Red Pepper Travel Guide

Free Guide: Cozy Scottish dining with fresh seafood and hearty steakhouse classics in the heart of Thurso’s Holborn Hotel.

A brief summary of Red Pepper

Cozy Scottish dining with fresh seafood and hearty steakhouse classics in the heart of Thurso’s Holborn Hotel.

Nestled within the Holborn Hotel in Thurso, the Red Pepper Restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming dining experience featuring Scottish, British, and European cuisine. Known for its friendly staff and carefully prepared dishes, it serves lunch and dinner with a focus on steakhouse and seafood specialties. Its moderate pricing and inviting atmosphere make it a favored spot for both locals and visitors in this northern Scottish town.

1–2.5 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
4.3 Very good · 199 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • Tue12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • Wed12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • Thu12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • Fri12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • Sat12 pm–2:30 pm, 5 pm–8:30 pm
  • SunClosed

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
16A Princes St, Thurso KW14 7BQ
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Local bus services connect Thurso town center with nearby areas, including stops near Princes Street where the Holborn Hotel and Red Pepper Restaurant are located. Travel times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on starting point, with fares typically around £2–£4. Service frequency may be limited on weekends.

Car

Driving to Red Pepper is straightforward via the A9 and A836 roads. Parking is available nearby but can be limited during busy periods. Travel times from central Thurso are about 5–10 minutes. No parking fees apply, but spaces are on a first-come basis.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Thurso and can provide direct transport to the restaurant. Typical fares from central locations start at around £5, with travel times under 10 minutes. Booking in advance is recommended during peak dining hours.

Walking

If staying in central Thurso, Red Pepper is accessible on foot within 10 to 15 minutes along mostly flat terrain. The route is suitable for most mobility levels, with paved sidewalks and street crossings.

Discover more about Red Pepper

A Culinary Gem in Northern Scotland

The Red Pepper Restaurant is situated within the Holborn Hotel in the heart of Thurso, a historic town on Scotland's northern coast. This restaurant has earned a reputation for delivering quality meals that celebrate Scottish and British culinary traditions, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood and hearty steakhouse fare. Its location offers a comfortable retreat for travelers exploring the rugged landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland.

Ambiance and Service

The atmosphere at Red Pepper is relaxed and welcoming, characterized by attentive and friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant dining experience. The interior is functional and clean, prioritizing comfort over lavish decor, which complements the restaurant's approachable vibe. Guests often appreciate the unhurried pace of service, allowing them to savor their meals fully.

Menu Highlights and Dietary Options

The menu features a range of dishes including Scottish venison, fresh seafood, and classic European options. Starters like mushroom soup and sharable nachos provide a warm start, while mains are known for their quality and presentation. The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Red Pepper operates primarily during lunch and dinner hours, opening from noon to mid-afternoon and then again from early evening until around 8:30 PM on weekdays, with slightly extended lunch hours on Saturdays. Its central location in Thurso makes it accessible for visitors staying in town or passing through, with convenient parking nearby.

Connection to Holborn Hotel and Local Culture

As part of the Holborn Hotel, the restaurant benefits from the hotel's established hospitality reputation. It serves as a social hub for both hotel guests and locals, blending traditional Scottish hospitality with a modern dining approach. The venue reflects the cultural heritage of the region, offering dishes that highlight local ingredients and culinary customs.

Why Visit Red Pepper?

Visitors to Red Pepper can expect a genuine taste of northern Scotland in a friendly setting. Whether you are seeking a hearty meal after exploring the nearby coastlines or a comfortable spot for a relaxed dinner, this restaurant offers a balanced combination of quality food, welcoming service, and a cozy atmosphere that captures the spirit of Thurso.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · before 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 56% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month
  5. May: 78% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 78% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 67% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 56% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 7am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 8am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 9am: 33% of the busiest hour
  5. 10am: 33% of the busiest hour
  6. 11am: 44% of the busiest hour
  7. 12pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  8. 1pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  9. 2pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  10. 3pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  11. 4pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  12. 5pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  13. 6pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  14. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  15. 8pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  16. 9pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  17. 10pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  18. 11pm: 22% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

Explore Red Pepper on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Red Pepper, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Red Pepper, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near Red Pepper

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Caithness
More of the region

Explore more of Caithness

Discover Caithness, Scotland's northern gem, where rugged coastlines, ancient history, and vibrant wildlife come together in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

Explore Caithness
United Kingdom
More of the country

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Caithness

Discover Caithness with Evendo: a 100% free travel guide app offering comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Caithness.
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the beauty of Caithness with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Explore landmarks, book experiences, and enjoy curated local tips—all for free.

  • Insightful history and travel essentials for visiting Caithness.
  • Curated local tips to experience Caithness like a local.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby attractions.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Planning a trip to Caithness, United Kingdom? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. With Evendo, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Caithness with ease. From the iconic Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, to the historic Castle of Mey, every landmark is just a tap away. Dive into the local culture at the Caithness Horizons Museum or take a serene walk along the beautiful Sinclair's Bay.

Feeling hungry? Evendo has you covered with detailed information on the best restaurants in Caithness, such as The Captains Galley, known for its fresh seafood, and the picturesque Y-Not Bar & Grill. Each listing includes user reviews, images, contact details, and local tips to make your dining experience unforgettable.

But that's not all—Evendo also allows you to book hotels, tours, and unique experiences directly through the app. Whether you want to embark on a guided tour of the Old Pulteney Distillery or book a cozy stay at a local B&B, everything you need is in one place. The app's 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, bars, or shops.

Don't miss out on the hidden gems and must-visit spots in Caithness. Download Evendo today and make your trip to Caithness an adventure to remember.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.