THE historic Loch Lomond Arms in Luss reopened to the public last month - and the Advertiser was recently invited along to try out the menu at the redesigned Stag and Two Hounds pub and restaurant.
Here's what we thought...
AS you would expect from a relaunched venue in the heart of ‘Scotland’s loveliest village’, the hotel, bar and restaurant are Scottish-themed to the extreme, even featuring a Tunnock's teacake-clad welcoming room as you enter the building, with wrappers of the famous biscuit brand in photo frames on the walls and covering the ceiling.
The pub is part of a wider refurbishment of the 17th-century coaching inn, reimagined by Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the history of the Colquhoun family and the surrounding landscape.
The Stag and Two Hounds pays tribute to the family’s love of animals through its design, with hand-printed wallpaper by Dundee artist Freya Cummings and playful portraits of Colquhoun ancestors wearing masks of their favourite animals.
It was a quiet early Friday evening when my wife and I turned up, with only a few local regulars at the bar; though it soon livened up with more dinner guests arriving later, and a party of 20 or so pubgoers joining the queue for pints at one point.
The two hounds in question on the night were Monty and Roxy, who, I’m reliably informed, had been in for a swim on the bonnie banks three times before seeking some scraps at the bar.
Indeed, the pub is dog-friendly, along with the cottages which can also be booked out, and this will no doubt be popular for those tourists who visit with their four-legged friends in tow.
We were given a quick tour of the ground floor, with all rooms booked out upstairs, and particularly enjoyed the small whisky bar in the Map Room - which could easily prove enticing for those staying over.
You get the impression that this place will be the cosiest of locals in the cold winter months, with low lighting and log fires creating the ideal atmosphere. The promise of seasonal experiences and whisky-tasting sessions will also add to its charm.
After being shown the sights, it was time to settle down for some scran.
The menu serves up a host of Scottish classics, and I opted for the curried cauliflower soup for starters, which was deliciously smooth and ever-so-slightly spicy. My wife, Stacey, chose the leek and potato terrine - a lighter option that was equally satisfying.
For the main course, I selected the pan-fried halibut, served with sweet potato and coconut purée, broad beans, and chorizo.
The fish was perfectly cooked, and the combination of flavours was well balanced.
Stacey went for the steak and Lomond ale pie with mash and root vegetables, which was hearty, rich, and topped with crisp pastry.
Desserts continued the theme of comfort and indulgence.
I finished with a classic burnt cream and shortbread, while Stacey enjoyed the ‘Floating Island’ - a delicate combination of caramel, almonds, and Drambuie custard, with - thankfully, for someone who is usually far from a fan of whisky liqueur - just a hint of alcohol.
Service was friendly and attentive throughout, with staff happy to chat and keep the pub pets entertained.
The drinks list is packed full of wines and spirits, while I enjoyed a refreshing pint of Loch Lomond Brewery's High Road lager.
The Stag and Two Hounds is a fitting tribute to the landscape, history, and hospitality of Loch Lomond - one that feels both authentic and inviting. It has a genuinely interesting story behind it, which is captured well in the redecorated walls and ceilings of this beautiful old place and is sure to resonate with tourists who want a bit more with their dining experience.
Those extras do come at a cost, however, with rooms in the hotel starting from around £265 per night, and the menu a touch more expensive than we're used to paying.
Overall, it’s a welcome return to the area, blending tradition with a fresh sense of style, and gets four stars out of five from us.
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