Ullapool’s Dipping Lugger named Restaurant of the Year at Scottish Excellence Awards
AN acclaimed Wester Ross eatery that is carving out a reputation as a destination in itself is celebrating a prestigious Restaurant of the Year award.
The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool took the eagerly sought accolade at the annual Scottish Excellence Awards, in partnership with The Caterer.
It comes hot on the heels of retaining its listing in the Michelin Guide for the third year running.
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Several team members from the Ullapool restaurant attended the glamorous black-tie event held at The Hilton Glasgow and collected the coveted trophy.
The Scottish Excellence Awards aim to identify, assess, and celebrate the highest achievers in Scottish hospitality, food service, and tourism. They provide a unique mark of distinction for the winners in each category.
There are 12 award categories, including Employee of the Year, Young Chef of the Year, Pub Excellence, Sustainable Business, and Restaurant of the Year, along with a special Lifetime Achievement award.
The annual awards are heralded as the ultimate recognition for businesses and individuals in Scottish hospitality, food service, and tourism.
Each award is judged by a panel of Advisory Board members, which includes Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean, Roberta Hall-McCarron, executive chef of the Little Chartroom and Eleanore in Edinburgh, Caroline Gregory of the Lovat Hotel and Restaurant in Fort Augustus, and Jill Chalmers, managing director of Glenapp Castle Hotel in South Ayrshire.
Commenting on The Dipping Lugger’s award win, Robert Hicks, co-owner of the restaurant with rooms, said: "To be presented with the Scottish Excellence Award for Best Restaurant in Scotland is absolutely overwhelming.
“It's something we've all worked extremely hard towards since we opened in 2021. We may be small, but we’re perfectly formed, and this award outlines our aspirations.
“It will encourage us even more to continue doing our best and keep pushing to be where we want to be, whilst also continuing to ensure that all our guests have the best experience possible when they dine with us."
The Dipping Lugger, led by head chef David Smith, has won a number of accolades over the years for its restaurant and hotel, as well as holding a rating of 4.9 stars on Google.
