Eating at home

There is a Safeways Supermarket in Ullapool as well as a variety of small grocers who sell local produce. For fresh organic vegetables and local free-range eggs, go to the Ullapool Catering Company on the Morefield Industrial Estate as you head out of Ullapool, you can also get home made oven-ready dishes such as lasagne, steak pies and vegetarian dishes. Try locally baked cakes from John MacLean's on Argyle Street or handmade oatcakes. If you are looking for good quality meat and fresh fish, go to the butchers, Food For Thought, which is next to the ferry terminal. If you are after really fresh fish or langoustine, check to see what is being landed on the pier - often, if you ask, some fisherman may be willing to sell you some fish fresh off the boat - be prepared, take a plastic bag as it doesn't come pre-packaged.

Light Bites and Cafes

If you are looking for a good Scottish Breakfast after a night out in Ullapool, look no further than The Tea Store on Argyle Street. It specialises in breakfasts and lunchtime dishes. If you feel more like a healthy option, try the Ceilidh Place on West Argyle Street, which is famous for its vegetarian food. For freshly made, takeaway sandwiches visit the Ullapool Catering Company or John MacLean's.

Seafood

The West Coast of Scotland is famous for its fresh fish and seafood. Good lunchtime venues are The Seaforth on Quay Street and The Summer Isles Hotel, 20 miles north west of Ullapool in Achiltibuie - a long drive, but well worth it to experience the famously good seafood platter which is also extremely good value. For evening meals try the Morefield Motel, which specialises in lobster, langoustine and scallops - or if you are feeling wealthy visit the Altnaharrie Inn by ferry from Ullapool. This establishment, on the other side of Loch Broom is completely cut off from roads and the hustle and bustle of life. Its guests include the rich and the famous, (Sean Connery to name one) - it has won The Times Newspaper's top restaurant award many times.

Evening Meals

For world cuisine try the Lilypond Cafe at Achiltibuie - a different theme each weekend from Mexican to Mongolian. The stunning loch views from the Four Seasons Travel Lodge, together with delicious meals make it a very romantic place to dine. For good, traditional bar meals try the Ferry Boat Inn on Shore Street, The Arch Inn or The Argyll Hotel on Argyle Street. The Ceilidh Place evening menu caters for a variety of tastes and specialises in vegetarian cookery. The Scottish Larder on Ladysmith Street cooks good, traditional fayre, as does the Harbour Lights Hotel.

Take-Away Food

Rick Stein has eaten at Seefresh Fish and Chips and gave it his seal of approval - just next to the ferry terminal. For Chinese try the Jade House next to Safeways, for Indian meals try the Jasmin next to the campsite. For the best bacon rolls to go in Ross-Shire stop at the Tarvie filling station (5 miles south ofGarve on the A835) - it
becomes compulsive!

Drink

An important factor in Highland Life! There are ten licensed premises in Ullapool - why not try them all! As you enter Ullapool, The Four Seasons, The Royal Hotel and Harbour Lights Hotel have quiet, relaxing lounge bars. On Shore Street the Ferry Boat Inn (FBI to locals) has live traditional music on Thursdays. The Seaforth has a young crowd and regular music and disco slots. The Arch Inn attracts a musical crowd too with bands from all over the world. On Argyle Street the Parlour Bar at the Ceilidh Place is a cosy place to relax with a drink after a hard day on the hill, the Caledonian Hotel (Caley to locals) is a favoured haunt for most locals. The Argyll Hotel has a public bar and lounge bar to suit all tastes. There is also a bar at the Morefield Motel.