The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool, Ross-shire, has been awarded AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland at the AA B&B Awards 2025.
This accolade adds to an already impressive list of honours for the Ullapool-based restaurant with rooms. It currently holds the AA’s Five-Star Gold Restaurant with Rooms Award, three AA Red Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, an AA Breakfast Award, and a Notable Wine List Award.
Further recognition includes a White Star Award from the Star Wine Awards, Restaurant of the Year (Fine Dining) at the Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards 2025, and Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2025. The Dipping Lugger was also named Regional Winner in the Highlands & Islands Best Eating Experience category at the Scottish Thistle Awards.
Head Chef David Smith was listed in the Good Food Guide earlier this year and has earned a place in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years, one of only 10 restaurants in the Highlands to achieve this.
Originally built in 1798, this whitewashed, double-fronted Georgian former manse overlooks the shores of Loch Broom. In 2018, co-owners Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers purchased the property and began their journey to create a standout restaurant with rooms.
The Dipping Lugger officially opened its doors in October 2021, quickly establishing itself as a destination for fine dining and luxurious stays. The property features three beautifully appointed guest bedrooms, a guest lounge, and an 18-cover fine dining restaurant. The dining space is stylishly adorned with Morris & Co. wallpaper, complemented by Robert and Helen’s eclectic collection of music concert posters, a nod to their background in live music promotion across Scotland.
The guest rooms: MacInnes (named for the former owners), Melville (after the original house developer), and Telford (honouring Thomas Telford’s partial rebuild in 1829), are each designed with luxury and relaxation in mind. Rooms feature lavish beds, refurbished fireplaces, fireside chairs, antique lamps, and luxurious wall coverings. Ensuite bathrooms include walk-in showers and deep bathtubs, offering a tranquil retreat after a day exploring the Highlands.
In the kitchen, head chef David Smith creates seasonal tasting menus inspired by global influences, celebrating the region’s best produce. Dishes feature scallops freshly landed from Loch Broom by local fisherman Gary Lewis, beef from Strathkaniard Croft, and locally sourced game from Keanchulish Lodge, just three miles away.
Commenting on their latest accolade, co-owner Robert Hicks said: ‘’To be presented with the AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland award is incredible. It’s something we’ve all worked extremely hard for since we opened in 2021.
“We may be small, but we’re perfectly formed, and this award reflects exactly what we’re about. It gives us even more drive to keep pushing forward while ensuring every guest who stays or dines with us has the best possible experience.’’
The AA inspectors and judging panel of the 2025 AA B&B Awards remarked: ‘’The Dipping Lugger overlooks Loch Broom in Ullapool. This 18th-century former manse has been transformed into a wonderful restaurant with rooms offering the highest levels of service as well as hospitality backed up with a stunning dining experience.
“The property takes its name from a sailing boat, and much of the design has a nautical theme. Luxurious bedrooms cater well for the modern guest while the open log fires and the drawing room reflect the character of the property and its heritage. Local provenance is used to good effect in the restaurant.’’
