The Orangery offers menus to suit all ages

The Old Manse of Blair has revealed its new restaurant, The Orangery.

The restaurant is under the leadership of Jonathan Greer, formerly of The Gleneagles Hotel and Ballathie House, which will create family friendly, Scottish contemporary food, focusing on fresh seasonal ingredients and the finest local produce.

The owners, Anne and Archie MacDonald, are particularly keen to welcome local families to The Orangery, with dining that doesn’t break the bank, with ingredients sourced from the incredible local larder available in Highland Perthshire. Featured on the menu will be venison from the local estates, Perthshire lamb and Arbroath Smokies.

Anne said: ‘We are delighted to appoint Jonathan Greer as consultant chef for the launch of The Orangery. The experience and calibre he brings to our new restaurant is unrivalled in this area of Perthshire.

‘Jonathan’s culinary expertise enhances our offering as a food destination. Jonathan has a solid background working with some of the best in the industry including Kevin MacGillivary and Paul Rankin and brings years of knowledge to the kitchen.’

Jonathan Greer, consultant chef, said: ‘I’m delighted to have the opportunity to put The Orangery on the culinary map in Scotland. The addition of a chef’s table is something I’m particularly excited to be hosting and will give customers a behind the scenes experience.’

Anne continued: ‘Our new innovative Inbetweeners menu for teenagers has been created following extensive research by our 11-year-old twins who have canvassed their school friends in several surveys.

‘The aim is to create a family dining destination with a more sustainable, affordable offering. The Inbetweeners menu will include our very own Angus’s, Aberdeen Angus 4oz Burger, with Orkney Cheddar and triple cooked chips from our own potatoes. We want to produce a foodie experience that is as fresh and tasty as possible, with the aim of engaging young diners in their food and an empty plate at the end of a meal.

One of the items on the menu at The Old Manse of Blair

‘Sunday lunch will be ideal for families who are looking for a day trip destination. There are so many beautiful walks to start the day, guests can work up an appetite before enjoying a slow roast rib of Scotch beef at The Orangery.

‘The Sunday lunch menu will vary from week to week, although there will always be a traditional Sunday roast cooked to perfection in the Aga.’

Set on its own private estate just off the A9, The Old Manse of Blair is located between the major central belt cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling and the Highland Capital Inverness, the start of the NC500 driving route.

A Chef’s Table experience is available for up to six guests for lunch or dinner, allowing diners to get up close to the cooking in the kitchen, with a seven course tasting meu and matched wines.

The Orangery is filled with natural daylight and in the warmer months guests can enjoy drinks on the outdoor terrace. The décor has been completed in a boutique contemporary style. There is a blend of bespoke furniture and soft furnishings, along with an extensive eclectic art collection including Buttercup, the Highland Cow, an original painting by renowned wildlife artist, Georgina McMaster.

The original greenhouse and walled garden on site will be used to grow fresh produce for The Orangery kitchen.

The Orangery will be open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, from Thursday to Sunday. During high season, from 1 May to 30th September, the restaurant will be open daily.

Visit www.theoldmanseofblair.com.