Nick’s at Port of Menteith, founded by Scottish celebrity chef and TV broadcaster, Nick Nairn and his wife Julia, has been recognised by the Good Food Guide in their Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026 list.
Placing at #47, the accolade comes during a landmark year for Nairn, as he celebrates four decades in hospitality, having first opened the doors of Braeval in 1986, soon after becoming Scotland’s youngest Michelin-starred chef.
The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants Awards are said to celebrate the ‘independent restaurants that define their neighbourhoods’.
Founded by the Nairns in 2021, Nick’s at Port of Menteith is a destination ‘built around exceptional Scottish produce and warm hospitality’, with the Cook School, kitchen garden and Home by Julia Nairn all interwoven to create a place where the community can eat, learn, shop and connect.
Headed up by executive chef Andy Turnbull and general manager Robyn Stewart, Nick’s serves dishes showcasing local produce, from freshly harvested vegetables and premium Scottish meats, to Scottish seafood.
Nick said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition, especially in a year that means so much to me personally.
“Looking back over the last 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some wonderful people, but what we’re building here at Port of Menteith feels very special.
“This recognition really belongs to our team,” he said. “So many of them have been with us for years and they care deeply about what we do. They bring warmth, pride and professionalism to every service, and we simply couldn’t have achieved this without them.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to my wife, Julia. Her vision and tireless dedication have been central to everything we’ve created here. She has quietly shaped so much of what Nick’s has become, and her influence can be seen in every part of the business.”
Julia commented: “When we opened in 2021, we wanted to create somewhere that reflected everything we believe hospitality should be – relaxed, generous, welcoming and rooted in the very best Scottish produce.
“To be recognised by the Good Food Guide is a wonderful endorsement of that vision and a real credit to every member of our team.”
