Tom Kitchin to Open New Restaurant - The Bonnie Badger

Celebrity chef Tom Kitchin and wife, Michaela Kitchin, have announced plans to launch a new restaurant this year. The new venture will be the first of The Kitchin Group to feature rooms.

Tom Kitchin is the Michelin starred chef-proprietor of The Kitchin Group. The group owns highly renowned restaurants in Scotland including Castle Terrace in Ediburgh, Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge and The Kitchin in Leith. Throughout the group, the venues have won many prestigious awards - the Scran & Scallie, in particular, has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. Tom is Scotland's youngest Michelin starred chef, having achieved the honour at only 29 years of age. He has since become much loved on British television, having appeared on The Great British Menu, UKTV Food's Market Kitchen and BBC's Saturday Kitchen.

The new restaurant and guest rooms will take over the site of the former Golf Inn Hotel based in East Lothian. The building dates back to 1836. A full refurbishment will take place, however the pair are keen to retain many of the features of the historic building. The final concept is said to feature a 60 cover restaurant, a bar, an outdoor area and 12 guest rooms.

Michaela will be taking charge of the restaurants design alongside Stephen Paterson from Burns Design. The aim is to blend Scandinavian design with Scottish design, whilst keeping the core features that The Kitchin Group Restaurants retain. Many bespoke features are expected to appear, having worked with Smart Hospitality Supplies on their menu covers and supplies on each of the groups restaurants in the past.

The menu will keep to Tom's core philosophy of "from nature to plate" by choosing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The recipes will serve twist of classic pub dishes and seasonal classics.

Speaking on the new venture, Tom said: “My wife and I have dreamt of having a pub with rooms for years and we’ve always been particularly fond of the East Lothian area, having spent time here on family holidays with the kids. When this opportunity came up it just felt that it was meant to be.

“We have always loved the feel of the old hotel and we want to ensure that we keep the heart of the building whilst enhancing the offering. Our aim is to create a welcoming and charming place for guests to enjoy good food and drink which I hope the local community will embrace and enjoy.”