On the Isle of Skye a promising new hospitality model has arisen out of the collaboration between world-renowned restaurant with rooms, The Three Chimneys, and the island’s oldest distillery, Talisker.
In spring 2024, the two came together for the first time to launch a pop-up dining experience at the distillery on the shores of Loch Harport.
Following the success of that experiment, The Three Chimneys and Talisker have now agreed a longer-term commitment to the venture, creating a ‘gastro-distillery’ to further build upon the island’s reputation for culinary creativity.
The Three Chimneys at Talisker experience is now inviting guests to ‘fully immerse themselves in the rugged coastal landscape of Skye, through locally sourced food and drink and a shared commitment to local growers, crofters, producers and craftspeople on Skye’.
Inspiration for the menus is being taken from Talisker Distillery’s location on the Minginish peninsula and ‘an air that is filled with the salt and spray of the sea’. Dishes aim to complement the maritime character of Talisker with its notes of smoke, spice, peat, salt and pepper.
Led by head chef, Paul Green and his team, The Three Chimneys at Talisker’s a la carte menu for summer 2025 includes freshly caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops. Diners can also enjoy the already famous seafood platter and locally cured meats and cheeses.
Over the summer, a variety of themed evening and lunchtime events will showcase the best of Skye’s culinary and cultural offerings, including barbecues, Scottish Ceilidhs and bespoke ‘Made by the Sea’ dining experiences.
Brett Davidge, managing director of The Wee Hotel Company, which owns The Three Chimneys and the award-winning Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to The Three Chimneys at Talisker dining experience since launching the venture with the distillery in 2024.
“We’re now looking forward to elevating the concept even further and leading the rise of the gastro-distillery on Skye.
“The ethos of both the Three Chimneys and Talisker are rooted in local produce and the communities that make the Isle of Skye. With this in mind, The Three Chimneys at Talisker will continue to celebrate the best of Skye, Land and Sea.”
Talisker brand home manager Leigh Aitken added: “It’s been a privilege to work with the incredibly talented team at The Three Chimneys to bring this partnership to life, offering guests a new dimension to their experience with us.
“The feedback we’ve received has affirmed that we’ve created something special together.
“At Talisker we’re fortunate to be able to host people from all over the world, from Carbost to California, and we’re proud to be playing our part in cementing Skye as a must visit destination for food and whisky lovers by extending this partnership.”
The original five-star AA restaurant at The Three Chimneys, on Skye’s Duirinish peninsula around 30 minutes’ drive from Talisker, is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the Good Food Guide. Its newly designed sister venue at Talisker provides space for up to 40 diners.
