A chef known for his ‘pioneering’ work with whisky and cuisine has taken up a new role. Chef Pawel Sowa, who was previously head chef at the Macallan distillery, is now head of food operation at the Craigellachie Hotel in Craigellachie, Speyside.
Sowa has worked in many fine dining restaurants including the Michelin Star The Samling Hotel in Windermere, Michelin recommended Semilla restaurant in Paris and the three AA Rosette The Vineyard in Newbury.
Sowa was head chef at The Macallan, which recently opened its new fine dining restaurant TimeSpirit at the end of 2024. It has since been recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Posting about the new appointment, the team at the Craigellachie wrote: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Pawel Sowa, affectionately known as 'The Single Malt Chef,' as the new head of our entire food operation.
“Chef Sowa brings an exceptional culinary pedigree, having honed his skills in both casual and Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK, and Paris. Most recently, he served as the head chef at The Macallan, where he showcased his talent and passion for creating exquisite dishes. His diverse background and innovative approach to cuisine promise to elevate the dining experience at The Craigellachie to new heights.
“Join us in welcoming Chef Sowa as he embarks on this exciting journey to create unforgettable gastronomic delights in the heart of Speyside.”
Sowa joins the new general manager of the hotel, Tom Jolly, who started earlier this year. Tom has worked with chefs Tony Singh and Gordon Ramsay, as well as in top locations such as Gleneagles, The Wild Rabbit and The Macallan Experience.
The boutique 26-room Craigellachie hotel was built in 1893 and is at the heart of Speyside and its malt whisky trail.
Speyside is the largest whisky region in the world with over half of Scotland’s distilleries and is also home to some of the finest produce in Scotland including, organic Aberdeen Angus beef, fresh fish from the Moray Firth, Walker's Shortbread and wild venison. Guests at the hotel can dine in the cosy Spey Inn pub before a drink at the bar or in the atmospheric Quaich Bar.
The hotel is also mentioned in the Michelin Guide for hotels, with its charm and stunning location mentioned.
