I stayed in Scotland's best restaurant with rooms - the unusual breakfast was wonderful
A night away at the AA best Scottish restaurant with rooms was an ideal winter break for foodies, finds Rosalind Erskine.
When Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers opened The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool in 2021, their plan was to create “a place that we would like to go and visit”, said Mr Hicks. The former manse, which overlooks Loch Broom, has a rich history and has been carefully updated to a cosy and stylish retreat by Mr Hicks and Ms Chalmers.
Clearly this creation of a place they’d like to visit has resonated as in July last year The Dipping Lugger was named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland at the AA B&B Awards 2025. This accolade added to an already impressive list of honours for the Ullapool-based restaurant with rooms. It currently holds the AA’s Five-Star Gold Restaurant with Rooms Award, three AA Red Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, an AA Breakfast Award, and a Notable Wine List Award.
Budget or boutique?
At £560 for dinner, bed and breakfast, based on two people sharing, and with only three rooms (and a dining room that seats less than 20) this is a very boutique hotel, and with wonderfully personal service.
Room service
I visited in late November and stayed in the MacInnes room, named after the former owners, which has beautiful loch views out of the windows. As with the restaurant and lounge area, the room has been decorated with deep colours and feature wallpaper. In this room it was a deep teal blue wallpaper with floral print that stood out against white walls. The room had a king sized bed, which was extremely comfortable, a small desk area, fireplace and large bathroom with a stand alone tub and walk-in shower. A very serene and cosy space in which to relax and enjoy the views.
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Wining and dining
A stay here includes dinner, which is a seasonal tasting menu celebrating the region’s best produce. Dishes feature scallops freshly landed from Loch Broom by local fisherman Gary Lewis, beef from Strathkaniard Croft, and locally sourced game from Keanchulish Lodge, just three miles away.
When we stayed the menu was a love letter to autumn and winter produce and included memorable dishes such as Loch Broom langoustine with custard served with yuzu and hazelnut; cod with cavolo nero and chilli and roasted loin of roe deer with homemade black pudding and beetroot.
Also don’t forgo breakfast, as it is one of the best and most interesting I’ve enjoyed. A set menu of small plates, it started with porridge and a glass Elgin’s Orchard apple juice; followed by slices of cured deer charcuterie, a thin but plump fillet of haddock and a poached egg followed by a small but crisp and sweet danish filled with homemade jam.
The awards don’t stop at the accommodation as head chef David Smith was listed in the Good Food Guide in early 2025 and has earned a place in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years, one of only 10 restaurants in the Highlands to achieve this.
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Worth getting out of bed for
Ullapool is a popular spot for those that love outdoor pursuits including hiking up Stac Pollaidh, which offers incredible views. Keen walkers can see the Falls of Measach or check out the Bone Caves where arctic fox and polar bear bones have been found. If you have decent sea legs, you can take a cruise to the Summer Isles to spot seals, eagles, seabirds and dolphins.
After a day out exploring, walking or enjoying the independent shops in Ullapool, a drink by the fire in the lounge is an ideal way to start the evening and how the night begins for any guest or diner. Mr Hicks and Ms Chalmers also own the Highland Liquor Co. who make the award-winning Seven Crofts gin, therefore a pre-dinner G&T is a must.
Little extras
The rooms have espresso machines, a range of tea and homemade shortbread, and the bathrooms are home to specially created Dipping Lugger toiletries. Across the hall guests can indulge in more sweet treats and a glass or two of wine or something stronger, in the Sweet Shop. Tunnocks teacakes, caramel logs and caramel wafer sit alongside jars of old school boiled sweets and toffees while there’s a fridge of wine and a cabinet of spirits and mixers which make up an honesty bar.
Guestbook comments
Originally built in 1798, this whitewashed, double-fronted Georgian former manse overlooks the shores of Loch Broom. In 2018, co-owners Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers purchased the property and began their journey to create a “standout” restaurant with rooms. The Dipping Lugger officially opened its doors in October 2021, quickly establishing itself as a destination for fine dining and luxurious stays.
Hotel info
The Dipping Lugger
Ullapool
Wester Ross
IV26 2UR
01854 613344
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