Eating

The Malt Whisky Trail is blessed with an abundance of quality produce, and a legion of passionate people who are committed to using our ingredients as best they can. Along the length and breadth of The Trail, there are fantastic places to eat and discover everything that the Moray Speyside larder has to offer.

Shops and delis

John Davidsons, formerly Royans of Elgin, is a family-owned butchers shop which has served the local community for generations.

Spey Larder in Aberlour, is a wonderful deli where you can sample the best of Moray Speyside’s produce. But if you don’t fancy cooking, then The Malt Whisky Trail is home to a real variety of local cafes and restaurants.

Coffee and cake

The Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to high tea.

Batchen Street Coffee is an award-winning independent coffee specialist in Elgin serving great coffee and hot drinks. They have a delicious breakfast and lunch menu and also stock a range of brewing equipment for the serious coffee drinker.

The Bakehouse in Findhorn is a favourite destination for freshly baked breads and sumptuous cakes, to takeaway.

Grab some lunch

Gordon Castle’s ‘Walled Garden‘ is home to a delightful cafe, and is in Fochabers near Strathisla. The farm-to-table menu is centred on seasonal produce, much of which is picked from the vast kitchen garden. Gordon Castle’s farm shop is also worth a visit, stocked with the estate’s own cider and craft gin, as well as toiletries and other delights using the estate’s botanicals.

Badenochs in Elgin claims to serve the best burgers in town, if you’re looking for something more casual, and boasts a beer garden for sunnier days. 

Planta aims to serve wholesome seasonal produce along with their authentic, neapolitan style pizzas. They’ve also launched a new wine bar if you’re tired of whisky.

Johnstons of Elgin, the famous cashmere mill, hosts a large cafe on its site, which is a favourite for light lunches, coffees, and baking.

The Bothy Bistro in Burghead, along the coast, is famed for serving fresh local seafood in its nautical cafe and garden.

Named one of Scotland’s Top 20 food stalls, vans and shacks by The Herald, Elgin’s Humble Burger specialises in Seattle-inspired street food with a Scottish twist.

Of course, many of our partner sites also have fantastic places to eat and drink. The visitor centre at The Glenlivet boasts a bright and bustling cafe. In Dufftown, the specially converted Malt Barn at Glenfiddich serves fine local food throughout the day, while in Elgin the Glen Moray distillery is a very popular lunch destination.

Evening meals

As the night draws in and you relax after a day of discovery, Moray Speyside offers a range of opportunities to dine in style.

If you’re looking for relaxed but luxury dining, head to The Trail’s newest restaurant: Orrin in Elgin. 

A cult-classic serving brunch, lunch and dinner, Elgin’s Drouthy Cobbler offers seasonal comfort grub alongside their coffee, cocktail and whisky menus. All can be enjoyed indoors or in their recently renovated courtyard.

The Dowans Hotel in Aberlour, serves local game, fish, and other Speyside delights in the lodge’s contemporary dining room. 

The Craigellachie hotel’s Copper Dog pub serves relaxed, seasonal food. It looks out onto the River Spey – a magical view for an evening of good food, and maybe a few drams.