North West Skye has always been one of my favourite places in the world. Dunvegan, Waternish, Harlosh, Colbost, Neist Point, Vatten, Feorlig and Roag – all names with such happy memories. Every summer my Granny and Seanair would pack up their Ford Capri and head off to their caravan for a summer in Skye. Memories of milk straight from the cow, collapsing beds and wanders to the wee outside toilet in howling gales at night all made for enjoyable and memorable holidays.
Raymond and I have been to Skye many times in more recent years and new names like The Three Chimneys, Kinloch Lodge, The Old School Restaurant, Loch Bay Seafood and Skeabost are being added to our list of places with happy memories. Skye is now well and truly on the foodie map with it’s amazing natural larder, fabulous restaurants and a cohesive commitment to providing excellent Scottish food.
On our last visit back in January we passed The Red Roof Gallery in Glendale but sadly it was closed for the winter so decided to put it on our list of places to visit next time. We have been following this little remote cafe on Facebook ever since it was set up by Craig and Elly.
We had read that Craig and Elly decided to sell the business and head off to Italy to start a new chapter of their life. It’s really quite funny as I’m blogging about our visit to Skye whilst on the train from Milan to Levanto and Cinque Terre in Italy – not too far from where the guys ended up! Anyway, back to Skye and it was no surprise that the business was quickly snapped up and still continues to provide excellent food and drinks.
A few weeks ago we made a flying visit to Skye and ensured our first stop was at The Red Roof Gallery for lunch, after missing out earlier in the year. Anyone who knows Skye well appreciates that most places are a wee bit off the beaten track but the journey to get there is usually spectacular and worth the effort. Red Roof Gallery is no different. Once you get to Dunvegan, take the road to Colbost passing the Three Chimneys, Skye Silver and onward to Glendale. In Glendale you will pick up signs for the cafe and spot it’s red roof along the single track road. If you’re in the area a visit to Neist Point Lighthouse is a must and perfect for walking off your lunch.
The gallery is really an old traditional crofters cottage, with kitchen and counter filled with delicious cakes at one end. Good use is made of the rest of the space with tables, chairs and lots of local art to browse and buy within the nooks and crannies. This old cottage also comes with an inside loo – so no need to worry about braving the elements!
The menu is made up of assorted platters, all of which have a basic offering and then you add extras from the specials board. Names such as The Gamekeeper, The Crofter, The Fisherman and Laird’s Lunch fill you with anticipation for tasty local treats.
I decided to have The Crofter which was a selection of 2 or 3 Scottish cheeses with Organic Connage Crowdie and homemade ginger and apple chutney. A choice of 2 cheeses cost £8.95 and 3 cheeses £11.50. Other cheeses available on the day were Lanark White, Clava Brie, Dunsyre Blue and Cromal.
Raymond opted for The Gardener which was homemade spicy red lentil and sweet potato pate, red roof hummus and salad of the day. Both platters were served with amazing homemade bread and oatcakes.
Service was great with top ups of oatcakes and bread freely offered. You never usually get enough to finish off the cheeses and pate so this gesture was much appreciated!
Both platters were excellent and made for a real tasty lunch. The homemade elements were very fresh and it’s nice to see so many of Scotland’s fabulous products being used in this beautiful corner of Skye.
Next time we go we will be sure to try one of the meat platters as they include the award winning Great Glen Charcuterie’s Venison and Green Peppercorn Salami, Pheasant and Venison Terrine and Venison Chorizo.
The tea and coffee menu was extensive (with teas coming from Pekoe Tea in Edinburgh) so the perfect excuse to sample tea and some of their home baking (gluten free and vegan options available)
I decided on the lime and coconut cake and Raymond went for the orange polenta cake. The lime one was a lovely texture with a nice lime zing! Raymond tells me the polenta cake was just as nice but it was gone before I got a taste!!
The place was busy when we visited which was great to see for a blustery Sunday afternoon. During the summer time the cafe becomes a music venue in the evening so make sure you follow The Red Roof Gallery on Facebook to keep up with their events. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Red Roof Gallery and would recommend stopping by if you’re on Skye.
Glendale
Isle of Skye
Tel: 01470 511766
