Popular Killin restaurant Capercaille reopens as River Inn
The River Inn has replaced the Capercaille on the village's Main Street.
New manager Marius Boncota is bringing a taste of Greece, serving up mezze platters, chicken and lamb skewers, beef kokkinsto and more.
The 60-seater restaurant also has three rooms for guests to stay in.
Since moving to Scotland in 2010, Marius has been a frequent visitor to Killin.
He said: 'I loved the village and surroundings. I came in this place, the Capercaille, I came for lunch and I liked everything.
'Obviously I started to chat with the people working here.
'One day, a lady working here, as a joke, said: 'Don't you want to buy it? It's up for sale'.' As well as Greek food, pasta and burgers are on the menu. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson
Having recently opened The Pictures Restaurant in Coatbridge, it was the last thing on his mind.
But when the offer returned, Marius jumped at the chance and named it after his first grandson, one-year-old River. The restaurant is named after Marius's grandson River. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson
Marius, who is Romanian but grew up in Greece, said: 'It's been very good so far.
'I was afraid at the beginning that being a small village with a strong community that we'd be seen as outsiders, but they were very welcoming and really embraced all the changes.' Hopes of a 'good future' in Killin
The River Inn hopes to give back to the Killin community as much as possible.
All donations for using the restaurant's toilets will be distributed to local charities and the team will also lend a hand to fundraise for projects, such as at the McLaren Hall.
'Going forward, we're looking at integrating as much as possible in the community and do as much as we can for the village,' Marius said.
The 41-year-old also feels it is important that tourists have a place to eat.
Marius said: 'Killin can be a very busy place with tourists and if the tourists are coming and they don't find the facilities, I think they won't come back or they won't consider staying too long.' A lunch menu is also offered. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson A picture of Marius with his sons, as you enter The River Inn. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson
He plans to sell 'grab and go' items – such as coffee, cake, ice cream and ready-made sandwiches – for those stopping to visit the Falls of Dochart.
Marius added: 'I think we've got a good future here and it's going to be good for the village.
'Not only this village. We've had people coming from Strathyre, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, so people are starting to hear about us.'
The River Inn is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 9pm.
Elsewhere, a popular Callander café has reopened with a local family at the helm.
For more Stirling news and features visit our page or join us on Facebook
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Europe's 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem with £37 flights
You don't have to work for Runway magazine to have Paris on your bucket list. From haute couture and charming bistros to some of the most romantic backdrops on the planet, the City of Love ticks all the boxes for a perfect city break. However, like several European destinations, the French capital is grappling with the effects of overtourism. City bosses recently hiked tourist taxes and banned key boxes in a bid to fight illegal short-term rentals. As of 2024, 3-star hotels in Paris charge a levy of €5.20 (£3.90) per person per night, while 4-star accommodations are higher, at €8.45 (£7.19). At Metro, we're all about promoting sustainable travel and putting 'hidden gems' on the map, as long as the destination is truly eager for visitors. So when we heard about the 'Paris of the East' — an underrated city with flights from the UK starting at just £37, we wanted to share it with our readers. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Enter Bucharest, which has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafés we associate with Paris — all without the steep price tag and overcrowding. Recently ranked ninth in The Times' roundup of 'the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively promoting tourism. The government is pouring money into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away. So if you'd feel guilty heading to an overrun holiday hotspot, rest assured that visitors here are very much welcome. During the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of French artists and intellectuals frequented Bucharest. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists – including Constantin Brâncuși – studied in Bucharest before making their names in France. Visually, the city earned its 'Little Paris' nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France's capital. Of the many buildings and landmarks influenced by the French, the most obvious is the Arcul de Triumf, Romania's version of the Arc de Triomphe. So if you fancy swapping a trip to Paris for this affordable destination dupe, here's everything you need to know about Bucharest. The streets of Bucharest really do look like Paris; ornate flourishes of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Romanian Revival are on display on every corner. A wander through the city's expansive boulevards will take you to the Palace of the Parliament, the world's heaviest building weighing roughly4,098,500 tonnes. You can get a closer look at its size and grandeur on a guided tour, with ticket prices costing around 60 Romanian Leu (£12). When in 'Little Paris,' it would be rude not to check out the Muzeul Micul Paris (Little Paris Museum), a fascinating destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, the Romanian bourgeoisie era. The museum is filled with antique furniture, clothing, and perfume, from the 'Belle Époque,' the period of French and European history from 1871 until 1914. There's also an antique gallery and a vintage photography studio, where you can experience an immersive journey into the past. Tickets cost 25 Lei (£4.18). Step out of the time capsule and into nature with a walk around Herăstrau Park, on the northern side of the city. The lake is dotted with trendy restaurants and bars — and since Bucharest in August sees daytime highs of 31°C which drops to a more comfortable 18°C by the evening, it's a fantastic spot for sun-seekers and sun-downers alike. If you're looking for something active, boat rentals and hydro-bicycles are also available along the shore. Metro's Alice Murphy spent a day at the park during a trip to Romania and said it is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or on foot. She also recommends the Free Walking Tour of Bucharest, where you can learn about the city's history and culture, and a visit to the National Village Museum to discover how people live in rural Romania. Of course, no European city break is complete without a stroll around, and Bucharest's pedestrian-only area is very tourist-friendly and brimming with terraces, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Wizz Air flies direct to Bucharest from London Stansted and London Luton for as little as £20 one-way. Flying from another part of the UK? Ryanair flies from Leeds Bradford airport for £37, while Birmingham flies with Wizz Air for the same price. We're suckers for an Old Town. Whether in Bruges or Krakow, there's something magical about wandering through narrow Medieval streets or sampling the different local restaurants serving traditional food and drink. You might want to branch out a little here though, as for Alice Murphy, Bucharest's Old Town is 'stag central,' with an abundance of bars and clubstaking away from its otherwise charming vibe after dark. And if you're looking for somewhere that's escaped the hen and stag mob, Alice recommends Brasov. A train ride away in Transylvania, you'll find a smorgasbord of traditional charm and modern city life. Brasov's Old Town, which has received UNESCO World Heritage status, is worlds away from its capital counterpart. More Trending Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, the city is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania. The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around two hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between £5 to £14. Love Venice? Why not try 'Venice of the Algarve,' an 'understated' destination with flights from £28. Further afield you'll find the 'Venice of the Middle East,' a hidden gem that's 32°C in April. Elsewhere, the Spanish 'mini Maldives' has recently bagged a brand new TUI flight from a UK airport, while closer to home there's the 'Hawaii of the North,' a little UK island with 240 hours of sunshine in May. This article was first published on May 7, 2025. MORE: European seaside town takes aim at tourists with sassy poster and begs for 'decorum' MORE: £86 daily tourist charge proposed for major European city causes controversy MORE: Ryanair axes all flights to three European destinations — including a winter break hotspot
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Duck & Dagger opening helped by lettings firm Legat Owen
The Duck and Dagger opened earlier this month in the Steam Mill, in Steam Mill Street, and is another pub from the team behind the popular Coach House Inn, also in Chester. The pub's owners explained that they chose the name to reflect the city's Roman heritage and also some of their near neighbours as they opened on July 18. They said: 'We chose the name The Duck and Dagger to reflect the character of the area. 'The duck represents the many feathered locals you'll find just outside on the canal. 'And the dagger is a nod to Chester's rich Roman heritage. 'It's a name with a bit of charm and a story behind it – just like the city itself. 'We hope you'll pop in soon and see what we've done with the place.' Read more The pub is offering a menu including Sunday roast dinners, and you can find everything on its Facebook page by searching Duck & Dagger. Meanwhile, city lettings agents Legat Owen has revealed its delight in the role it has played in securing the new pub's premises. A spokesman said: 'We're delighted to announce that Legat Owen has successfully secured a new letting at The Steam Mill, Chester, on behalf of our client. 'The ground floor, formerly home to Artichoke, has welcomed The Duck & Dagger – a brand-new venture from the team behind the much-loved Coach House Inn. 'Expect hand-pulled ales, hearty food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 'This exciting addition is set to enhance Chester's vibrant food and drink scene and reflects the continued strength of the city's independent hospitality sector. 'Legat Owen is proud to support local businesses and play a part in shaping Chester's dynamic high street. 'The Duck & Dagger is sure to be a hit – and we can't wait to see what summer 2025 brings for them! 'Cheers to new beginnings!'
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Loganair competition to reunite long-distance friends
Loganair's Season of Connections campaign is searching for the UK's longest-distance friendships, with the winning pair set to receive return flights to finally meet again in person. Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: "This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together. "Whether it's been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible." Read more: ScotRail issues travel warning to fans heading to Oasis gigs The competition is open to anyone with a long-distance friend. Entrants are encouraged to share their stories via Loganair's Instagram or Facebook pages, explaining why their friendship deserves a reunion. The competition runs until Sunday, August 17, and the winning duo will be announced later this summer with the reunion to take place in autumn. This new campaign follows the success of Loganair's Christmas giveaway, which offered a year of free flights to one winner. Inspired by the airline's festive advert Loganair, Actually, the giveaway drew a huge response from the public. Loganair hopes this new campaign will create another memorable moment, this time between friends kept apart by distance. Read more: Glasgow man speechless after scooping £725k holiday home and £69k Audi The airline's network spans destinations across the UK and beyond, including remote islands such as Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, as well as major cities like Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Loganair's codeshare agreements with British Airways and KLM also make it possible for passengers to travel even further to see loved ones. Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, earning a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness. For more information or to enter the competition, visit Loganair's Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in their bio.
