Prawn stars win place on Lonely Planet's top list

PRAWN stars have put a Wester Ross eatery firmly on the world’s foodie map.

For eating langoustines at The Arch Inn in Ullapool has made it on to top travel guide Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s top 500 food experiences.

The traveller’s bible says: "The pretty little fishing village of Ullapool hugs the shores of the beautiful Lochbroom and introduces travellers to the wonders of the Summer Isles and Outer Hebrides.

"Despite its small size, it receives plenty of visitors eager for the stunning scenery. Fuel up loch-side with a pint and a plate of fresh langoustine, served with garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon.

"In summer, the outdoor tables that look out over the water are buzzing.

"The langoustine are straight off the boat (you can even watch the fishing vessels returning to shore) and the beer flows freely. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself here for a lot longer than you’d planned." It says the place to eat them was The Arch Inn. Co-owner Rob Hicks said the accolade had come as a "complete surprise".

He buys his langoustines from local fish merchant Stephen Cooper, who is supplied by Ullapool’s creel fleet.

"The langoustines are the best in the world – and you couldn’t get them fresher anywhere in the world, straight from the sea to the plate," said Rob.

"It is really is incredible we have made this list – to be one of only six places in Scotland as well. It is amazing. It was a complete surprise when we found out we were on it. The response has been fantastic. It has been a busy summer anyway and it is night and day from what the area was like ten years ago – it is very exciting times. People are holidaying more at home and the NC500 has helped put a spotlight on the area.

"And as for the langoustines we just cook them simply – they are so good you just don’t have to do anything to them."

Eating the delicacy at The Arch Inn was one of the world’s top 500 food experiences in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist.

Sampling delicious pintxos along the grid of narrow streets in San Sebastián’s old town was named the best food experience in the world, followed by curry laksa in Kuala Lumpur and sushi in Tokyo.