A SCOTTISH distillery has opened its new kitchen and bar as it aims to celebrate Orkney's rich food culture.
The Deerness Distillery, a family-owned business in Orkney, has opened its Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar.
The bar will serve seasonal and locally sourced dishes, and is an extension of the island’s newest whisky distiller’s mission to honour Orkney’s resources.
The opening will be led by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Adelle Brown, who plan to source key ingredients by collaborating with local farmers, furthering their mission to support and celebrate the island.
Stuart, chair of Orkney Food & Drink Regional Food Group, sees the new location as an opportunity to highlight what local producers have to offer and said: “Collaborating with other Orkney producers is at the heart of our vision. "The café’s evolving menu features ingredients from Orkney Food & Drink members, reflecting the island’s seasonal bounty.
“Support from the Orkney community has fuelled plans for festive events and guest chef evenings, which aim to highlight Orkney’s unique culinary heritage and growing reputation as a food and drink destination.”
With a café overlooking Copinsay, the location draws in anyone with an appreciation of the island’s natural beauty and local flavours, and the husband and wife led team promise to add a new chapter to Orkney’s story, following the launch of their award-winning gin.
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, praised the Browns' commitment, stating: “Stuart and Adelle’s dedication to Orkney’s food and drink sector and community has been remarkable.
"Since moving from Australia over a decade ago, they’ve made an outstanding impact on the regional food group and our industry more broadly.
“In his new role as chair of Orkney Food & Drink, and with the upcoming addition of whisky production at Deerness Distillery, Stuart is helping elevate Orkney’s profile as a destination for high-quality, locally produced food and drink.
"We’re thrilled to welcome another unique whisky distillery to the island. we look forward to seeing Deerness continue to flourish.”
