The Steam Packet Inn Isle of Whithorn
The Steam Packet is an exceptional pub, restaurant and microbrewary on the quayside at the Isle of Whithorn. To remember relaxing at a picnic table with a cold glass, on a sunny day watching the boats gently moving at their moorings in the harbour is a memory to cherish.
Okay we're biased, we eat at The Steam Packet, oh and drink... At least a few times every time we're at the Isle, Yvette is a fish fan, and even I (not so keen) will try on occasion, on such evenings I've tried Sole, Plaice, Hake and Turbot. I remember each dish, yes fish, it's not a regular thing for me, yes a sort of 'when in Rome' thing, and mayby only at the Steam Packet. Yes actually, just at the Steam Packet. Anyway she's wolfed down fish pies and thinking 'bout it, virtually anything that swims or ligs 'bout the sea... least those on the menu. The meat is there for us tho, us that think that 'what you eat should have had at least four legs at some point in it's life'. And I've always been very happy with the meat menu - go for the Chicken with Haggis in Whisky sauce if it's on. The specials change daily, the fish depending somewhat on what is freshly landed. I believe they cater for Vegetarians and possibly even Vegans, whatever they are.
The Steam Packet allows dugs in the bar area and the conservatory, but has a separate restaurant for posh people also. Bag your seat by the big windows, sip your pint and gaze at the view, instead of talking to the Mrs.
We've always found that Alistair and his lovely staff will find a place for you to eat, and try to fit you in, even at very busy periods. This is a hint of why we love IOW, the locals try so hard, the Steam Packet isn't expensive - and it could be - and would be if it were in the Lakes. Here the owners and staff seem to just want to do their job better than just properly. If that's their secret to sucess then so be it.
So, with respect to them, book a table ahead if you can during popular times, or if arriving later, details below.
DARK STORMS AHEAD
As mentioned The Steam Packet has a microbrewary also and brews a range of beers under the name 'Five Kingdoms'. These apparently you can see on a really clear day, obvs Scotland, Cumbria, Isle of Man, are usual, also Ireland, but apparently Wales - glimpsed at least twice in a long Isler's lifetime. Though another option, the Kingdom of Heaven may be seen only by the few.
Anyway back to Dark Storm, the beers at The Steam Packet are great, I particulary enjoy their mild. But Dark Storm is like nectar, it tastes like a lovely smooth porter, a bit Guinness ish, creamy, smooth, malty. Er it's a pleasure to drink. But it's nearly seven percent. Oh dear, dark storms ahead.
After a few, on the walk home I've said (I'm told), as I tried to regain a standing/going forward position,
'No, I'm not dwunk. Dwarling I err, I juss falled dover... hedgehog fink, thass all'.
The Steam Packet
Tel 01988 500334
https://www.thesteampacketinn.biz
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