Karma Lake of Menteith, a sixteen-bedroom hotel located between Aberfoyle and Doune, has been named as Central Scotland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year in the Food Awards Scotland 2024.
It is the latest in a string of awards for the hotel, which was acquired by the Karma Group in 2021. Originally the manse to the adjacent church, the historic property was converted to an Inn in 1888, then extensively modernised to become a hotel in 1937.
It sits on the shore of the Lake of Menteith, a noted tourist destination because of Inchmahome Island and the ruins of Inchmahome Abbey, where the young Mary Queen of Scots is thought to have sought refuge.
Leading the kitchen is experienced local chef, Joe Peden, who worked at the venue back in 2013 under its previous ownership.
Originally born in Brighton but moving to the Trossachs aged 10, Joe’s kitchen career began in the area, where his mum also ran a successful farmers market home bakery for almost twenty years, and three of his siblings work in restaurants as either chefs or front of house management.
After working his way up through the ranks at Lake of Menteith for five years, Joe headed to Glasgow to open up and lead the kitchen of the St Luke’s restaurant and music venue. Now, with him back and in charge of the Lakeside kitchen, the food offering has reportedly gone from strength to strength.
“We are all delighted to win this latest award, it’s very much a team one, not just for me, as everyone contributes to the current success we are enjoying as a stand alone dining destination,” said Joe.
“We’re a handy port of call if you want to go out on the boat to Inchmahome Island, in the middle of the Lake, and visit the old priory which was once inhabited by Mary Queen of Scots.
“You can enjoy a delicious meal in our Lakeside Restaurant before or after the experience.”
Joe is now busy planning a new Autumn Menu: “It’s a busy time, as after the Autumn push it’s onto the festive season. A lot will be going on, as we have our ‘12 Days of Karma Christmas’, which offers fun dining and entertainment events, open to everyone, right across the twelve days.”
Joe also paid tribute to his suppliers, who enable him to ‘put the very best of Scotland, from land and sea, onto a plate’.
“We try to source local whenever we can, working with a range of artisan suppliers, such as butchers, Skinners of Kippen, and Old Leckie Farm Eggs, to come up with delicious and authentic dishes.”
Other Karma Lake of Menteith suppliers include Great Glen Venison, and Katy Rodgers dairy range.
Commenting on the Food Awards Scotland accolade, hotel general manager Adrian Willmers said: “It’s always fantastic to be recognised in awards like this, especially ones that are voted for by our customers, as their opinions are the ones that matter most to us.
“We’re constantly striving to give them a fantastic Karma experience when they come here. Joe is an extremely talented chef who will go onto win many more awards. If you haven’t eaten with us yet, we would very much encourage you to do so as you’re in for a real treat.”
