Local Heroes: Dollar’s Deli

Dollar's Deli, Bridge Street, Dollar

Dollar’s Deli, Bridge Street, Dollar

In the heart of the beautiful village of Dollar (and just a few minutes from our property Harviestoun House) is Dollar’s Deli, whose dedicated team have been planning this Christmas since 27th December last year. The Deli is owned by Kerry and Alistair Prow, who took it over six and a half years ago, and who are loving every minute of the festive season.

Kerry describes how rewarding the deli is, particularly at this time of year. ‘Our team love the one to one with our customers and hearing how their Christmas plans are going. Alongside that, we’re shipping hampers globally to our clients worldwide, our artisan cheese sales are phenomenal over the festive period, and our hand-picked wine selection is a big seller too’.

The busy counter, heart of Dollar's Deli

The busy counter, heart of Dollar’s Deli

The couple came to the delicatessen from highflying careers in bar and restaurant management and super yacht crewing, seeking an outlet for their knowledge of food and wine, and the balance they needed to bring up a young family. They’ve achieved both in Dollar, with the support of what Kerry describes as their ‘fantastic and experienced team’. And they give a lot back at this time of year, supporting local charity event, the Dollar Under Fives Stroll, by donating their van, mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies to help raise charitable funds within the close-knit community.

Back in the deli, Kerry and Alistair choose their stock primarily from independent and lesser known suppliers, with a simple but critical emphasis on taste and on quality. Their range includes charcuterie, artisan cheeses, Scottish pates, Italian olives, over 200 wines, handmade ice cream, and breads baked fresh on the premises. And that’s not to mention the 100% Arabica coffee to go. It sounds like that’s more than enough work for young parents, but just two months ago Kerry and Alistair opened their own restaurant, the Bridge Street Kitchen. ‘Hospitality is in our blood. You can’t fight it!’ says Kerry. ‘We were about to install an external kitchen in the deli to cope with the volume of cooking we were doing for both it and outside catering. It was to be the “kitchen” for our deli. So when the opportunity came up to open our own restaurant we grabbed it.’ Since its opening, the thriving restaurant has been fully booked every night with an atmosphere all its own, which Kerry describes as ‘bustling, vibrant, and fun!’.

The informal surroundings of the bustling Bridge Street Kitchen

The informal surroundings of the bustling Bridge Street Kitchen

The deli, the restaurant, and their owners radiate warmth, energy and enthusiasm, but when will they relax this Christmas, if at all? ‘We close the Deli on Christmas and Boxing Day so that we, and our team, can focus on what’s important. Bridge Street Kitchen will close until 21st January. As for us, on Christmas Day we will be in our festive PJs playing with our two young children. We’ll have a lovely lunch and hopefully a walk in the snow. It’s all about them.’

So if you’re in Dollar looking for a last-minute gift, a bottle of wine for Christmas Eve, or even just some food suggestions from a team who are rightly proud of their wares, you know where to head. Merry Christmas!