A culinary adventure awaits at one of Scotland’s most picturesque locations, where the Karma Lake of Menteith Hotel is making waves with its new dining experience.
Nestled on the shores of Lake of Menteith, just beyond Stirling and Blair Drummond Safari Park, the country retreat is drawing food enthusiasts from across the country who want to experience an away from the city experience.
Under the guidance of award-winning chef, Joe Peden, a Trossachs native with international experience, the hotel’s restaurant produces dishes blending local ingredients with global influences. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the local trout, caught fresh from the lake and prepared two ways – as a tea-smoked pâté starter and in a vibrant main course featuring citrus, pickled cucumber, and minted yoghurt.
He said: “Our top selling dishes involve our incredible local trout fillet, straight out of the lake! I serve it two ways in the current menu – smoked with tea as a pate which is the basis of a delicious starter accompanied by pickled spring onion, piccalilli and crisp toasts, or as a main course, it’s combined with orange, grapefruit, pickled cucumber, radish and minted yoghurt.
“It’s a zingy and fresh taste explosion which allows the quality of the fresh trout to really shine through.We are indeed putting the world on a plate for our guests, using the finest ingredients from the worldclass larder of Scotland.”
Operations Manager Joshua Ford notes a shift since Karma Group, which operates over forty global resorts, took ownership. He said: “We’re definitely attracting more of a foodie crowd. Our fantastic whisky vault is also a draw.”
The menu reflects the chef’s worldly expertise while honouring Scottish traditions. Diners can sample innovative creations like Korean Cauliflower with Gochujang mayo, alongside reimagined classics such as Cullen Skink Risotto and vegetarian Haggis Beignets served with local whisky mayo.
The location offers more than just exceptional dining – visitors can combine their meal with a boat trip to Inchmahome Abbey or mountain biking in the nearby Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, making it a perfect destination for both food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
