With the launch of its tasting menu set amidst the charming backdrop of one of Argyll’s most historic venues, 1635 at The Knipoch House Hotel is a new gem in Scotland’s culinary crown.
Anne Gracie-Gunn, owner of the award-winning Sonas Hotel Collection, of which Knipoch is the newest addition, hosted the grand opening of 1635 last Thursday. Guests enjoyed a preview of a seven-course menu that showcases exquisite dishes inspired by local and seasonal ingredients, with a modern twist.
The dining room, which features the original stone walls from the mid 1500s, is named after the 1635 Coat of Arms above the fireplace, served as a tax collection house. Stepping into the warm, intimate space, which is beautifully lit with candles and a roaring fire, is like going back in time. Cosy, inviting, exclusive, but decidedly charming and un-fussy, it’s dining the way it’s meant to be, down to the hand embroidered napkins. Taking time to savour each bite and each sip of wine, enjoying conversation with good company, appreciating the gracious hospitality and service for which Knipoch has quickly carved a reputation.
"Tonight is very exciting for me and a great honour. To think of the moment I stood in the this room 20 months ago when we came to see this hotel for the first time, and I fell in love with it, and now we’re sitting here tonight as the owners in the same room that stole my heart. It’s just thrilling!"
"I’m highly delighted with what Chef Andrew has produced using all the wonderful Scottish produce. I feel that the balance and the flavours are just absolutely fantastic. I love the wine pairings as well. They are so well balanced with the dishes." - Anne Gracie-Gunn, owner of the Sonas Collection
Chef Andrew is from South Africa, and since moving to the UK in 2006, he has worked in prestigious restaurants around Scotland, most recently at The Duisdale, another Sonas Collection hotel in Skye. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to 1635, drawing inspiration from Scotland’s rich culinary heritage while embracing fresh techniques and global influences.
Crafting the ultimate tasting menu
Chef Andrew Engledow envisions 1635 as a celebration of local produce and time-honoured recipes infused with contemporary flair.
The menu will change with the seasons in an ever-evolving exploration of flavours. He has a focus on Scottish ingredients and seasonal flavours that ‘reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area whilst introducing a unique twist’.
"Over the past 11 months, Andreas and I have carefully considered every aspect of the project, from redesigning the kitchen to selecting the perfect crockery, sourcing sustainable, top quality produce and finally settling on the name 1635, which holds special meaning for us. As we move forward into the next phase, our vision is to collaborate with small, local producers who can provide us with their fresh, homegrown products. Even if these ingredients are only available for two or three months during the season, we believe they will bring unique provenance and an authentic touch to the experience we aim to create at 1635." - Knipoch Executive Chef - Andrew Engledow
Carefully curated wines from Corney and Barrow
A thoughtful wine menu chosen by Eva Franceschi, representing Corney and Barrow, one of the UK’s oldest independent wine merchants, sets off each dish, creating a harmonious dining experience that delights the palate.
"I chose wines from both the Old World and New World that balance each dish in terms of body and weight. Chef has some traditional local ingredients on the menu, but there’s a new world approach, influenced by his South African heritage, so there’s definitely a little twist. I didn’t stick with tried and tested pairings, but chose wines in the ‘style of’, as well as some surprises, too. There is something new for everybody, as there is with his menu." - Eva Franceschi, Corney and Barrow
A culinary voyage across Scotland
Making one’s way through the perfectly portioned seven courses is a gastronomical journey through Scotland, each dish elevated by its accompanying wine.
Think sweet Shetland hand dived scallops with artichoke, black olive, lemon and celery, paired with sparkling Tissot-maire Blanc De Noirs Cremant Du Jura Brut Nv.
Succulent Fife roast partridge with crispy corn and granola and lush bitterballen, accompanied by a New Zealand pinot noir from the family owned Elephant Hill estate.
Orkney halibut with ginger velouté, seaweed leek and mushroom positively shines with the Constantia Uitsig Semillon 2021, a wine homage to Chef Andrew’s South African heritage.
From just down the road, Isle of Seil wild venison loin, with truffle salsify, red cabbage and ragù brings the meal to a soaring crescendo, aided by the Australian Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon Fraser 2019.
For the sweet finale, moreish Tain Blue Murder cheese and pear, then Cranachan soufflé and Oban whisky to pour, with Saint Albert Producteurs Plaimont Pacherenc du Vic Bilh.
The opening of 1635 marks an exciting new chapter for the Knipoch, which, since its grand re-opening in March 2024, has seen its reputation grow from strength to strength. Maszczyk and his team have created an idyllic lochside haven within this historic hotel, renown for its luxurious rooms, unstuffy Highland hospitality, delicious fare and local entertainment, such as traditional music and storytelling.
With the addition of 1635 to its dining options, one thing is clear: the Knipoch House Hotel has arrived on Scotland’s culinary map.
"The concept of 1635 is a relaxed atmosphere where non residents and residents alike can come and experience a taste of Scotland. Chef has the whole map of Scotland represented with our seafood, meats and cheeses, and Eva chose a lovely pairing of wines for each dish. It’s a cosy, intimate setting. We can take couples or groups of up to only 14 diners, and the room can be hired out for exclusive use, as well." - Andreas Maszczyk, Group General Manager for Sonas Hotel Collection
Dining with history
A small chip in the wall of the 1635 stone dining room bears the mark of the most infamous event in Knipoch House Hotel’s history- the 1591 assassination that inspired Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth.
While Shakespeare’s version cannot be read as history, the real story is just as murky a tale of treachery and witchcraft!
In a chilling tale of rivalry within Clan Campbell, the tale revolves around the plot to kill the Thane of Cawdor,
the powerful guardian of the 7th Earl of Argyll. Cawdor met his grim fate by the fire, a victim of ambition, sorcery and betrayal that threatened to tear apart the very fabric of Highland society. As Cawdor sat by the fire in the stone room that chilly February evening, an enemy lay in wait outside the window and “schot him with thrie bullets...”
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