‘What a loss to Skye’s food scene’ - Michael Smith to close Michelin-starred Loch Bay
Michael Smith and his wife Laurence have announced that they are to close their Michelin-starred restaurant Loch Bay, in Stein on the Isle of Skye, after 10 years.
The couple broke the news on Instagram, telling followers: "After 10 wonderful years we have made the decision to close Loch Bay.
"When we opened Loch Bay in 2016, we wanted to create a restaurant that reflected our passion for hospitality and gave the warmest of welcomes to guests visiting from all over the world.
"Since then, the success of our restaurant has been a result of the combined assistance from our incredible team of staff, suppliers and the local community. We would like to give thanks and appreciation to everyone who has aided and supported the business.
"Special gratitude goes to Graeme, Isabel and Brennan.
“From the very beginning their loyalty, skills and dedication helped us achieve and consistently maintain the highest standards, recognised most notably by earning and retaining a Michelin star since 2017."
Loch Bay will serve its final service on October 31, 2026, bringing the curtain down at the end of what the couple describe as "another successful season".
"We have always hoped to end in the most positive way and feel this is the right time for us to do so," the statement continued.
"As our time at Loch Bay comes to a close, Stein remains our home and we both look forward to beginning new chapters in our personal and professional lives.
"We will always be immensely grateful to all our customers and staff for the opportunity and privilege of creating so many happy moments and memories that will stay with us forever. Thank you so much for being part of our story."
Chefs pay tribute
News of the closure prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the industry.
Nick Nairn, of Nick’s at Port of Menteith, wrote: "Going out on top, well done Michael and Laurence and the team - much love from us Nairns and all at Nick’s."
Tony Singh MBE added: "An amazing 10 years. Huge congratulations to you both. Onwards and upwards, and even more great news is we might actually get a bit more time for a dram with you both. Big love to you both."
Fellow Skye chef Calum Montgomery, of Edinbane Lodge, also paid tribute, writing: "What a loss to Skye's food scene. Michael and Laurence, you've been an inspiration to so many of us.
“What you've achieved at Loch Bay over the last 10 years has been incredible, and the impact you've had on Skye's food scene can't be overstated.
“You're both true Skye legends and should be incredibly proud of everything achieved.
“Wishing you both nothing but the very best for whatever comes next. From all the Edinbane team."
About Michael Smith and Loch Bay
Michael Smith opened Loch Bay in the former fishing village of Stein, on Skye's Waternish peninsula, in 2016, going on to earn and retain a Michelin star for the restaurant since 2017.
Run by Michael alongside his wife Laurence, the restaurant became known for its "Skye Fruits de Mer" approach, showcasing hand-dived scallops, creel-caught langoustines and lobster from the surrounding waters, prepared with classical French technique in a six-table dining room dating back to around 1790.
Before opening Loch Bay, Michael spent 11 years at the Three Chimneys, also on Skye, rising from head chef to chef director and winning his first Michelin star there in 2014.
His career began as a kitchen porter in Inverness before moves to London, where he worked at Le Pont de la Tour under Sir Terence Conran and had a placement at Le Gavroche, and later Glasgow, at the Blue Bar and Restaurant and Arta.
Loch Bay was named AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland in 2024, and Michael has represented Scotland three times on Great British Menu, winning a main course round in 2013 with a goat tagine.
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‘What a loss to Skye’s food scene’ - Michael Smith to close Michelin-starred Loch Bay
