Artisan
249-251 Main Street
Wishaw
What is it: Formerly a working men's boozer, Artisan Restaurant opened in 2008 and is now an established favourite among diners throughout Lanarkshire and further afield. It is an unlikely location for this type of venue, but the best places are often where you least expect to find them. A labour of love for chef and owner Derek Mather, Artisan celebrates Scottish food and drink using locally sourced ingredients and one of the best whisky collections you will ever see.
Interesting fact: A Lalique decanter of Macallan "M" whisky scooped the prestigious title of "world's most expensive whisky" when it sold at auction in Hong Kong for £393,109 last year. The luxury decanter contains six litres of whisky, which were drawn from Spanish oak sherry casks dating from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Verdict: Artisan is a breath of fresh air, proving that you don't need to be in a city centre to offer something of real quality. I'm a big whisky fan so I was in heaven here and the food was excellent. It would be great to see more of this type of place opening all over Scotland. I will be back again for sure, although it may take me a bit of time to get through all the whiskies.
Drink: With a selection of more than 1300 carefully selected whiskies, the owner is an avid collector and loves to share his knowledge of Scotland's national spirit. I enjoyed a Springbank Single Malt 15-year-old from Campbeltown for £4.95.
Food: Great food and great value with two courses for £12.95. I loved the pan-seared loin of pork with Arran mustard mash.
Alfresco: Just out the front on Wishaw Main Street for some fresh air.
Children: Kids welcome if dining.
Avoid if: You are more of a vodka martini kind of person
Perfect for: Sampling one of the most diverse whisky selections in Scotland. A real haven for any whisky lover.
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