Seafood in Oban
Heading to Oban, 2 hours north-west of Glasgow we had two main goals – eat a lot of seafood and drink some whisky. Oban is known as the seafood capital of Western Scotland, and the taster we had did not disappoint.
According to Oban, Oban Scotland
This sleepy seaside town gets its lifeblood from the visitors coming to enact a similar plans to ours (read: seafood and whisky) or to catch the short ferry out to the Isle of Mull. Walking around the pier after dark, the lights of the city reflect in the high tide.
Colourful Reflect, Oban Scotland
The dinner we had at the often-reviewed Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant was good. We shared some specials for entrée and each had a delicious main of some locally caught fish. Before I arrived, I was hoping for a seafood platter. I should’ve guessed that fish was the main game (it isn’t called the Fishouse for nothing) and although not what I was after, the mains didn’t disappoint.
The key events for us were however, scheduled for the next day. We started off with a morning walk up to McCaig’s tower (a strange, colluseum shaped monument to the memory of an old local family) to hang out with it’s resident tabby and view back over the town.
Tower Cat, McCaig's Tower Oban Scotland
We snacked on a delicious scone of the day (white choc and raspberry) at the local gem - Julie’s Coffee House, then pushed on for an 11.30am stave of whisky at Oban Distillery.
Stave, Oban Distillery
We were the only people drinking whisky this early in the day, but no matter. Andy was more than happy to take charge of the four-dram stave, showcasing the four Oban Distillery whiskies.
As designated driver, I only tasted each of the four a couple of times, but it turns out I have expensive taste in whisky. After picking up a bottle of Oban 14yr Distiller’s Own (the second most expensive bottle on offer), as selected by yours truly and happily agreed to by Andy, we headed back to the pier.
The Green Shack, Oban Scotland
The Original Seafood Hut, adorably nicknamed ‘The Green Shack’ is next to the ferry terminal. Made famous; to us at least, from a (Vice Content created) Munchies episode, we knew we were in for the cheapest, freshest and delicious seafood feast.
Shellfish for Sale, The Seafood Hut Oban
The Green Shack’s menu is comprehensive, so instead of making a hard life choice, we opted for the seafood platter for two at the bargain price of 15 pounds. We huddled up to the standing-room table, and were genuinely stoked with the literal mound of seafood that arrived at our table only five minutes later.
Crabs, The Seafoot Hut Oban
A pile of mussels, whelks, prawns, squid, smoked salmon and picked fish, was topped with a pair of crab claws and 2 glorious langoustines as large as the platter itself. As the rain begun to belt down, we tightened our rainjackets and cracked on with the platter, along with the 30 or so others who wouldn’t risk missing this just cause of bad weather.
Platter for Two, The Seafood Hut Oban
We headed back to Glasgow that afternoon and while we might not stay overnight in sleepy Oban again, we will 100% be back for another Green Shack seafood platter…this time with an extra side of crab claws and scrumptious smoked salmon for good measure.
