bags of character, delicious food and a friendly landlady. Who could ask for more?
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