The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool has been shortlisted for one of the UK’s leading hospitality awards after earning a place in the Gourmet Bolthole category at the Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards 2026.

The restaurant with rooms, which overlooks Loch Broom, joins a distinguished shortlist featuring acclaimed hospitality destinations from across the UK, with the winners due to be announced at a ceremony in London later this year.

The Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards recognise excellence across the food, drink and travel sectors, with nominations based on feedback from guests and readers before being judged by a panel of industry experts.

The Dipping Lugger will compete alongside The Black Swan in Oldstead, Haar Restaurant & Rooms in St Andrews, Killiecrankie House in Perthshire, Fowlescombe Farm in Ivybridge, Outlaw’s Guest House & Bistro in Port Isaac and Osip in Bruton.

The winners will be revealed at a black tie awards ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental in London on 23 November.

Commenting on the nomination, co owner Robert Hicks said:

‘‘To be named alongside such fantastic company is a real honour for all of us. We’re a small, close-knit team, but what we lack in size we make up for in heart, everyone pitches in, and that spirit is what makes The Dipping Lugger what it is.

“This nomination belongs to every single one of them. Helen and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team continues to achieve together.’’

The Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards celebrate achievements across 24 categories, recognising outstanding restaurants, hotels, chefs, bars, destinations, tour operators and other businesses from across the hospitality and travel industries.

For The Dipping Lugger, the nomination places the Ullapool business among some of the country’s most highly regarded hospitality names and provides further national recognition for the Highlands’ growing reputation as a destination for exceptional food and accommodation.