TWO Scottish restaurants have been honoured with top awards as the much-coveted AA Rosettes for 2024 were announced.
Only the top eateries and hotels in the UK are recognised in the scheme.
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And the new awards – handed out after visits from inspectors – were revealed at the highly-anticipated spring update, held at RAK Ceramics Design Hub, London.
The Little Chartroom was among 16 establishments across the UK which was awarded three rosettes.
The Edinburgh restaurant, covered in navigational maps, has become a Leith stalwart with its stripped back Scandi feel, plain tables and wooden chairs.
AA experts said: “Very seasonal menus change regularly, with tasting and à la carte options.
“This is light, bright, modern Scottish cooking, with no heavy or overwhelming flavours or textures.”
Meanwhile, Mingary Castle in Kilchoan in the Highlands, was also recognised with three rosettes.
The restaurant with rooms is described as being an unusual and striking property, uniquely built inside the curtain walls of a 13th-century castle.
The experts at AA said: “It’s full of charm as well as character, and guests can gaze at the Isle of Mull, just across the water, from the viewing platform.
“The small restaurant is the perfect setting for some stunning modern Scottish cooking, demonstrating great technical skill as well as the wonderful local larder.”
There’s an eight-course tasting menu which changes daily and has previously included dishes like oyster ice cream and Isle of Wight tomatoes with basil granita and goat’s ricotta.
The only location to earn four Rosettes in the new awards was London-based restaurant, La Dame de Pic, for its stunning classic dishes, featuring first class, seasonal produce, superb technical execution and flavour profiles.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “We are delighted to celebrate and recognise the latest collection of outstanding restaurants.
“All deliver excellent culinary experiences where provenance, seasonality, flavour and great cooking take centre stage. Here’s to the remarkable chefs and front-of-house teams whose dedication has brought these accolades to life.”
Since 1956, the AA Rosette Awards have been a mark of leading restaurant and hotel venues across the UK.
