There is an argument that Scotland doesn’t really do country pubs. Or at least not with the same gusto as our neighbours south of the border.
One venue that could make the counter argument is the Cairn O’Mount bar, which officially launched last weekend.
Located just outside of Dundee in the Forbes of Kingennie Country resort, the bar has had a clever makeover which blends traditional countryside pub comfort with quirky and contemporary design.
Scottish craftsmen
Scottish craftsmen have had a lot of input. Fireplaces from Taymouth Fireplace; a wine rack made out of silver birch logs from Lamin8 and bespoke lampshades that feature maps of the local area, made by Love Lampshades in Stirling, are among the design features.
The curtains and chairs use Harris tweed made by Donald John MacKay, who also supplies to Nike, Ralph Lauren and Chanel – all from a modest tin shed behind his house on the Isle of Harris.
An outside lounge area is also being developed. It is due for completion in spring when we will all, hopefully, be bathing in warm and copious sunshine.
The new Cairn O’Mount menu makes prominent use of local produce. Omachie, the nearby Forbes family farm provides pork, fruit, vegetables and free-range eggs with other meat sourced from family member Bel Forbes’ Butchers in Edzell.
A variety of other local suppliers, including Scott Brothers, will also feature on the menu.
Contemporary and traditional
The refurbishment has been led by marketing manager and part owner, Libby Forbes, alongside dad Mike Forbes, also part owner.
Libby said: ‘With the design, I really wanted to push the boundaries between contemporary and traditional. I took inspiration from other great Dundee places, in which we are spoilt for choice these days, which really pull off an eclectic mix of styles.
‘When people come they can expect a warm welcome from our blazing fire in a wonderful and rustic countryside setting, where the inside of the bar will compliment the outside Scottish rural location. Dropping in for a quiet dram or a casual bite to eat, it will be quirky and modern yet comforting and homely.’
