Isle of Skye restaurant gains recognition in latest Michelin Guide
A RESTAURANT on the Isle of Skye has become the newest recipient of a Michelin Star in the latest edition of the prestigious guide book.
The Loch Bay Restaurant in Stein was the only new Scottish addition to the guide this year, securing the accolade within its first 18 months in business.
Chef Michael Smith, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Laurence, said it was “an honour to receive such world-respected recognition for the efforts and achievements of the team, from such a prestigious institution”.
“The past 18 months have been hard work but rewarding, and we would like to personally thank our fantastic restaurant team: Isabel, Bren and Graeme, as well as our family and friends who have supported us throughout,” said Michael.
“This is not only a wonderful achievement for us at Loch Bay, but also for the wider community here in Waternish, who we are grateful to for their support since our arrival in 2016.”
While Loch Bay was the only new Michelin Star in Scotland, two Scottish restaurants – the Isle of Eriska in Argyll & Bute and Kinloch Lodge on Skye – lost their stars and Stravaigin in Glasgow lost its Bib Gourmand status – defined by Michelin as venues serving good quality food at good value.
In total, Scotland has eleven restaurants with a Michelin Star and only one – Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – with two stars.
There are eight Scottish venues with a Bib Gourmand in the new guide.
No restaurants in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales have the highest accolade of three Michelin stars, with only five in England occupying that top tier. The Araki in Westminster became the latest restaurant to enter that elite club in the 2018 guide.
Opened by owner Mitsuhiro Araki in 2014, the sushi restaurant has only nine seats and serves a single set menu for £300 per person.
