Home / Get Inspired / Blog / Angus for Foodies: A Taste of Tradition and Innovation

Local Legends on a Plate: Uncovering Our Local Larder

Angus is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic delicacies, each with a story as rich as its taste. No culinary trip to Angus is complete without sampling the local delicacies that have cemented the region’s place on the foodie map.

  • Arbroath Smokie: This world-famous smoked haddock, prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations, is a must-try. Originating in the fishing village of Auchmithie before moving to Arbroath, the resulting fish is golden-brown, flaky, and intensely flavourful. Follow the Arbroath Smokie Trail to find out more about the history.
  • Forfar Bridie: A savoury staple, the bridie is a pastry filled with minced beef and onions, traditionally formed into a horseshoe shape – a local favourite with roots dating back to the 19th century. Pick one up from a local bakery such as Saddlers or McLarens and enjoy a true taste of Angus history.
  • Aberdeen Angus Beef: The name is known globally, but this world-class breed originated right here in Angus and Aberdeenshire. Savour the incredibly rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that comes from cattle raised on lush pastures. Whether it’s a gourmet burger or a perfectly cooked steak, you’ll find this meat featured in restaurants across the region.
  • Soft Fruits: Angus is one of Scotland’s top producers of berries. In summer Angus becomes a berry paradise, with fields bursting with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Visit a local farm shop or PYO (pick-your-own) site to enjoy them at their freshest. Follow the Angus Berry Trail to find out more about where you can enjoy Angus berries.

A Spirited Adventure: Distilleries and Dram-Good Fun

Angus is helping to lead a revolution in Scotland’s spirits scene, offering unique tours and tastings that are perfect for a day out – a spirited experience for those who appreciate a fine dram or craft gin.

  • Arbikie Distillery: Located on the dramatic coastline near Arbroath, Arbikie is a family-owned working farm that produces some of the world’s most sustainable spirits. Book a tour to see their unique field-to-bottle process for their award-winning gins, vodkas, and whiskies, including the world’s first climate-positive spirits.
  • Angus Alchemy: Rip up the rulebook and head to Angus Alchemy, a distillery breaking the mould with its distinctive range of moonshine and gin. Their tasting experiences offer a fun, in-depth look at their rebellious approach to spirits, and you can even add a flight of delicious pies from local pie makers, Wee Cook, to accompany your drams.
  • The Bothy Experience: Located in the historic village of Glamis, The Bothy Experience offers a charming and informative experience. Discover how their award-winning small-batch gin is created and learn about the unique folklore and history of Scottish bothies, before stepping into their tasting rooms for a guided gin tasting.
  • Ogilvy Distillery: Based near Glamis, Ogilvy produces a unique potato vodka entirely made on-site. Jump on the Tattie Box Tours trailer and go behind the scenes where you’ll be guided through the potato and vodka production, and finish your day with a tasting of their award-winning vodka.
  • Redcastle: Located in Arbroath, Redcastle produce a range of award-winning spirits and liqueurs, all expertly created, carefully distilled, lovingly bottled and wax dipped by hand. They offer a range of exciting experiences including tastings, blending schools, cocktail making classes and distilling days.

Gathering the Goods: Markets & Local Makers

To truly connect with the flavour of Angus, you have to meet the makers. The region’s regular farmers’ markets are a vibrant hub for local producers, farmers, and artisans.

Head along to the monthly Producers of Angus Markets taking place in Forfar and Montrose, as well as the regular Arbroath Market, where you can expect to find fresh fruit and vegetables, local meat, game and fish, an array of drinks and sweet treats, as well as creative crafters. Chat with producers and stock up on goodies for a picnic or self-catering stay, or take them home to enjoy as you please.

Local farm shops offer a year-round selection of artisan goods and produce, direct from their farm and from other local producers. The perfect place to stock up on the very best of fresh, local produce and pick up gifts for friends and loved ones.

Look out for pop-up markets and foodie events taking place throughout the year across Angus.

Where to Eat: From Cosy Cafés to Fine Dining

Whether you’re looking for a celebratory meal or a relaxed, authentic bite, Angus has a perfect table for you. Angus is packed with places to eat that cater to every taste and budget.

  • Restaurants: Enjoy everything from classic fish and chips to exquisite three-course meals showcasing local ingredients in our local restaurants, with views overlooking the sea, the hills and everything in between.
  • Cafés: Whether you crave a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or authentic home baking, fuel your Angus adventure at our fantastic farm shops, garden cafés, delis and specialist coffee houses.
  • Takeaways: Grab a delicious takeaway in Angus, from fish and chips to diverse international flavours. Perfect for a quick bite on the go or a relaxed meal at your self-catering accommodation.
  • Bars & Pubs: Experience Angus’s vibrant pub scene with a fantastic selection of bars and pubs offering local ales, spirits, and whiskies from across eastern Scotland.

Check out our Insider’s Guide to Places to Eat in Angus, for some of the very best dining experiences in Angus, as recommended by locals and people who love visiting the region. You can also browse our Angus itineraries, with lots of great suggestions for places to visit and eat during your visit.

Tips for Foodie Visitors

 

  • Plan ahead: Many venues will require pre-booking for tours or tastings, and it’s best to book restaurants in advance too to make sure you get a table!
  • Seasonality matters: In summer you’ll find peak berries and soft fruits; in cooler months, the focus shifts to things like root vegetables and game.
  • Talk to locals: Farmers, fishermen and chefs often have stories and hidden tips that don’t make it into guidebooks.
  • Take home flavours: Bring back jars of jam, bottles of gin or smoked fish from local delis to extend your Angus culinary journey.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Angus offers a delicious journey through Scotland’s larder. Come hungry, leave inspired! Ready to plan your tasty escape?

Download the App Now!

What's inside the app:

  • Augmented Reality
  • Panoramic Views
  • Interactive Games
  • Past Vs Present Images