1 Michelin star chefs: Danny Young, 1887
Danny Young is the resort head chef at The Torridon hotel in Scotland, with its fine dining restaurant 1887 first earning a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026.
The Highlands restaurant also holds three AA rosettes.
Danny was crowned National Chef of the Year in October 2025, having added that title to his earlier Young National Chef of the Year win from 2018.
Situated on the banks of Upper Loch Torridon, with mountains behind it and gardens outside, 1887 has become one of the most distinctive dining destinations in the Highlands.
Michelin describes the restaurant as being in a truly stunning location, with exceptional Highland produce forming the bedrock of dishes that can be either classic or original in their make-up.
That combination of place, produce and precision sits at the heart of Danny’s cooking.
Early career and background
Danny began his career at Northcote at the age of 16 and spent more than 13 years there, working through every section of the kitchen before eventually becoming head chef.
That long grounding in one of the country’s most respected kitchens gave him a strong technical base and helped shape the calm, composed style he is now known for.
A spell at Port Gaverne Hotel in Cornwall followed, before making the move north of the border to The Torridon in 2024.
Danny Young at The Torridon
Danny joined The Torridon as resort head chef to lead both 1887 and Bo & Muc, bringing with him a cooking style rooted in seasonality, strong sourcing and a sense of place.
The Torridon describes his belief that dining should be an experience, with every plate creating excitement and a connection to the Highland landscape through the finest local ingredients.
In creating his menus, Danny has said he is often inspired by the connection to places and memories, aiming to create a sense of nostalgia through his food.
That idea comes through clearly at 1887, where the menu draws on the land and lochs around the hotel. The Torridon highlights shellfish, fresh fish and game, with many ingredients sourced from the resort’s own farm and kitchen garden.
Cooking style at 1887
Michelin’s description of 1887 gives a clear sense of Danny’s food. The Guide points to dishes built on exceptional Highland produce, from day-boat John Dory with roast chicken sauce to more original combinations such as white chocolate and rocket with preserved brambles.
That balance between classical grounding and modern creativity is a strong reflection of Danny’s style.
His cooking is precise and ingredient-led, but it is also shaped by emotion and memory. Danny has spoken about his passion for finding the very best of Scotland’s produce and improving the sustainability of the restaurants he leads, while also helping the chefs around him develop their own ideas and dishes.
That makes his role at The Torridon broader than simply writing menus; he is helping shape the direction of the kitchen as a whole.
Michelin star at 1887
In February 2026, 1887 was awarded its first Michelin star.
The recognition confirmed the restaurant’s rise as one of Scotland’s most exciting hotel dining rooms and gave Danny Michelin status to sit alongside his competition success. Michelin also highlighted the appeal of the restaurant’s extensive global whisky collection, adding another layer to the overall experience.
The Michelin Guide 2026 also awarded 1887 a Michelin green star, reflecting the wider sustainability work being done at The Torridon.
Today, Danny Young is one of the leading chefs working in Scotland. Through 1887, he has brought together competition pedigree, technical discipline and a deep respect for Highland produce in a way that feels both ambitious and grounded.
With a Michelin star now attached to 1887, alongside his National Chef of the Year title and his earlier Young National Chef of the Year win, Danny’s reputation is firmly established.
His cooking continues to evolve, but the core of it remains the same: seasonality, landscape and food designed to leave a lasting impression.
Other Michelin Star Chefs
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