Tom Kitchin keeps Michelin Star for fourteenth year in a row as 2021 guide is launched

One of Edinburgh’s most decorated chefs is celebrating after he walks away from this year’s Michelan Guide with one star which his restaurant has been awarded with consecutively for the last 14 years.

Tom Kitchin, who along with wife Michaela runs several eateries in Edinburgh, was recognised by the annual guide for his Leith restaurant The Kitchin.

The popular dining-out spot, which was given its first star in 2007, serves modern British seasonal cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques.

Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, the award-winning chef said the news is fantastic not only for his team but for also for Scotland during a time where the nation’s hospitality sector has been on its knees.

"It’s a great achievement, one that reflects the pure dedication of the team at The Kitchin and all those who are involved in making the restaurant what it is today,” he said.

"This star is for those who make the food, serve the food and all those involved in supplying it – from the farmer to the fisherman, the grower who supplied the vegetables to the taxi driver who helps deliver them.

"To have achieved one star each year for the last fourteen years has required consistency and hard work from the team and they really have shown it.

"We cook with local, Scottish produce to so it’s fantastic to see that our nation’s produce is being recognised, and it was great to see Cail Bruich in Glasgow receive one star as well. It’s a proud moment for Scotland.”

Tom Kitchin picture: Marc Millar

The good news has come at a time where the hospitality sector has been beaten down by heavy restrictions imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Across Tom’s restaurant group which includes Scran and Scallie, The Bonnie Badger and a bistro in Bruntsfield known formerly as Southside Scran, doors have remained firmly closed for weeks with some staff being made redundant.

The group’s sister restaurant Castle Terrace also had to close permanently.

Yet, while the restaurants are currently closed, Tom said the creativity shown from staff throughout the lockdowns has been symbolic of their dedication to the business and its customers.

"When we were told we couldn’t serve alcohol during one of the lockdowns, some of the team spent hours creating delicious non-alcoholic drinks to serve with the food,” Tom said.

"That’s just one example of how we’re always striving to provide the best that we can in whatever circumstances.”

When asked about whether or not the award-winning chef is striving for two Michelin stars he said: “I would be lying if I said we aren’t.

"But we don’t cook for awards or Michelin stars. We cook for our customers, they are always at the forefront and if the stars come after, that’s fantastic.

"When I started out I cooked for awards, but we have come on along way and the business has evolved immensely, getting better and better in my opinion.

"I am not confident things will go back to the same as they were before for a while, but I am confident that we have the right team to adapt, think creatively and create something magical in whatever circumstances we face.”

Cail Bruich in Glasgow was awarded a Michelin star in this year’s awards – the first for the city in 18 years.

Here are Edinburgh's Michelin Star and Bib Gourmand restaurants - as 2021 guide launched

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