When I received the message to saying, Do you want to come and spend a few days in Nairn eating? I was like why the hell not. No sooner was I off the phone than I was requesting annual leave, I didn’t want to let the opportunity pass me by!
My first lunch out was at The Classroom Bistro. I took my husband along to enjoy the experience too! We woke up in the morning of the meal to find beautiful blue skies so a great day to take a run on the bike and enjoy a scenic drive to Nairn. We arrived a little early so had to go for a look down at the beach and so glad we did as it just looked stunning and was great to see lots of people out enjoying the sunshine.
The Classroom Bistro is centrally located in Nairn only a stone throw from the shops and train station. They are open daily serving breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as coffee and cake. It was Sunday when we was there so I couldn’t not have the Sunday roast of the day. As I tucked into my roast beef Mr C enjoyed his crispy chilli chicken.
Although we were pretty stuffed after our main course, we still managed to squeeze in a pudding. My husband had an amazing looking crumble and I had sticky ginger pudding.
The food all tasted delicious and beautifully presented. The service was great and to top it all the Classroom itself has a light airy feel with quirky wee touches in the decor makes it a lovely place to eat.
My next trip to Nairn I decided to take the train so I could enjoy a few drinks. I am not really a big drinker but it is nice to have a few from time to time. The train from Keith to Nairn takes less than an hour no sooner that you’re on the train and you’re coming off. I had a little bit of time before I met my friend Claire so I had a wee mooch at the shops and suss out some places I would be visiting.
We were booked in at the Havelock for lunch. The Havelock House Hotel is a family run hotel located close by the beach. They serve hearty pub style food. Such as steaks, burgers and homemade pies which I love especially after a long walk. I had haggis bon bon’s followed by chicken and leek pie. Claire had risotto followed by a burger.
I would have happily sat there all afternoon. The Havelock has a chilled relaxed atmosphere that makes you just want to stay and have another pint.
After lunch we took a wee bit of a wander up to the High Street. We dropped in past The Grapemonger, Nairn own independent wine seller. Along with a wide range of wine, they also stock a range of beers and spirits. I managed to pick up some Brew Toon beer that my husband has been wanting to try.
After a wander round a few more shops we stopped in past MNM cafe to have a wee fly cup and I picked up a sandwich for for train journey home. Even though I was pretty stuffed after lunch I did have a small space for a fancy piece. I chose a Biscoff cookie bar which was lush.
I did save half for later. Armed with my chicken and bacon sandwich ready to soak up the cocktails we headed for the Classroom.
I was delighted to meet up with Sophie (ScottishFoodGirl) & Kelly (HaimandAwa) in the Classroom. We were greeted by Ryan , our mixologist. We had a right giggle making and enjoyed some lovely cocktails with Ryan keeping us right.
No sooner was I on the train home than I was back on it the next day. I would have loved to have stayed at Barrow Campsite where we often stay when we are in Nairn but not to be this time. Barrow is only a few miles out of Nairn and it’s a great campsite to escape to. It has modern well kept facilities and even a pond that you can paddleboard on.
Arriving in Nairn again I headed for Ashers bakery where I was greeted by a couple lovely ladies at the counter. I got myself a bacon roll and a cup of tea which I sat and enjoyed in the cafe area while I planned my walk before lunch!
I really wanted to write a walk to accompany my Tracy Eats Nairn blog so off I went to explore and enjoy some of the paths, trails and roads around Nairn. From the beach to the river, shopping streets to streets of beautiful houses. Tracy Walks Nairn will be coming soon.
4 miles of walking later I had totally earned my lunch! I headed for the Sun Dancer which is located right at the beach. The Sun Dancer was originally an arcade called the Sand Dancer but in recent years was converted into a beautiful restaurant and renamed.
The upstairs restaurant has fantastic coastal views at every table. It was great to meet the Taste of Nairn gang again. We started with ordering some Mocktails before deciding what to eat.
You know that moment when you want to have 3 courses but you don’t think you can fit all that in. Thankfully Kelly was happy to share the Cod Goujons starter and I had a taste of Sophie’s Goats Cheese and Red Pepper Tart. Both dishes were excellent and well presented too.
For the main course I actually choose something a bit different to what I would normally have. Spiced beef kofta served with flatbread and fried rice. It was super tasty and just the right amount of spice. Everyone’s main course looked fab. Kelly’s seafood platter looked out of this world.
When it came to the dessert course everyone was sharing but I walked about 20K steps by this point I was having my own. I chose lemon and blueberry cheesecake which was so light and tasty and just the perfect amount.
The service at the Sundancer was fantastic and could not fault anything. With my belly full it was time for me to say my goodbyes and hot foot it to the station to catch my train. The great thing about Nairn is it’s not far to walk anywhere if you have travelled by public transport.
I had an amazing few days in Nairn enjoying some of the fantastic places to eat as well as exploring the area and the shops. I am returning for the main event in May – Taste of Nairn 2024 where I seem to have been roped in to enter the World Tattie Scone making Contest.
Please take a look over on the Nairn Bid Website for more information on this fantastic fantastic 3 day food and drink festival Taste of Nairn that runs from 10th – 12th May.
Please note this was a gifted experience.
Tracy Goes Outside 