The Pantry — Restaurant in Scotland

During our recent holiday on Colonsay, we were greeted at the ferry by Gavin with a 'Welcome to Colonsay' pack. From this we gained a map of the island and information on opening times for the various local businesses. Gavin runs The Pantry and we learned that Wednesday evening is Fish Supper night. Ian and I shared a Fish Platter for two. It was excellent. Gavin asked us to place our order for the meal the day before, so that he could ensure everything was freshly available. On the night he checked that there was nothing on the platter that we did not like. Gavin is an attentive host and provided an excellent fish platter, which we then followed up with a dessert of honey ice-cream. He also has a choice of home made bread cakes and biscuits and we enjoyed a last minute cappucino and melting moment to remember before boarding the ferry back to Oban at the end of...

Always sceptical of places that call themselves “award-winning” these days as pretty much everything and everyone is award-winning… HOWEVER… the Pantry on Colonsay genuinely is award-winning and for a VERY good reason. It’s quite remarkable that the one of the three only places that provide food on the island work so hard to offer such great dishes of such a high standard. There is very little competition on the island, they could rest on their laurels and just wait for punters to walk through their doors… but Gavin and his team do anything but that… it feels as though they are always trying to give the best they can to who ever comes. Highly highly highly recommend the scampi and chips at lunch time and do book a table on their seafood night… and of course, treat yourself to their seafood platter. Absolutely outstanding...

A warm welcome awaits you at The Pantry which is vital island hub throughout the year, especially in the darker winter months.

The menu is great and offers local produce whenever possible including oysters, smoked salmon and to die for Colonsay honey ice cream! Do bear in mind that running a catering business on an island is not easy, with supply chains often disrupted by weather and ferry schedules. Gavin and his team deserve medals for juggling everything with a smile.

Don't leave without picking up some Colonsay souvenirs from inside the cafe. You can't go wrong with a hat, a hoody and a jar of the best...