Travel around the world on your plate

Scotland used to be the butt of a whole string of jokes about food.

Twenty years ago, if you asked anyone almost anywhere in the western world to name some Scottish dishes, the likelihood was they would come up with haggis, shortbread and, maybe, deep-fried Mars Bars.

Thankfully, all that is changing and altering rapidly.

A vibrant food and drinks industry across the country has been steadily building a new reputation to rank alongside our magnificent scenery and rich history.

Yes, Scotland’s food and drink has been turned into our wee hidden gem, steadily working its way centre-stage in the range of attractions that act like a magnet for visitors of all varieties of cuisine.

And from the farm to your table, Lanarkshire is packed with a host of fresh produce that is enjoyed in the heart of Lanarkshire and around the world too.

You just have to visit restaurants and cafes in the county to sample the delicious range of produce.

From fish and chip shops and cafes to a la carte restaurants and, of course, the Michelin starred Cameron House Hotel is situated pride of place at Loch Lomond.

What’s exciting about Lanarkshire is that the restaurants do not necessarily just offer Scottish dishes.

Platters from all over the world can be found right on your doorstep.

Oriental fare is as popular today as it has been any time since the 60s, when Chinese dishes led to a snowballing expansion of eating places across the country.

But if there is a special relationship with other countries then it surely lies with India in Lanarkshire where restaurants serve the finest of dishes.

The Taj Palace, located in East Kilbride, offers a stunning range of Indian, Balti, Asian and Eastern European dishes, to get your curry taste buds all excited.

Lanarkshire has food from all over the globe for you to enjoy from Italy at Da Luciano’s in Bothwell, to Spain and China. There is so much choice.

And, of course, Lanarkshire has a wealth of coffee shops and tearooms to enjoy, in and around the Clyde Valley too.

The rise in popularity of afternoon tea means hotels are also opening their doors for you to sit back and enjoy an afternoon of cakes, sandwiches and possibly a glass of chilled Prosecco too.

Step inside a coffee shop in Lanarkshire and you can enjoy some of the best home baking around, like in Glespin.

What could be better on a summer’s day than meeting friends and enjoying a catch-up over a cuppa?

So, this summer, why not make going out for a meal one of your priorities.

There’s so much choice on your doorstep, no need to travel as you can travel around the world right here in Lanarkshire.

Book your table for Scottish fine dining, Indian, Chinese, Italian or a refreshing tea and cake.