Stuart McMillan | The Pierhouse Hotel
This renowned seafood restaurant has won a reputation as one of Argyll's most idyllic and romantic destinations, with magnificent panoramic views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the islands of Lismore and Shuna.
Head chef Stuart McMillan talks to EatScotland about his favourite Scottish ingredients, a passion for fresh seafood and how he dreams of one day cooking a meal for David Attenborough.
Who past or present would you like to cook a meal for and why?
David Attenborough. He’s brilliant and an amazing person – full of life and extremely interesting and influential. I’ve always wondered what sort of food he eats – he’s been to so many incredible places.
Have you ever been really nervous about cooking for anyone?
No. I’ve always cooked since I was young. It’s something I love. So it’s a pleasure to cook for anyone. I’m never nervous when I cook as I enjoy the experience and am passionate about food.
What made you decide to become a chef?
I’ve always loved cooking. Most of the jobs about when I was young were helping out in the kitchen, so that’s where I started off. My interest grew from there, developing into a real interest in responsible sourcing of fresh local ingredients. I still love cooking and am enjoying working with my team at The Pierhouse Hotel.
Quick and easy meal after service?
Delicious fresh Thai food made with ‘straight to the wok’ noodles, fresh tiger prawns and chilli. Tiger prawns are great – they cook fast, taste amazing and you don’t have to wait about for them. Delicious, fresh eating, full of flavour and energy.
Where is your favourite restaurant in Scotland and why?
Thai Orchid in Glasgow by Glasgow Central Station. They have a really great Chef. This is authentic Thai food and well worth a visit.
Favourite place/attraction to visit in Scotland and why?
The Isle of Lismore – the people are really friendly and know how to have a good time. I spent most of my childhood there and see friends as often as I can.
What would you say is your signature dish?
My signature dish at The Pierhouse Hotel would have to be the Giant Pierhouse Platter. This dish offers a fantastic selection of fresh fish and shellfish all sourced from local waters - half a lobster from our Pierhouse creels, scallops from Mull, beautiful handpicked oysters brought just 5 minutes to us from across the water on the Isle of Lismore, stunning langoustines and mussels, marinated herring, award-winning Inverawe smoked salmon and poached salmon.
The Giant Platter really has that essential wow factor – visually it looks stunning and it celebrates everything that is best about our location. It is a huge favourite on the menu – I can guarantee you will not have tasted seafood this fresh.
At home, my signature dish is a seafood dish again. Fresh fish wrapped and steamed in banana leaves with garlic, chilli, lemongrass, coriander and lime and served with jasmine rice. I love cooking Thai food because I lived in Thailand for a while. It’s simple, fresh, energising and I love it.
Which celebrity chef would you most like to cook for you?
Gordon Ramsay with Janet Street Porter!
What gadget could you not live without in your kitchen?
My German chef de partie! No seriously …
What is your favourite Scottish ingredient?
Other than the fish, the super quality of the fresh Scottish beef and venison from our local butcher ‘Wynnes’ of Oban and Fort William served daily at The Pierhouse.
Who is your favourite Scottish supplier?
Willie Fish who supplies us with exceptional fresh fish, mussels, clams and lobsters. They are so fresh because they’re virtually all caught in Loch Linnhe and brought straight into our kitchen. You can’t get fresher than that!
Have you ever cooked for anyone famous?
Judi Dench and Naomi Campbell.
Pet peeve?
Scottish weather.
Your idea of paradise?
Having a restaurant in a hot country cooking fresh seafood.
In your opinion, what is the most overused ingredient in catering?
Salt.
Give three words that sum you up as a chef.
Innovative, determined, perfectionist
What made you join EatScotland?
EatScotland is a fantastic eating and drinking guide – it’s a one-stop route to discovering really great dining experiences. I’m working on now upgrading our Eat Scotland Silver Plate to a Gold Plate in the near future – watch this space!
What do you feel EatScotland will add to your business?
Quality endorsement of our excellent fresh Scottish seafood, meat and game - and new customers who are as passionate as we are about enjoying really great food in an unforgettable West Coast destination.
See what EatScotland said about the Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
Pierhouse Hotel
Port Appin
Nr Oban
Appin
PA38 4DE
+44 (1631) 730622