I mentioned yesterday that @TheWelshWookie and I had been to one of our very favourite places on Saturday: Portavadie Marina.
We were looking for any excuse, really, to take a trip on the new hybrid ferry, MV Lochinvar 😉 What better excuse than to go for lunch – and celebrate World Gin Day – at Portavadie!
The weather was absolutely beautiful: it was gloriously sunny as we strolled down to the ferry terminal. We popped into a few shops on the way, buying bottle of white grape & elderflower presse for adding to gin later on in the evening.
The first thing we noticed about the new ferry was how quiet she was! The engine, being a hybrid, merely purred, making for such a pleasant journey. The interior lounge has much more seating than before, and there are two observation areas with seating on the upper decks. Impressive!
We arrived at Portavadie, and walked around to the marina. We saw that construction is now under way on the leisure complex: I can’t wait until the pool and its facilities are built!
As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by Chris, who’s service is always fantastic. We took a seat on the sofas while we perused the lunch menu, and ordered a Botanist gin each. Oh, my. It’s definitely my absolute favourite gin of the moment: it’s from Islay, which is much more famous for its whisky. We had a chat with Ian, the General Manager, and it was so great to hear of the future plans for Portavadie: it’s exciting times ahead!
When we were ready we were seated for lunch. Most of the other guests had opted to sit outside, but I much prefer to eat indoors (I’m weird, I know). I had the smoked haddock with mustard potato salad and pancetta crisp; @TheWelshWookie had Tarbert scallops with black pudding and roasted potatoes. Both were -ma-zing!
Of course, we also had dessert. I had a white chocolate mousse with mini toffee apples and raspberry sorbet; @TheWookie had pineapple crumble with coconut ice cream. Yum.
After taking a stroll around the marina, having a look in the shop (of course), we had another G&T before heading home on the ferry.
We had a fabulous day, as ever!
Did you celebrate World Gin Day on Saturday? Do you prefer to eat indoors or outdoors?
TartanJogger 
Who knew there was such a day?! 🙂
Ooh, it’s a very important one, worth celebrating! 😉
Indeed!
That food (and day) looks amazing – Another place and restaurant to add to the list!
Oh, you’ve got to try it!
Looks like amazing food.
It was delish!
The food looks amazing! And it looks like you had the ferry to yourselves! And why have I never heard of World Gin Day?!?!
It’s definitely one for the diary!
That food looks amazing! And such great weather! I also missed the Gin day memo.
As you know, we’ve got to make the most of any sunshine!
Those views are amazing!
I just love it there!
World Gin Day? How in the world did I miss this celebration? I ❤ gin.
lol! You’ll have to watch out for it next year! 😉
World gin day. I’ve put it in my calendar. For every Friday at 6.30…
I’ve tried that botanist gin as well when I was in Skye earlier in the year. Fantastic stuff but I haven’t seen it around down in London anywhere. Boo!
Ha ha, I might have to add that calendar reminder too 😉 Botanist is the best! Pity you can’t get hold of it.
Ah I did not know about world gin day! I do love a good gin martini 🙂 I prefer to sit outside, unless it’s too cold or windy 🙂
Oooh, nice!