HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND (February 2020): Winner of the Scottish Hotel Awards 2019, Golf Hotel of the Year and Luxury Town Hotel of the Year, Mara will be a most welcome addition to Links House. Helmed by Chef Christopher Dougan, the concept behind Mara is to simply let the food speak for itself with a tincture of modern techniques. The restaurant will showcase the plentiful array of local seafood, game and foraged produce on its doorstep, and offer indulgent and contemporary dining. Sustainability is at the heart of Mara's menu and suppliers come from all corners of Scotland. Lobsters from Portmahomack, Scrabster scallops, Gartmorn duck, Perthshire raspberries, Dornoch lamb and game from Bonar Bridge all grace the menu. Closer to home, Chef Christopher Dougan and his team forage locally and gather herbs from the gardens visible from the restaurant for guests to experience a taste of Mara itself. Chef also works alongside local business just 2 miles north of Links House that grow a wide selection of vegetables.

Mara translates to “sea” in Scots Gaelic and reflects Links House's picturesque coastal location beside Dornoch beach and the North Sea. With commanding views over world-acclaimed coastal golf links course Royal Dornoch, Mara also offers guests an elegant dining experience.

In keeping with Visit Scotland's 2020 Year of Coast and Waters, Mara's menus are awash with delicious local seafood.  Diners can opt for the provenance-led a la carte menu which offers starters such as Pike with spiced rice, turnip and burnt onion; Oyster and Scallop with Douglas fir and pine kernels or Ham Haddie with peas and sweet cicely.  Main courses include Mallard with forced rhubarb, black pudding and lemon balm; Sea Trout with sea spaghetti, Black Crowdie, sesame and potato or Lobster with partan bree, pig tails, pan millie pudding and hog weeds. While examples of desserts include carrot with white chocolate and heritage potato, or Banana Pudding with sticky date ice cream.  No meal would be complete without local cheeses from Highland Fine Cheeses in nearby Tain.

Alternatively, guests can select Mara's “And/Or” tasting menu which comprises 5 or 8 courses.

Last but not least is the Mara signature “Hook & Hanger” board for 2 people: Mara's take on Surf & Turf, offering diners Angus steak and monkfish tail, scallops, langoustines, whelks, winkles, cockles, mussels, roast marrow bone, roast potatoes, sea herbs, garlic butter, lobster bisque and tartare sauce. For those following a vegan or gluten free diet, Mara's “Lifestyle” menu will not disappoint.

To complement the exquisite menus are vintage wines from both the continent and the U.S. Classics such as a 1997 Brunello di Montalcino, a 1989 Bordeaux or a 1996 Californian Cabernet all feature on Mara's extensive wine list. An innovative cocktail list inspired by Dornoch, the region's history, iconic guests, and produce is also available.

A private dining space, “The Compass Table”, catering for 6 – 12 guests, can provide a semi-private dining experience within the restaurant. Ideal for bespoke wine or whisky dinners and catering to those wanting a more exclusive dining experience.

Mara will be open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. In addition, weekend Joseph Perrier Champagne brunches will be available.

For further press information, please contact:

J Public Relations

Emma Hartland-Mahon or Alexandra Colquhoun

linkshouse@jpublicrelations.com 

Telephone: 0203 890 5858      

Mobile: 07921 124668

ABOUT LINKS HOUSE

Links House is a five-star luxury hotel situated in the rugged and romantic Scottish Highlands, one hour from Inverness.  Originally the Manse for the Free Church of Scotland formed in 1843, the house has been lovingly and sensitively restored to its former glory by current owner, Todd Warnock.  Links House offers a variety of luxury accommodation: five deluxe rooms, eight luxury suites and two bespoke apartments; all decorated in the house's original style and named after salmon rivers in the North Highlands. The hotel offers a wide range of activities for those wishing to partake in typically Scottish pursuits; golf, shooting, fishing, hiking and more. Located 50 yards from the first tee of the world-acclaimed Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the hotel is a magnet for golf lovers.