Boath House

Boath House was built by the great Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson for the Dunbar family in the late 1820s, throughout it’s almost 200-year history its purpose has evolved from family house to renowned hotel, restaurant and events venue.

The current team are very happy to be welcoming a diverse mix of residents and diners, from around the world as well as those much closer to home.

Head chefs, and partners, Phil Mcenaney and Katie Austin lead a kitchen team relishing the produce available from the nearby estates and coast, as well as in Boath’s own highly productive kitchen garden. The house’s main dining room offers exceptional and ever evolving menus, an accessible set menu and a multi-course experience menu.

A particular focus for this summer has been re-establishing the Garden Café in the 500-year old walled garden which is an oasis of calm and natural beauty where fabulous handmade pizzas are fired in the wood oven alongside great salads, a daily special, desserts as well as quality wines and cocktails.

Whether in the dining room and garden Boath House is led by ingredients that are sourced as locally as possible – crab and lobster is caught by Jimmy in Nairn Harbour, Geddes Fisheries provide the trout and Culbin Forest is a source of a huge variety of produce from moss to walnuts to mushrooms.

Sustainability is very important to the ethos of Boath House, remnants from the freshly produced sourdough bread are transformed into delicious desserts; fruits and vegetables are pickled and preserved. Even the dishes and plates the food is served on, made by Dunkeld potter Cara Guthrie, incorporate elements of compost, ash and even sand from Nairn beach.

The hotel’s owner is the artist Jonny Gent and since taking on Boath House two years ago he has sought to establish the estate as a creative destination for everybody, and he hosts regular residencies for artists, chefs and musicians. Within the walled garden there is a productive workshop and studio space.

Events are a key aspect of the life of Boath House. Ali Hunter leads on developing local networks and she aims to ensure that Boath’s beautiful and flexible spaces are well used for everything from workshops with Wild Gorse – the amazing florists based in Belladrum – to yoga retreats, charity fundraisers, weekend residences, as well as family celebrations and weddings.

The Garden Café is open Friday and Saturday, 12-5, booking for tables of 5 or more is recommended.

The dining room is open for dinner Wednesday  to Saturday, and Sunday lunch, booking is required on 01667 484 896 or via the website.