THE best hotel and restaurant in Scotland has been revealed after the much-coveted AA Hospitality Awards for 2024 were announced.
The top eateries and hotels in the UK competed for the prestigious gong at a glitzy ceremony.
Glenturret has scooped 5 Rosettes for the first time[/caption]
The awards were handed out at the highly-anticipated event at Grosvenor House in London last night.
Only the best restaurants and hotels in the UK are recognised in the scheme, with the leading venues in Scotland, England and Wales all being celebrated at the national event.
And Sir Andy Murray‘s stunning hotel Cromlix scooped the top gong at the ceremony.
The double Wimbledon champion’s 15-bedroom Victorian country mansion near Dunblane, Stirling, was named as the best hotel in Scotland.
The gorgeous five-star premises is set among 34 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens – and even boasts its own chapel, tennis court, and trout loch.
The tennis superstar, 37, and his wife Kim Sears, 36, bought the property for £1.8million back in 2013 and went on to have their wedding there two years later.
This stunning hotel has been appointed to a luxurious standard… Service is delivered to an impeccable standard
AA Inspectors
The award was handed out after visits from inspectors who were impressed with the “expansive grounds”, beautiful bedrooms and delicious food.
AA experts said: “Owned by Kim and Andy Murray (the tennis star, who was born in nearby Dunblane), this stunning hotel has been appointed to a luxurious standard.
“The expansive grounds are secluded and ideal for relaxing in; among the places of interest are a kitchen garden, a loch (stocked with trout; rods available) and a tennis court resplendent in Wimbledon colours.
“Bedrooms have been lovingly restored and include a number of unique suites.
“The hotel has its own chapel, a number of welcoming lounges and a billiards room.
“The modern, light dining space features an open kitchen where guests can observe some masterful cooking in action. Service is delivered to an impeccable standard.”
While the Loch Bay Restaurant in Stein, Isle of Skye, was crowned the best restaurant in Scotland.
Inspectors were blown away by the cosy six-table restaurant that has incredible views of the coast as well as delicious food.
Not only were they impressed by the daily changing menu, but they also loved the French influence on modern Scottish food.
They also said it was a “gloriously remote location for amazing Scottish seafood.”
A little-known Scottish gem is also among the restaurants that have been awarded 5 Rosettes at the AA awards.
AA Rosettes are awarded by our team of inspectors, who have an unrivalled wealth of experience when it comes to recognising outstanding hospitality.
Restaurants with 5 Rosettes are the very pinnacle, where the cooking compares with the best in the world.
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Crieff, Perth is Kinross, is one of two Scottish establishments to be honoured with the award.
Inspectors said: “Part of a working distillery surrounded by beautiful Perth and Kinross countryside, Glenturret Lalique Restaurant is a luxurious fine dining destination with a strong whisky theme.
“Filled with luxurious furnishings, magnificent glassworks and twinkling chandeliers, it’s a sumptuous setting and large tables add to the overall feeling of space.
Full list of all Scottish restaurants with AA Rosettes
5 AA Rosettes:
- The Kitchin, Edinburgh
- The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Crieff, Perth & Kinross
4 AA Rosettes:
- Number One, The Balmoral, Edinburgh
- Restaurant Martin Wishart, Edinburgh
- Edinbane Lodge, Edinbane, Highlands
- Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross
3 AA Rosettes:
- The Library at Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
- Gordon’s, Inverkeilor, Angus
- Restaurant at Isle of Eriska, Eriska, Argyll & Bute
- Airds Hotel and Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll & Bute
- Inver Restaurant, Strachur, Argyll & Bute
- The Auldgirth Inn, Dumfries
- Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
- Dean Banks at The Pompadour, Edinburgh
- The Little Chartroom, Edinburgh
- Timberyard, Edinburgh
- The Peat Inn, Peat Inn
- HAAR, St Andrews
- Road Hole Restaurant, St Andrews
- Cail Bruich, Glasgow
- The Gannet, Glasgow
- The Restaurant, One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow
- UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow
- The Three Chimneys & The House Over-By, Colbost
- Station Road, Fort Augustus
- Seasgair by Michel Roux Jr, Fort William
- Mingary Castle, Kilchoan
- Kilcamb Lodge Hotel, Strontian
- Loch Bay Restaurant, Stein
- The Torridon 1887 Restaurant, Torridon
- The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool
- Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, Pitlochry
- Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae
- Crossbasket Castle, Blantyre
- The Glasshouse, Dunblane
“Service is formal and highly skilled, but staff are approachable and not stuffy at all.”
The other is The Kitchin in Edinburgh, which was described by AA Inspectors as “refined cooking of top-notch Scottish ingredients.”
The experts added: “The Kitchin has been in the premier league of the UK’s top culinary destinations since it opened in 2006 and it continues to be on the bucket list of countless foodies.”
Number One, The Balmoral and Restaurant Martin Wishart, both in Edinburgh also received 4 AA Rosettes.
And Douneside House in Tarland, Aberdeenshire has been named among the New 4 Red Star hotels.
The experts said: “This country house has been developed to provide an impressive range of facilities, with extensive grounds, fishing, spa and leisure facilities as well as stunningly beautiful gardens.
“Bedrooms come in a range of sizes, all very well equipped and extremely comfortable. Public rooms reflect the interesting history of the estate, and blend contemporary style with refined comfort.
“Cuisine is a major feature; exciting and interesting dishes incorporate the best estate produce including ingredients from the splendid kitchen garden.”
