Saturday, February 8, 2025
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HomeNewsNew Hotels & DevelopmentRobert Hicks and Helen Chalmers branch out with the opening of The...

Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers branch out with the opening of The Dipping Lugger

Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers have opened The Dipping Lugger, a new restaurant and rooms at Loch Broom in Ullapool which was designed by Eve Cullen-Cornes.

The restaurant is housed in what was previously the parish manse, dating back to 1789, and has been painstakingly restored into a luxury retreat by the couple with grant support from Highlands & Islands Enterprise. 

Robert and Helen own award-winning Ullapool distillery, Highland Liquor Company and Robert has also worked at the two Michelin starred Altnaharrie Inn, Gleneagles, Gidleigh Park and London’s Four Seasons.

At the helm in the kitchen is Chef David Smith who has worked at Boath House and Ulllinish Country Lodge Hotel. 

The 18-cover restaurant also features ‘The Tasting Room’; an intimate two table dining room that doubles as a gin sampling room, overnight guests can also enjoy a nightcap in their own ‘Sweet Shop’; a dedicated treasure trove of sweet and liquid treats in the first-floor honesty bar.

Looking after guests front of house is general manager Calum Robertson who was formerly the GM at the Killiecrankie Hotel. 

Upstairs the house has three stylish and comfortable en suite bedrooms which, along with the downstairs space, are the creative vision of interior designer Eve Cullen-Cornes. Cullen-Cornes specialises in creating memorable dining destinations having worked on The Padstow Townhouse by Paul Ainsworth and Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers. 

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