The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool’s Dipping Lugger led by head chef David Smith, have just learnt that they’ve retained their listing in the illustrious Michelin Guide for the third year running, one of only 10 restaurants listed from across the Highlands.
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.’’
Across the UK there are currently only 1147 restaurants listed in the Guide, 825 boast a listing, among them is Ullapool’s Dipping Lugger, 150 restaurants hold a Bib Gourmand, 220 hold stars, with 181 holding one star, 29 with two stars and ten with three Michelin stars.
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 started in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 1889, when brothers Édouard and André Michelin founded their tyre company aiming to transform the French car industry.
By 1900, they started to give away complimentary guides filled with practical information for travellers, including maps, where to find a garage, and recommendations of where to eat and stay for the night.
By the 1920’s, the Guide had become highly respected, in response to that, the brothers employed mystery diners to assess the places being recommended within its pages, who began awarding single-star designations from 1926 onwards to highlight the top eateries to visit.
A star hierarchy was introduced in 1931, quickly followed by descriptions of the Star rankings, which remain the same to this day:
