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Orkney's unique landscape, shaped by wind and sea, yields exceptional food and drink renowned throughout Scotland and beyond. From award-winning cheeses and succulent seafood to ancient grains and world-class spirits, the islands offer a rich larder for visitors to explore. Forget the supermarket; discovering Orkney's flavour means visiting the source the farm shops, smokehouses, creameries, mills, and distilleries where local passion meets quality ingredients. This guide navigates the best places to taste and buy authentic Orcadian produce.
Key Takeaways: Orkney Food & Drink
| Signature Flavours | Orkney Cheddar, North Ronaldsay Mutton, scallops, crab, Bere Barley, whisky, gin, local ales. |
| Where to Buy | Farm shops (JP Orkney, Wheems), Delis (Brig Larder, Bayleaf), Specialist seafood/butcher shops, Creamery shop. |
| Producer Visits | Barony Mill (beremeal), Highland Park/Scapa distilleries (book tours), Orkney/Swannay breweries (check times). |
| Experience | Seek out local producers for authentic taste, quality ingredients, and to support the island economy. |
Orkney's Signature Flavours
Understanding the key local products is the first step to appreciating Orkney's culinary identity.
Orkney Cheese
The flagship is undoubtedly Orkney Cheddar, produced by the Orkney Cheese Creamery in Kirkwall. Granted PGI status, it's made using milk from Orkney farms and traditional methods. Look for the extra mature varieties (aged 18+ months) for a real depth of flavour. Smaller producers like Grimbister Farm also offer unique, crumbly farmhouse cheeses often found in local delis.
Orkney Cheddar is renowned for its quality and flavour.
Orkney Meat & Seafood
While Orkney Beef is prized, the truly unique offering is North Ronaldsay Mutton. This ancient breed grazes almost exclusively on seaweed, giving the meat a distinct, rich flavour. Find it at specialist butchers like Donaldson's or Flett's in Kirkwall. The surrounding waters provide exceptional seafood. Look for hand-dived scallops, sweet Orkney crab (often sold as 'Partan toes'), and succulent lobsters from suppliers like Orkney Fishermen's Society or Jollys of Orkney, who also offer excellent smoked fish.
Orkney's cold waters yield exceptional shellfish.
Bere Barley
A 6,000-year-old grain, Bere Barley is uniquely adapted to Orkney's climate. Visit the historic Barony Mill in Birsay (operational since 1873) to see it being stone-ground into beremeal. This nutritious flour is used in traditional bannocks, biscuits, and even modern craft beers.
Barony Mill continues to grind ancient Bere barley.
Orkney Drinks: Whisky, Gin & Beer
Orkney boasts world-famous distilleries. Highland Park and Scapa in Kirkwall offer tours and tastings of their distinct single malts. The craft gin scene is also thriving, with producers like the Orkney Gin Company (Kirkjuvagr Gin) and Deerness Distillery (Sea Glass Gin) using local botanicals. For beer lovers, Swannay Brewery and Orkney Brewery (Dark Island, Skull Splitter) produce award-winning ales, some incorporating local Bere barley.
Orkney is home to world-renowned whisky distilleries.
Where to Find Local Produce: Farm Shops & Delis
While supermarkets stock some local goods, visiting farm shops and specialist retailers offers the best selection and connection to the producers. Our Orkney grocery guide has more details on supermarkets.
JP Orkney Produce (Palace, Birsay): Offers fantastic hampers featuring their own preserves, chutneys, and locally sourced cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Great for gifts or stocking a self-catering kitchen.
Wheems Organic Farm (South Ronaldsay): A small farm with an honesty shop selling seasonal organic vegetables, herbs, and sometimes eggs. A true taste of Orkney soil.
The Brig Larder (Kirkwall): Located near the harbour, this deli stocks a wide range of Orkney produce, including meats, fish, cheese, oatcakes, and local drinks.
Bayleaf Delicatessen (Stromness): A Stromness institution known for its excellent selection of Orkney cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet treats.
Kirkness & Gorie (Kirkwall): A long-established wine merchant near St Magnus Cathedral with a surprisingly good selection of local cheeses and accompaniments.
Orkney Fisherman's Society Shop (Stromness): The place to buy the freshest scallops, crab, lobster, and other seafood direct from the source.
Visiting Producers & Experiences
Orkney Cheese Creamery (Kirkwall): While full tours aren't standard, their shop offers the full range of cheeses.
Barony Mill (Birsay): Offers free milling demonstrations during the season (April-October), allowing visitors to see the ancient grain being processed. Beremeal is available to purchase.
Contact: Barony Mill
Birsay, Orkney, KW17 2LY
Distillery Tours (Highland Park & Scapa): Both offer various tour and tasting experiences. Booking is essential, often well in advance, via their respective websites.
Brewery Visits (Orkney Brewery & Swannay Brewery): Check websites for visitor centre opening times and tour availability.
Orkney Farm Tours: Offers bespoke tours focusing on Orkney's agriculture, including visits to livestock farms.
Conclusion: Savour the Taste of Orkney
Exploring Orkney's food and drink is as much a part of the experience as visiting its ancient monuments. By seeking out local producers and farm shops, you not only get the freshest, highest-quality ingredients but also support the island communities. From the unique tang of Orkney Cheddar to the complex notes of Highland Park whisky and the ancient flavour of beremeal, Orkney offers a delicious journey for every palate.
Planning a self-catering holiday? Stock your kitchen with the best local ingredients. Find your ideal Orkney self-catering accommodation with well-equipped kitchens, perfectly located for exploring farm shops and producers across the islands.
