It was good news and bad news for an island’s top eateries when Michelin announced its coveted food award stars for 2018.
The Loch Bay Restaurant, based in a former crofter’s cottage in Skye, was awarded the top foodie accolade – but the popular Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant on the island didn’t manage to retain their one this time around.
Chef patron of the Loch Bay is Michael Smith, well-known from his appearances on television, and he runs it with his wife, Laurence, together with the front of house team led by Graeme Creamer.
The restaurant is in Stein, an old fishing village on the north west Waternish peninsula.
Local fish and seafood feature highly in their menus which also have classic French influences.
And there was no hard feelings as Loch Bay’s success was applauded by staff at Kinloch Lodge, who have held a Michelin star for seven years
Isabella Macdonald said: “We are so sad not to have retained our precious Michelin Star after all this time. Our wonderful team of chefs, headed up for 10 years by Marcello Tully, are as brilliant and dedicated as ever and we will continue to do what we do best – provide delicious and wonderful food in our own unique style.
“Yesterday we were all so very happy and proud of our business and what we do and we still feel exactly the same today.
“The silver lining is that our dear friend Michael Smith at Loch Bay has been awarded a star and we could not be happier for him and his team.
“Skye continues to be a destination for food lovers around the world,” she added.
A new restaurant in London was awarded the ultimate prize – three Michelin stars.
The Araki sushi eaterie has just nine seats, but it costs £300 per person to dine there.
Twenty restaurants around the country now have two stars, with 150 holding one star.
