Outer Hebrides and Eat Drink Hebrides On Tour - London

A serendipitous encounter at a local food festival blossomed into an incredible journey, leading me to check off several destinations from my travel bucket list. For the past three years, I’ve had the immense privilege of working with Outer Hebrides Food and Drink, the Eat Drink Hebrides Programme. This collaboration has taken me to each and every island that comprises the stunning Outer Hebrides. Read all about my previous island visits HERE.

Now, as I continue this exciting partnership, I'm looking forward to promoting this culinary paradise not just across the UK, but hopefully on a global stage in 2026 along with the lovely Julie Sloan, Project Manager for Outer Hebrides Tourism and Food & Drink.

AULD HAG - THE SHOAPE

We kicked off our UK tour in London, timing our start to align perfectly with the lively celebrations of Rabbie Burns Night around January 25th. There's something magical about the city during this time—a fusion of urban energy and rich Scottish tradition that creates an atmosphere you can almost taste.

Our first stop was Auld Hag, The Shoape in Islington, a hidden gem run by Gregg Boyd, a Scotsman whose passion for his heritage infuses every corner of the place and the events he hosts. Stepping inside felt like being warmly embraced by Scotland itself. His take on Scottish toasties with The Haggis Chopped Cheese filled the air, and shelves groaning with Scottish produce from the islands to the highlands. The Shoape not only serves and sells Scottish food and drink (yes there are fresh pints of Tennents available on draft); it offers an immersion into Scottish culture, sharing stories and traditions through collaborations with Scottish brands to host several events including ceilidhs, live music and quirky pop-ups like Pies & Pints, and Scran & Swally.

The Shoape feels like discovering a slice of Scotland tucked away in the vibrant streets of Islington. This charming little café, cosy enough to seat up to 20 people, exudes an atmosphere that's both intimate and buzzing with energy. Despite its modest size, The Shoape is a treasure trove of incredible Scottish "scran"—a term affectionately used for hearty food—that promises to delight both the curious newcomer and the homesick Scot.

Their fridges and shelves are brimming with artisanal products, many sourced directly from the Outer Hebrides. It's like embarking on a culinary journey through the rugged islands without ever leaving London. After our recent visit, we’re hoping they expand their selection, bringing in more specialties that showcase the rich tapestry of Scottish cuisine.

Here, you'll find the legendary Charley Barley's—officially known as Charles Macleod Butchers—famous for their Stornoway Black Pudding. This isn't just any black pudding; it's a delicacy with a deep, savoury flavour that carries the essence of tradition in every bite. And of course, they offer authentic haggis, the iconic dish that captures the spirit of Scotland's culinary heritage.

But the offerings don't stop there. The Shoape stocks the exquisite Isle of Harris Gin, a spirit infused with local botanicals like sugar kelp, which imparts a subtle maritime note that's both unique and refreshing. It's like sipping on the very essence of the Hebridean sea breeze and if you need a wee dram, there’s The Hearach Whisky. For those who appreciate a tangy kick, the Hebridean Mustard Company's creations are a must-try, adding a bold flair to any dish.

Stag Bakeries, another gem from the Outer Hebrides, contributes an array of baked goods that blend traditional recipes with quality ingredients. Their products range from crisp oatcakes to sweet treats, each one echoing the homemade comforts of island life. With many more producers soon to be added, The Shoape is rapidly becoming a hub for the finest Scottish provisions.

Their commitment to quality starts with their homemade morning rolls, freshly baked using Mungoswells flour—a renowned Scottish organic flour milled from locally grown wheat in East Lothian. This attention to ingredient provenance sets the tone for everything they offer.

The rolls come generously filled with some of the best Scottish fillings you can imagine. Think Findlay's Square Sausage, then there's the Ayrshire Streaky Bacon. For a carb lover's delight, Archibold's Tattie Scones make an appearance. And, of course, no Scottish roll would be complete without a slice of Charley Barley's famous Stornoway Black Pudding. To top it all off, you have the classic choice between "broon" sauce or “red” sauce.

But The Shoape's offerings don't stop at stellar breakfast rolls. They serve Cullen Skink and Scotch broth as well as both Scotch and Macaroni Pies.

During our visit, we couldn't resist trying the intriguingly named "Cauli-Flower of Scotland," and let me tell you, it was nothing short of braw! This toastie takes humble roasted cauliflower and transforms it into a gastronomic masterpiece. The cauliflower is perfectly roasted to achieve that tender yet slightly crunchy texture, then bathed in a luxurious Strathdon Blue béchamel sauce. But the magic doesn't stop there, there’s a spice and herb crumb and hot heather honey! A must eat toastie.

As we embarked on our UK tour, we found ourselves accompanied by an exceptionally large suitcase—a veritable treasure chest brimming with the finest products from the Outer Hebrides. Each item was carefully selected, not just as merchandise to showcase, but as storytellers carrying the essence of the isles to new audiences.

One of the crown jewels nestled within was the Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon. This isn't just any smoked salmon; it's a delicacy crafted on the remote shores of the Isle of Lewis, where the salmon is smoked over whisky-infused oak chips.

Alongside this, we packed selections from the Stag Bakeries.

We also promoted Hebridean Charcuterie, artisans who have mastered the craft of curing meats in the traditional Hebridean way.

Our assortment of spirits was nothing short of exceptional. The Isle of Lewis Gin stood out with its unique blend of local botanicals, including juniper, heather, and wild Hebridean herbs. From Lews Distillery, we brought the Stornoway Gin, a spirit that encapsulates the essence of its namesake town—a bustling harbour, the clink of boats, and the murmurs of Celtic history woven into its very core.

Adding to this rich tapestry was the Landfall Gin from Stornoway Distillers. Aptly named, it symbolizes the joy and relief of sighting land after a long voyage.

Venturing into the realm of the exotic, we brought along the South Uist Spiced Rum. This intriguing spirit is infused with a blend of spices that whisper of distant lands while remaining deeply rooted in Hebridean tradition.

A particularly exciting aspect of our tour was the inclusion of Downpour Gin from the North Uist Distillery. Amy from the distillery kindly hosted a gin tasting during our pop-up, serving up tasters from their current range including Scottish Dry (blue bottle), Coast & Croft (green bottle), Pink Grapefruit (pink bottle) and their Slow & Bramble Gin (red bottle).

OUTER HEBRIDES FOOD & DRINK TOUR AROUND LONDON LANDMARKS

With a bit of free time on our hands, we decided that our Hebridean adventure shouldn't be confined to just one spot. So, we took the Outer Hebrides Food and Drink on a spontaneous tour around London—yes, the exceptionally large suitcase came with us! It was as if we were ambassadors for the isles, bringing a taste of Scotland to the heart of England. Our mission? To introduce these island treasures to some of the most iconic landmarks the city has to offer.

Our first stop was the majestic Big Ben, its golden clock face gleaming against the backdrop of a quintessentially overcast London sky. Standing there, suitcase in tow, we couldn't help but feel a delightful contrast between the historic grandeur of Westminster and the rugged charm of the Outer Hebrides.

Next, we wandered over to the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey then to the towering London Eye.

Of course, no tour of London would be complete without paying homage to the iconic London Underground sign. We paused by one of the classic red and blue roundels, its design so unmistakably British and lastly, although not pictured, a Big Red Telephone Box!

We'd planned to culminate our trip with an open-top bus tour, however, Storm Eowyn had other plans! Maybe the Open Top Bus tour is meant for another trip!

OUTER HEBRIDES FOOD & DRINK AT SCOTLAND HOUSE, LONDON FOR BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATIONS

From there, we journeyed to Scotland House, for their Burns Night celebrations. The event was filled with music, poetry, whisky and camaraderie. It struck me how the words of an 18th-century poet continue to resonate, uniting people across time and space. It was more than a celebration—it was a living, breathing homage to the enduring spirit of Scotland.

Scotland House is a joint initiative of the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, and VisitScotland to provide a base for Scottish businesses looking to expand their horizons.

Our table was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of the Outer Hebrides' finest delicacies, an inviting spread that beckoned guests to embark on a culinary journey through the islands. Laden with a cornucopia of wonderful produce, it was impossible not to be drawn in by the enticing aromas and rich colours that adorned the setting.

At the heart of the display was the gorgeous Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon, its tender, silky pieces glistening under the soft lights. Beside this centrepiece, our array of exquisite gins awaited tasting, each bottle a story unto itself. To complement these spirits, we offered the hearty oatcakes and biscuits from Hebridean Baker and Stag Bakeries. Nibbles were elevated with a dash of Hebridean Mustard.

Guests found themselves not just enjoying the food and drink but also connecting over shared curiosities and newfound appreciations. Julie, introduced guests to the new Buth Hebrides (pronounced Boo meaning shop) - Buth Hebrides Online Marketplace in the Outer Hebrides

As part of the Scotland Food and Drink Showcase, we were joined by Ayrshire Food and Drink and Amity Fish Company.

These two venues, both deeply rooted in Scottish identity, provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the food and drink we're championing. It was wonderful to see how the flavours of the Outer Hebrides sparked joy and curiosity among a diverse crowd. The way food can transcend cultural boundaries never ceases to amaze me; it's a universal language that speaks to our shared humanity.

Looking ahead, this experience has only fuelled the passion to spread the word about this slice of foodie heaven. We're excited to carry the spirit of the Outer Hebrides with us as we continue our tour across the UK.

It's fascinating to think about how food and culture intertwine to create shared experiences. Celebrations like Burns Night and St Andrews Night are more than annual events—they're events that keep traditions alive and evolving. They offer a space for people to come together, to share stories, and to be part of something larger than themselves.

This leg of the tour underscored the significance of cultural exchange. By bringing these products to a broader audience, we are not only promoting the artisans and producers of the Outer Hebrides but also the rich cultural heritage. It's about building bridges—between communities, producers and consumers, and between the past and the present.

Looking ahead, we're excited. Plans are already budding for collaborative events in Newcastle and Edinburgh. The enthusiastic reception we've received fuels the ambition to continue sharing these treasures, continuing to put Eat Drink Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides food and drink scene on the global map.

Slainte mhath!