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  • Writer's pictureSharon Wilson

The Skye's the limit for two pioneers of Scottish hospitality


Tom Kitchin and Shirley Spear

The two champions of Scottish hospitality will showcase a 4-course dinner, celebrating Scotland’s larder, as they recreate a collection of signature recipes from Shirley’s time at the helm of globally-renowned restaurant, The Three Chimneys in Skye.

Shirley’s will tell stories about The Three Chimneys, being an ambassador for Scottish food and drink and more.

Shirley Spear

Shirley Spear dedicated more than 35 years to driving change in the Scottish food & drink industry – dedication that was recognised and celebrated with an OBE in 2016. A self-taught chef, Shirley and her husband Eddie, took over The Three Chimneys in Colbost, Skye in 1984, leaving roles in London and relocating their young family to the Isle of Skye. With hard work, passion, and devotion, they transformed The Three Chimneys into a culinary destination renowned across the world for showcasing Scotland’s larder, becoming a Gold 5-star restaurant with rooms and helping to put Skye firmly on the culinary map. The Three Chimneys became an iconic destination and winner of many accolades, including being placed on the World’s Top 50 Restaurants in 2002 and 2003 and proclaimed by restaurant critic, Frank Bruni of the New York Times, as one of his top 5 all-time favourite places to dine.

Commenting on the forthcoming dinner, Tom Kitchin said:

“I have real admiration for the impact that Shirley has had on our Scottish food & drink sector, and in helping Scotland to be taken seriously as a gourmet destination. Shirley kick-started the process of shifting those negative perceptions of Scottish food and by joining forces, we hope to highlight how far we’ve come in putting Scotland’s larder centre stage and aim to continue the conversation about Scottish gastronomy.

“Shirley continues to be an inspiration to many, and we look forward to bringing some of her favourite recipes to life and sharing them with our guests.”

Shirley Spear added:

“I really set out to show the world that Scotland has some of the best produce anywhere. At The Three Chimneys, our menus were often simple but always focussed on the ingredients. It’s a joy to see chefs like Tom continuing to make progress in championing local Scottish produce – and doing so in a much more sophisticated style.

“I’m looking forward to reigniting some of my most loved recipes next month and bringing a little taste of Skye to guests at The Bonnie Badger.”

The special ‘In Conversation With’ Dinner will begin at 7pm with a welcome drink, and a Q&A with Chef Tom Kitchin and Shirley Spear, followed by a 4-course dinner served in the intimate private dining room at The Bonnie Badger.

Further details can be found at https://bonniebadger.com/events and reservations can be made by contacting the Reception Team on info@bonniebadger.com or +44 (0)1620 621 111. Reservations for the event are priced at £85 per person for a welcome drink and 4-courses.

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