The details
Located on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach, The Scottish Prince takes over the space formerly occupied by eatery and bar Bstow, which sits below 8th Ave Terrace. The Scottish Prince is the younger, yet far bigger brother of The Cambus Wallace, which opened in Nobby Beach back in 2012. The venues share a similar old-world nautical vibe, yet retain their own historically rich identities. The Cambus Wallace is known as a rum bar, whereas The Scottish Prince is regarded as a whisky bar, featuring around 200 different whiskies, as well as a private whisky tasting room. The fit-out, the menu and vibe are designed to recreate atmosphere that you’d find in a ship’s communal galley – picture lots of shipmates munching on bread and cheese and knocking off bottle after bottle of whisky. Yep – you’re in for a merry ol’ time here.
The space
Swing open the creaky wooden door and you’ll quite literally feel like you’re stepping back into another era. The venue is dimly lit, with bottle-green walls that are adorned with images of ships in old-world picture frames, while the random whisky bottles, model ships and century-old trinkets are sure to catch your eye. The glorious purple velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains block out the natural light allowing the whisky-heavy bar to light up like, well, a beacon in the night. Despite its dark, moody feel, The Scottish Prince is warm and inviting. It’s the type of place you can easily settle in and stay a while … you’ll have to leave, eventually. The venue’s 100 seats are spread across impressive timber-clad booths, tartan-wrapped bench seats and more intimate table settings. Though, if you’re more of a bar dweller, then pull up a stool at the copper-topped bar, order a cheese platter and let the talented team pair you with a whisk(e)y to suit.
The food and drink
Those familiar with The Cambus Wallace will be aware that these fellas know a thing or two about share food … and cheese. There are a couple of favourites from the Nobby Beach haunt that they’ve carried down south – yes, the ever-popular arancini balls, crumbed green olives, South Australian mussels and cheese platters (including the glorious Walk the Plank spread) are all on the menu. The tartines (a French-style open sandwich) are a unique and colourful addition, topped with combinations like prosciutto, green-pea pesto, green apple and chevre. There are smaller share plates like marinated sardines with confit cherry tomato and garlic, before moving to heartier dishes like the sirloin steak with truffle gherkins, garlic and chilli prawns in olive oil, and lamb cutlets with whisky and maple syrup. What about the booze, you say? Well, the wall behind the bar is full of around 200 different whiskies (that number will grow), featuring a wide selection from key Scottish regions, as well as international single malts and more classic blends. The solid whisky stash is backed up by a respectable wine list, and a very, very unique collection of cocktails.
Keen to jump aboard The Scottish Prince? Head over to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.
