Highland Liquor Company Owners Launch Bite Sized Hotel

The duo responsible for the operations of the Ullapool Distillery; The Highland Liquor Company, have launched their first venture on the West Coast of Scotland, on the shores of Loch Broom.

Helen Chalmers and Robert Hicks purchased the 18th Century tiny hotel with rooms and have restored the restaurant to their own quirky customised specifications. Chalmers and Hicks were given a grant by the Highlands & Islands Enterprise.   This allowed them to embark on their restoration project to refurbish the restaurant and rooms; which they have named the Dipping Lugger.

Robert Hicks has had extensive experience in hospitality; and worked at the two Michelin Star Altnaharie Inn, in Gleneagles, Gidleigh Park and The Four Seasons in London. They employed the services of Eve Cullen-Cornes for the interior design of the restaurant.  Cullen-Cornes was responsible for the design of the Padstow Townhouse and Tom Kerridges’ Hand and Flowers.

The restaurant is headed up by Head Chef David Smith; who succesfully ran the menus at the Boath House in Nairns and the Ulish Country House Hotel. He has created a seven course dinner tasting menu as well as a 4-course lunch menu for the 18 cover restaurant.

The boutique appeal of their bijoux stay, with 3 bedrooms, is enhanced by the aptly named Tasting Room.  The Tasting Room was specifically designed for gin sampling, and also houses a ‘sweet shop.’

The General Manager is Calum Robertson.