Celebrity chef Nick Nairn is to end his long-standing collaboration with a famous Scottish hotel.
Apex Hotels announced today that it has reached at a “mutual decision” with Mr Nairn to end the partnership at the Kailyard Restaurant in Stirling in March.
The chef and television personality has run the restaurant at the Dunblane Hydro Hotel for 16 years.
The change comes shortly after Edinburgh-based Apex Hotels relaunched the destination around one year after acquiring the historic property, one of Scotland’s original hydropathic hotels from the Victorian period. The hotel reopened as Apex Dunblane Hydro on November 28, having previously been run by Hilton under its DoubleTree brand.
Mr Nairn was credited today with playing a “defining role in shaping the restaurant’s reputation for outstanding Scottish cuisine and celebration of local produce”. He now intends to focus on Nick’s and the Nick Nairn Cook School in Port of Menteith.
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Apex plans to reimagine the restaurant at Dunblane Hydro with a “refined concept, new name and fresh new look, aligned with its long-term vision for the hotel”.
Brian Scanlin, who has worked with Mr Nairn at the Kailyard for many years, will remain as executive head chef, “bringing continuity and new creative direction as the offering evolves”.
Paul Mooney, area general manager for Apex Dunblane Hydro, said: “Nick’s influence on the Kailyard and on the wider food scene in central Scotland has been remarkable.
“Over the last 16 years, he has helped build a restaurant that is respected and known for its commitment to quality and Scottish produce. I would like to thank Nick sincerely for everything he has contributed to Dunblane Hydro and wish him every success in the next chapter on behalf of Apex Hotels.
“As we embark on an exciting new era for the hotel, the evolution of our restaurant is a key part of our wider vision. With Brian remaining as executive head chef and a new concept in development, there is a great deal to look forward to.”
Mr Nairn said: “I’m very proud of all the Kailyard has achieved. However, it’s time for me to focus exclusively on the restaurant and cook school in Port of Menteith. I wish only the best for the Dunblane Hydro and the team. I’ll be a very interested onlooker as Apex invests in and improves the hotel I believe it’s in good hands and I look forward to visiting as a guest.”
Apex Hotels is in the midst of a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Dunblane Hydro, spanning bedrooms, leisure facilities and conference and events areas, which it said will be “one of the most significant periods of investment” in its 147-year history. It plans to announce the new name for the Kailyard restaurant, along with new menus and design directions, in early 2026.
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