Tom and Michaela Kitchin have announced that they are expanding out to the Scottish Coast with the opening of a new pub with rooms later this year.
Their new venture named The Bonnie Badger will serve twists on traditional pub dishes and will utilise seasonal and local ingredients from local producers. Situated in the village of Gullane, it will open this autumn and includes 12 bedrooms, a dining room that serves 60 covers, a bar and garden.
Led and designed by Tom’s wife and business partner Michaela Kitchin and Stephen Paterson of Burns Design, the interior will take inspiration from Scotland’s rich tapestry of natural resources in a blend of Scandinavian and Scottish design which has become synonymous with the Kitchin Group’s restaurants.
This ‘From Nature to Plate’ ethos will extend to the menu as Tom and his team remain true to the values of using only locally sourced, seasonal produce. The Bonnie Badger will work closely with Scottish producers and farmers ensuring the freshest produce available and will feature twists on pub dishes and seasonal classics.
Tom says “We have always had a genuine love of hotels and all aspects of hospitality. My wife’s background and training was very hotel-led and it’s always been a shared dream to one day have our own wee place. A pub with rooms just seems like the right thing to do.”
Chef Kitchin said that “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”
He continues: "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 break for our guests to enjoy good food and drink”
The Bonnie Badger will be the fourth venue to join the Kitchin Group which includes the Scran and Scallie in Stourbridge which holds a Bib Gourmand, the Edinburgh-based Castle Terrace and the Michelin-starred Kitchin in Leith.
