Eat, Drink, Explore: 5 top tips to rediscover Inverness this summer

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It’s happened to everyone – whilst having a conversation with someone who is visiting or has just visited your hometown, you’ll listen to a list of wonderful things they've seen, tasted, experienced, and enjoyed during their stay. And realise that the vast majority of the list will be made of places you haven't been to in a long time — if ever.

Flavours that are a distant memory. Landmarks and experiences you've had on your wishlist for years, but never got around to doing. Because, let’s face it, they are within your reach, very accessible – almost too accessible. And that’s when, far too often, we take them for granted and end up never truly getting around to "ticking" them off our list.

Back to that conversation – all of a sudden, you are seeing your home ground through a new and fresh gaze. Sometimes, it takes a bit of a push to finally take that leap and rediscover how amazing your surroundings can be, and how much they have to offer.

This is especially true for the Highland capital. Far from being just the gateway to wild, rugged outdoors, the city is a collection of hidden gems. And one that is growing fast, too.

So, to make the most of the long summer evenings and weekends, here are a few tips to inspire you to head out and rediscover Inverness.

Rediscovering the city through its flavours

Inverness may not be comparable to Edinburgh, London or other metropolitan cities when it comes to the variety of food offerings.

But, let me tell you, as someone relatively new to the Highland capital, the options are growing and there are some true gems on our doorstep to give our tastebuds something to feast upon.

One success story has to be, for instance, the Victorian Market – a local landmark which captures local vendors, and now hosts such a wonderful variety of foods in its food hall. Have you tried them all? That would be one fun challenge, to be sure.

If it’s variety we are talking about – the food trail on the Riverside has, every year, a new addition to offer, and many more independent takeaways of all kinds (from Greek to Indian, passing through pizza) are popping up around the city.

As do the many cafes around the town – each with its own peculiar offering, whether it’s doughnuts, tasty savoury bites or a cosy nook where to play games. You name it, and there is a place you have not tried yet, which you may love.

But this city also has a wonderful array of restaurants to choose from.

One of them is, for sure, the Waterside Restaurant at the Glen Mhor Hotel. With its elegant interiors, it offers beautiful views of the River Ness, and delicious plates with a focus on sustainable and local produce, making for a great spot for a relaxed night out, a tasty lunch or a scrumptious Sunday roast – right in the heart of the city.

Spirit of Inverness

Whisky permeates the history of the Highland capital and its surroundings, which, in the past have been a thriving ground for distilling, counting more than 20 “lost” distilleries (those no longer in production or demolished).

Although, for a few decades, this magic spell was lost, now Inverness is finding the love for whisky once again, and it’s making the heart of the city beat with new whisky bars and shops to discover and enjoy the national spirit.

But the most remarkable novelty on the scene in recent years was the arrival of Uile-bheist, a brewery and distillery which brought back the art of whisky-making in the heart of the city.

Located on the River Ness, within the Glen Mhor Hotel, Uile-bheist (pronounced ewl-uh-vehst, it means ‘monster’ in Gaelic) offers a small yet wonderful window into the production of whisky, and mixes high-end cutting-edge technologies (particularly in its commitment to sustainability) with the tradition of brewing and distilling.

Whisky lovers are in for a treat visiting the production site on one of its fascinating tours, and, whilst their whisky is not quite ready yet, they can taste both the distillery’s delicious new make as well as two different independently bottled whiskies - a salty and smoky version and a rich and fruity one are available to try.

Or if whisky is not quite your thing, freshly brewed beer is available on the many taps of the bar. In fact, you’ll be separated from the brewery just by a glass window, offering a direct glance on the production area.

The bar has an impressive whisky menu to choose from, alongside other spirits and delightful cocktails.

On a summer day, you can drop by with some friends and enjoy a refreshing beverage and some delicious food in the beer garden, where live music and entertainment are also on offer every Saturday afternoon. A perfect spot to enjoy a warm summer day by the river. No wonder the venue is fast becoming a favourite with Inverness locals.

You can book a tour or check out the Uile-bheist taproom and bar at www.glen-mhor.com/distillery-and-brewery.

The Outdoors in the city

Inverness is widely known as a perfect base to visit the stunning landscapes of the Highlands. Many will stop here and head on the North Coast 500, Loch Ness, or the Cairngorms, only to name a few.

However, if it’s true that we are spoiled for choice with options of day trips, there is much to enjoy without having to go out of the city.

For one, the Ness Islands are an oasis of peace, a place which does seem a world away from the hustle of the city centre, yet only a few minutes away from it. It’s a wonderful place to sit, read a book, and watch the world flow along with the river.

The other waterway that pumps blood and life in the city is, of course, the Caledonian Canal. One can stretch for a walk or a cycle (or, why not, even a paddle) for several miles, immersing in the peaceful surroundings, from the busier Muirtown basin and locks, down to where the city meets the countryside and the breathtaking succession of Lochs towards and past Dochgarroch.

Forest dwellers can immerse themselves in the peaceful woods of Craig Phadraig or Culloden – both of which also offer fascinating glimpses into the history of this city, whether you are interested in the Picts or the Jacobites.

For longer walks, the Great Glen Way cuts through the city and can be walked in sections – or as a whole for more experienced hikers.

And, last but not least – the great Inverness outdoors can also be enjoyed with a club in hand, teeing off at one of the many wonderful golf courses in the city.

Exploring the great Indoors

One would think that the action, in the Highland capital, is limited to open-air activities, but that is, increasingly, far from the truth.

While we wait for Inverness Castle to reopen as a visitor experience later this summer, the city has other attractions to offer on rainy or cold days.

Starting from the city centre, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Highlands. Hopping on the other side of the river Ness, the Cathedral is a bit of a pocket-sized Notre-Dame de Paris, often blessed by the talent of some wonderful local musicians.

Performing arts are at home at Eden Court, where one can enjoy a movie or one of the various shows on offer throughout the year. From opera and ballet to theatre – as well as seasonal crafts markets! – there is truly something for everyone.

The Town House’s glorious interiors are also one sight to behold, as much as is the iconic setting of Inverness’ most famous bookshop, Leakey’s.

If you fancy a mix of outdoor and indoor activity, the Botanic Gardens are a peaceful oasis after a short riverside walk.

Fun for the family

Inverness is also a fantastic place to enjoy and discover with all the family.

The brand-new play area at Whin Park is one must-visit attraction with younger children, where they can spend hours having fun with the new equipment immersed in the beautiful riverside surroundings. Not far from here, you can also enjoy a hop on the popular mini-railway!

For the sporty families, you can have a bash at the mini-golf, with Crazy Golf Inverness – or enjoy a fun-packed swim at the leisure pool.

If your young ones are of the inquisitive kind, you can discover the hidden secrets and stories of the city with the interactive map Wild About Inverness, an initiative launched by local children’s book publisher AbleKids Press. Or, why not try to locate the many beautiful artworks part of the HeArt trail, an initiative launched by local charity Highland Hospice?

These are only a few of the many things one can do in Inverness, but hopefully, it will give you some ideas and inspiration to rediscover this charming city. Now, it’s only up to you where to start from.

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