Situated in the heart of Bonnie Prince Charlie country on the 'Road to the Isles', the restaurant at the Prince's House Hotel is all about the finest local produce simply prepared and sensitively cooked. Former Northern Chef of the Year, Kieron Kelly talks to EatScotland.com.

Have you ever been really nervous about cooking for anyone
I am nervous most evenings, no matter who is in. If you aren't nervous before a busy service, you aren't trying hard enough.

Where or from whom did you get your desire to become a chef
I suppose a summer washing-up job in a nearby hotel got me interested, I enjoyed the buzz and the camaraderie in the kitchen. The real inspiration, though, came from being given a copy of Roger Verge's book 'Cuisine of the Sun' ' a wonderful collection of accessible recipes. More importantly, was the encouragement to adapt, improvise, experiment and develop one's own style ' an anathema to my classically trained colleagues.

Quick and easy meal after service
Grilled fish with vegetables (cook them together on the same tray) with a splash of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil and some home made bread if there's any left. Alternatively, some steamed Arisaig mussels with cream and chives, no point in this one if there isn't any bread left.

What would you say is your signature dish
Our dishes change constantly, but there are two dishes that we are constantly asked for, Mallaig Seafood soup ' a creamy prawn based broth made with chunks of white fish, mussels, scallops, prawns, potato, onion, carrot and chives. The other is Ardbeg malt whisky and wildflower honey ice cream ' we serve this with home made shortbread and summer berries.

Which celebrity chef would you most like to cook for you
Thomas Keller

What gadget could you not live without in your kitchen
My ice cream machine.

What is your favourite Scottish ingredient
Depends on the season, at the moment we are picking superb Chanterelles around the hotel.

Who is your favourite Scottish supplier
The surrounding hills, woodlands, lochs and sea.

Give three words that sum you up as a chef.
Ask my wife!

What made you join EatScotland
The opportunity to help shape a credible visitor guide, focussed on the Scottish dining experience.

What do you feel EatScotland will add to your business
Annual feedback from an experienced assessor, targeted marketing opportunities, being part of an organization committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in Scottish food service standards.

The Prince's House Hotel
Glenfinnan
Inverness-Shire
PH37 4LT
Scotland

Further contact details ...
Tel: +44 (1397) 722246
Fax: +44 (1397) 722323
E-Mail: Send Mail
WWW: http://www.glenfinnan.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Bonnie Prince Charlie country on the 'Road to the Isles', the restaurant is all about the finest local produce simply prepared and sensitively cooked. The restaurant occupies one of the original parts of this charming old coaching inn, dating back to the mid 17th century.

The menu changes daily and makes extensive use of home-grown seasonal ingredients with venison from surrounding hills, fish and shellfish from the boats at Mallaig, fruit and vegetables from small scale local growers, smoked salmon from a nearby smokehouse and some of the finest beef and lamb available. In recognition of our commitment to using local produce, and the quality of the resulting dishes, we have been awarded the prestigious Thistle Award 'Flavour of Scotland', EatScotland Silver and 2 AA Rosettes for our restaurant.

For more casual dining, our lounge bar offers an extensive blackboard menu utilising the same high quality local seasonal produce.