Highlands
150 West 10th Street, West Village, New York
What is it? A few years ago three entrepreneurs (two of them Scottish) had the idea of opening a modern version of a Scottish inspired gastropub in the heart of New York's West Village. They saw the love that Americans have for Scottish produce and hospitality. Instead of financing their dream through the banks they opened it to mostly Scottish friends, including like-minded creatives such as the celebrated figurative Scottish painter Gerard M Burns (whose artworks hang on the walls), Turner Prize winner and filmmaker Douglas Gordon and photographer David Eustace. The decor is stripped back with both traditional and modern flashes of the homeland, from ubiquitous stags' heads to hip wallpaper from the Glasgow-based Timorous Beasties interior design company. The venue is spilt between a bar area and the restaurant.
Interesting fact: April 6 has been designated as National Tartan Day, a day for celebrating Scottish heritage and pride. In New York every year they celebrate this with a Tartan Day Parade, and the 18th parade will be held next spring. I have been a couple of times and to be honest, some of it makes me cringe, with stereotypical bagpipes, marching bands, clans and even specially flown over Scottie dogs and West Highland White terriers. However the locals love it though and it is extremely well attended. I just wish they'd try to make it a bit cooler.
Verdict: In almost every country of the world, you can find an Irish-themed bar. Yes, most of them are rubbish but their are some authentic gems among them, showcasing the best of Irish hospitality. One of the best bars in the world, The Dead Rabbit, in New York is an Irish inspired venue owned by two lads from Belfast. The Highlands is a perfect example and what a modern interpretation of Scottish bar and restaurant should be like. We are known worldwide for our friendly and welcoming nature as well as our amazing produce and this place showcases it perfectly. It's a must-visit for anyone going to NYC.
Drink - There's a large and diverse whisky selection of over 130 bottles as well as a good beer and wine selection and one of the best Scotch cocktail menus I have seen. It's about time we stopped being scared of mixing the stuff. I started with a Skullsplitter Orkney Ale: at 8.5% ABV it's not for the faint-hearted and was priced at $8. After dinner I enjoyed my all-time favourite Scotch cocktail, the Penicillin, a mix of Dewars Whisky, fresh lemon, honey and ginger shaken up with a splash of smokey Islay single malt.
Food: The gastropub offering includes haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky butter, which I could eat all day long. The food here is delicious.
Prices: Pretty good value for money, and there's a loyal local fanbase.
Children: Allowed in if dining.
Alfresco: A beautiful wee area out front filled with potted plants and flowers.
Perfect for: All Scots feel nostalgic when on holiday so head down here for a taste of home.
Avoid if: You're not a fan of the best food and drink on the planet.
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