The UK has been so hot this week that I made three separate trips to the seaside in seven days, despite not living particularly close to the coast. But an hour’s drive or so is nothing when a brilliant day or evening at the beach awaits.
I’m aware the pleasant weather won’t stick around, which explains my eagerness to spend as much time outdoors as I can. Of my several coastal trips, one location really caught my attention for one particular reason – the food.
Troon, approximately 45 minutes from my home city of Glasgow, was the ideal destination to spend a warm evening as the heatwave drew to a close.
It’s been over half a year since my previous visit to Troon, which took place on a bitterly cold and snowy January day. This week’s journey couldn’t have been more different.
After work one evening, we hopped in the motor and headed down to the seaside town that looks out over the Firth of Clyde, with one clear objective in mind.
View 5 ImagesThe weather was perfect for an evening stroll(Image: Nicola Roy)
Despite Scotland’s heatwave coming to a sudden halt during the day with a biblical thunderstorm, the sun managed to emerge once more as we strolled along the shore. Likely due to the earlier weather, it was pleasantly peaceful, with only a handful of folk wandering about on the sand.
While it was lovely to be able to wander on the beach without the bitter wind battering us like our last visit, the walk was fairly brief, as it was time to head up to the harbour to get some food. We finally got the chance to dine at The Wee Hurrie.
View 5 ImagesThe Wee Hurrie’s menu is so unique(Image: Nicola Roy)
Having previously made the trip back in January, only to find it shut due to the Scottish fishing fleet being docked – something we should have checked beforehand – put a real dampener on that earlier visit, particularly given the bitter cold.
This award-winning chippy has built its reputation on freshly caught seafood and its outstanding position right on the harbour. And it was 100% worth the hype, being one of the best dinners I’ve ever had.
The scampi was remarkably fresh, coated in a delicate batter that left me feeling neither bloated nor uncomfortable afterwards – something genuinely rare for a chip shop. Settling on just one dish was quite the challenge, given how diverse and inventive the menu is.
View 5 ImagesThe scampi from the Wee Hurrie is to die for(Image: Nicola Roy)
Where else would you find fritto misto, noodles and lobster all on the one menu?
It came accompanied by a gorgeous tartare sauce, a wedge of lemon, and a generous helping of salt and vinegar. Despite being light and crispy, it was thoroughly filling and satisfying, with portion sizes that couldn’t be faulted.
At £14.30, it was worth every single penny – I genuinely can’t stop thinking about it.
As it’s purely a takeaway with no seating, customers were lined up to collect their orders before heading home. We ate standing outside the shack, which I think says everything about how tasty it was.
View 5 ImagesTroon’s high street is full of independent shops(Image: Nicola Roy)
While the food had been our main motivation for heading to Troon that evening, the pleasantly warm weather meant we couldn’t leave without taking a walk down the high street.
By around 7pm, many of the smaller independent shops and cafés had already shut up for the evening, though the pubs were pleasantly busy, with people streaming in and out of takeaways, restaurants and shops, or simply strolling about as we were.
If I hadn’t been driving, I would have definitely nipped into Lido on the high street for a couple of cocktails, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be on this occasion.
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It was a slightly shorter visit than the last, but far more enjoyable thanks to the delicious food and the stunning evening sunshine. Whether you’re nearby with a few hours to spare, or making a special trip from further away, Troon is an absolutely brilliant destination well worth exploring.