Port Ellen

1 story · 1 publicationRSS

The GuardianSep 2, 2026

Whisky galore – and now plenty more besides: exploring the Scottish island of Islay

Distilleries are the backbone of Islay’s economy and tourist trade. Thanks to their success, other businesses – from breweries and farms to restaurants and chocolatiers – are now thriving and adding to the island’s appeal The Paps of Jura disappear into the mist as I pedal along the shores of Loch Indaal, and the rain cloud I’ve been racing finally catches up. I stash my hire bike at Port Charl…

12 things in this story
  • Ardbeg HouseRestauranttransformed into a maximalist extension of the Ardbeg brand
  • Islay E-WheelsPlacehire bikes from £25 a day
  • Elsewhere
  • Port Charlotte youth hostelHostelPort Charlotte, United Kingdomdorm beds from £28, private rooms from £78
  • Lochindaal Seafood KitchenRestaurantPort Charlotte, United Kingdomserves creamy fish chowder and seafood plates
  • BruichladdichPlaceIslay, United Kingdomdistillery encourages local barley growth for whisky
  • Islay AlesPlaceIslay, United Kingdombrewery opened a new brewhouse last year
  • Islay CocoaRestaurantIslay, United Kingdommakes chocolates designed to pair with whisky
  • Lochindaal hotelPubPort Charlotte, United Kingdomfamily hospitality business stretches back to late 19th century
  • Port Charlotte hotelHotelPort Charlotte, United Kingdomchef Ajish Johny has been here for four years
  • Octomore FarmPlaceIslay, United Kingdomprovides beef for burgers
  • Hostelling ScotlandHotelIslay, United Kingdomguest of Hostelling Scotland
  • Bruichladdich DistilleryPlaceIslay, United Kingdomguest of Bruichladdich Distillery
Read the full piece at The Guardian →
↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close