Marag Dubh
March 10, 2008 § 2 Comments
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Who makes the best black pudding in the land? Well, a Leosach obviously, but with many mainland restaurants taking pride in their menu’s and product’s provenance the Stornoway Black pudding is practically the international standard. Well almost.
The two heavyweight contenders on the island are Stornoway butchers Charles MacLeod a.k.a. Charley Barley (on account of his be-sheafed business logo) of Matheson Road and W.J. MacDonald’s a.k.a. Willie John’s on Francis Street with the latter laying claim to be “The original and best” having concocted the bloody things since 1931. Charley Barley’s 50 year old recipe, however, doesn’t give up that easily and claims “Only black pudding made in our Stornoway premises to our award winning recipe can rightfully claim to be Stornoway Black Pudding”.
So who to believe? Well this blogger likes them both but tends to stock up on Willie John’s puddings when in town. My local Glasgow deli’s and restaurants tell another tale though. But the real winner in my experience is the light-welter weight underdog offered by Cross Stores, way out on the road to Ness. A long way to go for some Marag to be sure but worth it when you finally get it to plate.
[...] Edinburgh and even more here http://thecroft.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/marag-dubh/ but in my book ‘Ritchie’s of Aultbea’s’ marag dubh is number 1. Not by [...]
I can`t agree more. Richie`s of Aultbea is the best by far. The trouble is I can not get it anywhere in England. Only when I visit McCol`s in Thurso Scotland.