Deerness Distillery, a family-owned venture on the Orkney Islands, has opened its Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar, a welcoming new space that celebrates the island’s rich food culture while supporting the distillery’s ambitions as the island’s newest whisky distiller.
Offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes, the café overlooks Copinsay and marks a milestone for Deerness Distillery, which has grown from crafting award-winning gin to distilling its first new-make spirit later this year.
Led by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Adelle Brown, the distillery’s expansion includes new fermentation tanks and mash tuns, with plans to collaborate with local farmers to source key ingredients for their distinct Orkney whisky.
Stuart, now Chair of Orkney Food & Drink Regional Food Group, sees the destination as both a showcase for local producers and an extension of the distillery’s mission to honour Orkney’s resources, saying: “Collaborating with other Orkney producers is at the heart of our vision. The café’s evolving menu features ingredients from Orkney Food & Drink members, reflecting the island’s seasonal bounty.”
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Support from the Orkney community has fuelled plans for festive events and guest chef evenings, which aim to highlight Orkney’s unique culinary heritage and growing reputation as a food and drink destination.
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, praised the Browns’ commitment, stating: “Stuart and Adelle’s dedication to Orkney’s food and drink sector and community has been remarkable.
“Since moving from Australia over a decade ago, they’ve made an outstanding impact on the regional food group and our industry more broadly.
“In his new role as Chair of Orkney Food & Drink, and with the upcoming addition of whisky production at Deerness Distillery, Stuart is helping elevate Orkney’s profile as a destination for high-quality, locally produced food and drink. We’re thrilled to welcome another unique whisky distillery to the island. we look forward to seeing Deerness continue to flourish.”
With the Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar now open, Deerness Distillery’s whisky journey promises to add a new chapter to Orkney’s story. For those drawn to the island’s natural beauty and local flavours, a visit offers a warm welcome and a taste of Orkney’s heritage, culture, and artisanal spirit in every glass.
