Perthshire Business Scoops National ‘Food Tourism’ Award

Perthshire business Errichel & Thyme Deli/Bistro has been crowned Scotland’s top ‘Food Tourism’ destination at VisitScotland’s respected ‘Scottish Thistle Awards’, against strong competition from high profile whisky and gin-focused tourism attractions. The family-owned hill-farm, situated in the hills above Aberfeldy, won their regional final back in December.

National awards success has crowned 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. Tours offer the chance to meet and feed Errichel’s 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.

Chef Patron Paul Newman said – ‘We’re blown away to have brought this national 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!’

For more information see  Errichel Thyme Deli and Bistro