Chef Hewat's wife, Margaret is in charge of front of house, with a small team of girls. All very organised with a touch of formality but no fuss, our table set with starched white tablecloth, napkins, sparkling glasses and cutlery. “Would you like a drink to start?” Two chilled glasses of champagne arrive and a bowl of olives – served warm, drizzled in olive oil and herbs. Simply delicious. As we study the menu, we are offered freshly baked rolls and brown walnut bread.
The selection of starters is impressive, such as Cullen Skink broth, Foie Gras and a hearty Black Pudding and Haggis dish. I select King Scallops, delicately seared with a crown of caviar – light and tasty. Also sampled is Smoked Salmon, Crab and Lobster parcel, stuffed with lime crème fraiche - quickly devoured on the other side of the table. Main courses are well described, indicating all the ingredients to entice the taste buds: e.g. “Roast tenderloin of Boar with morel mushrooms, crispy Serrano ham, Arran mustard mash, with cabbage, roasted carrots and broccoli”. Portion sizes are generous, be warned.!
My baked fillet of Coley is surrounded by half a dozen mussels on a nest of spinach and lobster mash. The creamy potato is ingenious, with a subtle seafood bisque flavour. My dining partner enjoys a medley of Monkfish, seabass, salmon and tiger prawns on top of crab and pea risotto - a mountain of fine fish and perfectly cooked risotto.
For Dessert, the classic Lemon tart is tempting as is Chocolate mousse, but we decide to share a portion of cheese – a melting Colleeney, Stilton and Isle of Mull cheddar, served with grapes and thin, crispy, home-made oatcakes. To drink, we sip a rich, blackberry-ish Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. Excellent wine list too.
On this Friday night, Hewat’s is buzzing with happy diners. This is a popular place for families, friends and couples to meet for seriously good food and drink in a warm, comfortable, romantic setting. Private, celebratory meals for up to twelve people can be arranged in the charming, intimate alcove, draped in velvet curtains like your own homely dining room.