Award-winning, but undeniably remote, Ullapool’s The Dipping Lugger has for the third year running retained its listing in the illustrious Michelin Guide to the world’s best restaurants.
The venue, led by local head chef David Smith, in the coastal village approximately 60 miles northwest of Inverness, is one of only 10 Highlands restaurants to earn a Michelin listing. Last year, against stiff competition, it was also named SLTN Restaurant of the Year (Fine Dining).
The Dipping Lugger’s co-owner Robert Hicks said: ‘’Retaining our Michelin Guide listing for the third year is great news.
“Every single member of the team has played a vital part in our continued success. Their dedication and commitment to delivering excellent food and service to our guests across every aspect of the business has helped the business grow from strength to strength and has firmly put The Dipping Lugger on the Highland food map.’’
The Michelin Guide review of The Dipping Lugger states: ‘’This 18th-century former manse sits right on the harbour front and comes with luxurious bedrooms and a small restaurant with a charming vintage style. The friendly team serve a tasting menu to all tables at the same time, and while dishes might appear simple, flavours burst through.’’
The Michelin Guide’s roots are in 19th century France, when brothers Édouard and André Michelin founded their car tyre company. By 1900, they began giving away complimentary guides filled with practical information for car drivers, including maps, where to find a garage, and recommendations of where to eat and stay for the night.
By the 1920s, their Guide had become highly respected, and the brothers began employing mystery diners to assess the places being recommended within its pages. Single-star designations were introduced in 1926, then a star hierarchy in 1931, which remain the same to this day.
