‘Community-spirit’ pub and restaurant Bonnie Badger pub sold to Buzzworks for ‘undisclosed’ sum
The pub and restaurant with rooms in Gullane has been sold.
Tom Kitchin has sold his Bonnie Badger pub and restaurant in East Lothian for an undisclosed sum
The sale takes his restaurant portfolio business down to just two.
The chef, who closed Kora on Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh in early 2025, sold the Gullane gastropub to restaurant group Buzzworks Holdings for an undisclosed sum.
The Bonnie Badger dates back to 1836 and has 12 bedrooms and a master suite. It was reopened in 2018 by the chef and his wife Michaela, who still own The Kitchin in Leith and Scran and Scallie in Edinburgh.
Mr Kitchin said of the sale: “We are incredibly proud of what the Bonnie Badger has become since we took over in 2018.
“It has been a very special project for us as a family, rooted in the local neighbourhood and built with a fantastic team who has helped us create a welcoming, special, high-end destination in East Lothian.
“As we look to the future, we believe Buzzworks is the right fit to take the Bonnie Badger on to its next chapter. Their strong track record, shared values around hospitality, and commitment to both people and place give us great confidence in what lies ahead.”
Michaela Kitchin added: “The Bonnie Badger has been incredibly close to our hearts and to our family from day one. Our focus has been on creating a place that feels warm, welcoming, and truly part of the Gullane community. We are so grateful to our team and guests who have supported us on that journey.
“We are delighted to be handing it over to a team that shares our passion for hospitality and people, and we look forward to seeing it continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
Chief executive of Buzzworks Holdings, Kenny Blair said: “The Bonnie Badger is a fantastic venue, with an excellent reputation and a real connection to the Gullane community.
“It’s clear how much care has gone into making it what it is today, and we’re excited to build on that as we take it into its next chapter.
“As we continue to move into accommodation, we see a real opportunity to bring our vision for modern hospitality to the Bonnie Badger. We’re also pleased to welcome the existing team into Buzzworks and look forward to working with them as we take the venue forward.
“East Lothian is one of Scotland’s great destinations, and an area we’re proud to keep investing in. With the Bonnie Badger joining our existing venues in the region, alongside the redevelopment of the Nether Abbey Hotel, this is another exciting step for Buzzworks.”
Tom Kitchin made headlines in 2021 when 13 former employees of the Kitchin Group came forward and accused the chef of physically abusing and humiliating them at work.
The accusations included Kitchin grabbing employees and pinning them up against the wall, and denying staff medical treatment until after service.
At this time, there were also allegations of Mr and Mrs Kitchin taking thousands of pounds from staff tips.
The Bonnie Badger will continue trading throughout the summer before closing later in the year for refurbishment.
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