Nick's at Port of Menteith, a rural restaurant in Stirling owned by celebrity chef Nick Nairn and his wife Julia, has been named 47th on the Good Food Guide's Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026 list. The accolade comes as Nick Nairn celebrates 40 years in the hospitality industry since opening his first restaurant, Braeval, in 1986.
A Milestone Achievement
Nick Nairn, who became Scotland's youngest chef to earn a Michelin star, expressed his pride in the recognition. “We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition, especially in a year that means so much to me personally,” he said. “Looking back over the last 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some wonderful people, but what we’re building here at Port of Menteith feels very special.”
Nairn credited his team for the success: “This recognition really belongs to our team. So many of them have been with us for years and they care deeply about what we do. They bring warmth, pride and professionalism to every service, and we simply couldn’t have achieved this without them.” He also paid tribute to his wife Julia, whose vision and dedication shaped the restaurant.
About the Restaurant
Opened in 2021, Nick's is set in the Stirling countryside near Port of Menteith. It prides itself on exceptional Scottish produce and warm hospitality, featuring a Cook School, kitchen garden, and Home by Julia Nairn, creating a space for the community to eat, learn, shop, and connect.
Julia Nairn, managing director, said: “When we opened in 2021, we wanted to create somewhere that reflected everything we believe hospitality should be - relaxed, generous, welcoming and rooted in the very best Scottish produce. To be recognised by the Good Food Guide is a wonderful endorsement of that vision and a real credit to every member of our team.”
The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants
The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants Awards celebrate independent restaurants that define their neighbourhoods. Based on reader nominations and rigorous inspections, the awards highlight exciting, accessibly priced places to eat across Great Britain.
