House of Bruar is a luxury shopping complex about 15 miles north of Pitlochry on the A9 Perth to Inverness road. It took about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from the outskirts of Edinburgh and it is worth making a day of it as there is much to see. It is also an excellent place to stop for a break, meal or just coffee if travelling on the A9 to or from the Highlands.
House of Bruar has been awarded 5 stars by VisitScotland and it is an impressive place.
There is plenty of parking next to the complex which describes itself as Scotland's most prestigious independent store. In addition, weather permitting, there is a lovely walk to the Falls of Bruar from behind the buildings but sadly it was raining on our visit. There is also a clan centre and museum in the grounds.
There are several different departments in the courtyard of buildings including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, gifts, a fishing tackle store with absolutely everything the keen fisherman could ever want, a food hall and large restaurant, plus a farm market stall outside the food hall entrance.
This is certailnly not your average woollen mill tourist shop. The best brands are on sale here and individual items of designer knitwear can cost hundreds of pounds. The emphasis is on countrywear and quality and the range of goods is extensive. And if you get tired of waiting while your partner tries lots of clothes on you can sit in the comfortable armchairs around an open fire and read the papers or magazines provided.
There is plenty of Scottish fare in the food hall – it is a good idea to take a coolbox with you in the car – and we came away with Dunlop cheese, haggis balls, fresh gamekeeper's pies, local ales and salmon pate. There is a butcher and delicatessen too – and lots of chocolate!
The restaurant has an equally impressive range of food including breakfast until 11.00 am and lunch served between 12 noon and 4.30 pm. It is self serve and there are plenty of snacks, soup etc. We had haggis, neeps and tatties and macaroni cheese both for around £10, and there was a choice of at least 8 other main courses plus steaks.
After spending a couple of hours browsing the different parts of the shopping experience – and spending more than a little money – we returned to the restaurant for coffee and cake before heading back to Edinburgh in the dark.
The website is www.houseofbruar.com and it even has an online shop if you cannot visit in person. Best to have a look at the website before travelling to check on opening times etc..
