If you happen to be on the island of Islay check out the Ardbeg Distillery. Like many of the other whisky producers on the island, Ardbeg is housed in the immaculately restored white distillery buildings with the distinctive black roofs. The larger whisky distilleries are to Islay what the grand bank buildings used to be for the mainland – beautiful and impressive landmark buildings which have received significant investment. No detail has been missed by the Ardbeg designers in the shop and cafe. The olive green and black colour ways are executed in every detail – including the muted tartan soft furnishings while the copper still design motif is extended even to the copper salt and pepper grinders alongside the copper sugar bowls. Groups of well-heeled international whisky lovers make the pilgrimage to this impressive destination so if you’re going, make sure you book the tour in advance as they’re often fully booked. If  you arrive without warning, and can’t get a place on the tour, the cafe is still good. There’s good news for the golf course on Islay as well – Financier Gavyn Davies loves Islay so much he is investing in the hotel and club house to restore the derelict buildings.

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