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Exploring Beira: A culinary gem in Inverness

Discover the dining experience at Beira, a new restaurant in Inverness offering a blend of flavors.

Delicious dishes served at Beira restaurant in Inverness
Discover the exquisite flavors of Beira, a culinary gem in Inverness.

Exploring Beira: A culinary gem in Inverness
Since its opening celebration in spring 2023, the AC Hotel Inverness has been generating buzz, particularly for its restaurant, Beira. As the festive season concluded, I eagerly made a reservation to experience what this new dining venue had to offer.

Known for its vibrant hotel restaurants, Inverness boasts several culinary hotspots, and Beira was poised to join their ranks.

A welcoming atmosphere

Upon entering Beira, the ambiance immediately captivates. The restaurant is strategically located just off the lobby, yet the design creates a distinct identity.

Cozy booths and tables encircle a spacious bar, with bottles elegantly displayed on illuminated shelves. On a quiet Friday night, the restaurant was primarily filled with hotel guests, raising questions about its local popularity.

A diverse menu

Seated by the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the River Ness, I was excited to explore the drink options. As I was attempting a dry January, I was pleased to find a selection of mocktails. I ordered a Highland Dew, which promised flavors of pear and elderflower. However, I was served a different drink, which, despite its unexpected flavor, was refreshing enough to keep me satisfied.

Beira offers both a tapas and an à la carte menu, providing diners with flexibility. My companion, Aidan, chose the Tartan tatties to start, which turned out to be croquettes filled with ham and served with a spicy Sriracha aioli. While the seasoning could have been improved, the dish was enjoyable.

Delicious main courses

For the main course, I opted for the crab linguini, a dish I had admired on social media. Unfortunately, it did not resemble the enticing photo I had seen, and the promised bisque was lacking in sauce. Nevertheless, the pasta was well-cooked, and the generous amount of crab made it a satisfying choice. Aidan selected the venison, which was beautifully presented but had inconsistencies in temperature. Despite this, he appreciated the balance of flavors and the quality of the ingredients.

Desserts that delight

We were eager to try the dessert menu, which, although small, offered enticing options. Aidan’s chocolate delice was a standout, rich and velvety with a delightful crunch from the biscuit base. My lemon posset, however, was more akin to a set custard than the tangy dessert I had anticipated, yet I still enjoyed its texture.

Service and overall experience

Throughout our meal, the staff were friendly, but the service fell short of expectations. We experienced delays between courses and had to seek out assistance to settle our bill. Given the restaurant’s quiet atmosphere, I anticipated a more attentive service. Despite these hiccups, we enjoyed our evening at Beira, appreciating the quality of the food and the pleasant ambiance.

In summary, Beira has the potential to be a culinary highlight in Inverness, especially for those seeking a casual dining experience with cocktails and tapas. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in service, the restaurant’s offerings are promising. We look forward to returning to explore more of the menu.

Address: AC Hotel Inverness, Glebe St, Inverness IV1 1RF T: 01463 211955 W: www.beirainverness.com Price: £86 for one starter, two mains, two desserts, and two drinks. No service charge was added to the bill. Disabled access: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes. Scores: Food: 3.5/5 Service: 3/5 Surroundings: 4/5


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