Fast-evolving Perthshire business scoops top ‘Food Tourism’ Award
Perthshire business Errichel Thyme Deli and Bistro has been crowned Central Scotland, Fife, and Tayside’s top ‘Food Tourism’ destination at VisitScotland’s respected ‘Scottish Thistle Awards’, against strong local competition. This family-owned hill-farm, situated in the hills above Aberfeldy, will now represent the region in the national finals.
The awards success crowns two years of fast-paced changes at Errichel, which has opened a destination Deli, changed its dining style with an informal Bistro, and in 2022, launched its new Farm Tours. These offer the chance to meet and feed its ethically-reared rare-breed livestock and engage with its field to fork ethos. The changes were accelerated by the Covid-19 lockdowns, during which the new Thyme Deli was the only part of the business still operating, and the team turned its attention to helping Aberfeldy’s ‘Feldy Roo’ initiative, providing free meals for the elderly and those shielding within the community.
As well as the venue’s own range of biltongs, chutneys, pickles and preserves created by Chef Patron Paul Newman, Scottish Thistle’s judges were particularly impressed with Errichel’s commitment to promoting artisan food suppliers from all over Scotland. The venue has recently introduced Scottish Cheese and Scottish Charcuterie Tasting Sessions, where attendees sample a selection of some of the most awarded Scottish produce.
Errichel’s Thistle’s success follows Paul being named Scotland’s ‘Sustainable Chef of the Year 2022’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, as well as a slew of ‘Great Taste’ awards for various fine food products. The team hopes that its midas touch will last until the National Finals of the Scottish Thistles in February 2023. Meanwhile, the fast pace of change continues, with the opening of three new holiday cottages with outdoor hot tubs planned for the New Year.
Chef Patron Paul Newman said – ‘We’re blown away to have brought this regional award home to Perthshire. This is an amazing area full of wonderful food tourism experiences, and we’re delighted and honoured to be flying the flag. So many people who discover us say that they can’t think why they didn’t come before, so hopefully this award encourages even more to turn off the A9 and come and see what it’s all about!’
Errichel Thyme Deli and Bistro