While pubs up and down the country struggle to weather a cost-of-living crisis and spiralling operating costs, a remote food truck in the Scottish Highlands is going from strength to strength. The Applecross Inn-Side Out food truck, adjoining the Applecross Inn on the rural eponymous peninsula in the northwest Highlands, was opened in response to soaring demand over a decade ago, owner Judish Fisher MBE says. The enterprise, which is only accessible via a winding coastal road or the famous ‘Bealach na Ba’ (pass of the cattle), one of Scotland’s highest passes, hasn’t been entirely exempt from rising utility and food prices, Ms Fisher, added, but any losses have been quickly recouped, thanks to its incomparable views and pub grub.
The 69-year-old has been at the helm for 20 years and worked at the inn for 17 before that, but says the scenic location and locally-sourced food have an evergreen appeal that continues to attract up to 250 sales and a daily intake of £2,000 for the truck alone. “We opened the truck because the kitchen was under so much pressure,” she told the Express. “We were turning so many away. Now, people come to get takeaways and sit outside or eat in their car. The demand hasn’t died down.”
While other boozers scramble to diversify to spread their profits more evenly in the wake of a changeable economy, Ms Fisher was ahead of the curve, with the food truck both a means of expanding the pub’s offerings and a way to collaborate with other local traders.
Highlands-based ice cream company Aron’s ices also operates out of the Applecross Inn-Side Out, alongside freshly-ground coffee from a local roaster – strong community links that proved invaluable during the COVID lockdown.
“It was a godsend in the pandemic because we could use it as a takeaway,” Ms Fisher said. “Local people would come to support us and take the food home or eat it nearby.
“But the majority of our customers are usually tourists – we’re right on the waterfront near one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland. It’s a magical location.”
If there wasn’t reason enough to brave the remote setting – described by Scotland’s tourism board as akin to “the edge of the world” – visitors on TripAdvisor have had nothing but praise for the truck’s menu, with its fish and chips attracting special acclaim.
“Wonderful food and location,” one recent visitor said. “Unless you jump in the water and grab it yourself, I don’t believe you can eat fresher and better seafood than this.”
“Had fabulous crispy monkfish and my wife the classic haddock and chips,” another traveller said after a trip in January. “Just lovely. The way pub food should be. [And] tjhe staff could not have been lovelier. True Highland hospitality.”
The Applecross Inn-Side Out is open from spring to autumn, weather dependent, from morning until late.