Mingary Castle named as AA ‘Restaurant with Rooms of The Year’

A unique restaurant with rooms in a 13th century Scottish Castle on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula has been awarded AA Restaurant with Rooms of The Year Scotland at the AA Bed and Breakfast Awards, 2024.

Mingary Castle, which is run by chef owner Colin Nicholson, was one of just nine UK winners honoured in the awards, which are given to the best of Britain’s B&Bs across nine categories – AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for Scotland, England and Wales; AA Inn of the Year for Scotland, England and Wales; and AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year for Scotland, England and Wales.

Mingary Castle’s win comes just four months after it was awarded 3 Rosettes at the AA Rosette Awards.

The castle was restored to its former glory in 2016, and in 2021 its drawbridge dropped as it reopened as a restaurant with rooms, with seasoned chef and hospitality professional, Colin, at its helm.

It was awarded 5 gold stars by AA in 2022 and recognised in The Times Top 100 Places to Stay in Britain’s list, and the awards have kept on coming ever since.

Nicholson said: “Me and the team at Mingary Castle are all so delighted to have won AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for Scotland.

“To be listed amongst some of the UK’s most loved inns, B&Bs and restaurants with rooms is such an honour. We couldn’t have achieved this without the hardworking team here at Mingary, who make the Castle feel like home to every single one of the guests who stay with us.

“I’d also like to extend my thanks to our loyal guests – both local and from afar – who have supported us ever since we opened.”

Nicholson’s restaurant serves a five or eight course tasting menu in its 20 cover dining room, with a daily changing menu showcasing the best produce that the west coast of Scotland has to offer.

Fruit, vegetables and herbs are sourced from the local community garden that Colin is involved in, fish is sourced from Tobermory Fish Co and Iain Stewart’s in Fort William and a local fishing boat for langoustines, crab and lobster, and Highland based Great Glen Charcuterie is used for cured meats.

Mingary also works with a local farmer who provides the pork for its homemade breakfast sausages.

Managing director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, Simon Numphud, added: “This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, showcasing an extraordinary level of individuality and the very highest of standards of hospitality.

“The calibre of the nine worthy winners represents the very best from across Scotland, Wales and England. With so many to choose from, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoying a comfortable sleep and delicious breakfast in an array of B&Bs wherever they decide to go.”