Heading to a Scottish island is the ultimate escape, no matter what the season and the Isle of Skye is a popular destination, especially in the summer. Despite being a long drive for some, the bridge access means visitors and residents don’t need to worry about ferries or flights.
Plus the island’s stunning beauty speaks for itself. While many will choose to stay in the largest town of Portree, with its picture perfect colourful houses on the shore, to really feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, take a hour-long drive north west to Colbost and the famous Three Chimneys restaurant with rooms.
Opened in 1985 by Shirley and Eddie Spear, the restaurant was expanded to include a larger restaurant and the House Overby in 199, which added rooms to the offering. The business was bought in 2019 by the Wee Hotel Company.
Ever since this iconic Isle of Skye destination was listed No 28 in the World’s Top 50 Restaurants by Restaurant magazine in 2002 (the only Scottish restaurant ever listed at the time) and New York Times food critic Frank Bruni named it as one of his Personal Top Five Restaurants in the World to dine in, it has been visited by a famous face or two over the years. These include Stella McCartney and Mark Knopfler. It was reported that Madonna was turned away as the restaurant was fully booked.
If you book, you can visit for a meal - they serve lunch and dinner ( a la carte and chef’s table tasting menu) or a meal and an overnight stay in the House Over-by which has six bedrooms and a cosy living room.
The location, overlooking Loch Dunvegan with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula of Skye is enthralling. Guests can sit and watch the weather rolling in and out from the living room and enjoy a pre or post dinner drink.
The rooms are comfortable and continue on the Scandi-style, understated interior theme of the public spaces. There’s woollen throws and sheepskin covered chairs, placed near windows, to get comfortable and continue to enjoy the ever-changing views.
Rooms also have freshly ground coffee bags, homemade biscuits and tea, while in the bathroom there’s full sized, bespoke Laura Thomson toiletries, fluffy towels and robes. We travelled with our dog, Archie, who was warmly welcomed with a stylish dog bed, a water bowl and baked treats.
This really is a foodie escape, with everything from breakfast to dinner winning top marks. Locally caught seafood - many coming from Loch Dunvegan - is the star of the show here.
Book the chef’s table, situated in the kitchen, for a once in a lifetime experience, as no two nights will be the same. This tasting menu is served along with wine pairings, and guests can watch their meal being cooked before being introduced by the chefs that have made it.
The five-star AA restaurant has retained three AA Rosettes for over two decades and is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024 and the Good Food Guide.
While it’d be easy to spend all day in the cosy surrounds of the rooms, Skye is well worth exploring. Whisky fans can visit Torabhaig distillery, located in Teangue or head to Talisker, a 45 minute drive from the restaurant. The distillery is also hosting a pop-up with the Three Chimneys, serving lunch and dinner from a spectacular water-side location.
Portree has independent shops and restaurants, while outdoor enthusiasts can visit the famous Fairy Pools and Old Man of Storr. There’s plenty of dog walks too, including the Fairy Pools, though be advised that these locations can get very busy in the summer.
Find out more about the Three Chimneys on their website.
