Chef Interview: Tom Kitchin, Out of The Kitchin

"A historic coaching inn on the old London to Edinburgh road in Gullane, this pub-with-rooms is our vision of what a local should be: a place the community can call their own, serving good food and offering stylish rooms for an overnight stop or a longer stay. Formerly the Golf Inn, long owned by the local Corbett family (of Ronnie Corbett fame), it underwent an extensive conversion and refurbishment when we took it on. We adhere as much as possible to a ‘Nature to Plate’ philosophy, using fresh, seasonal local produce, and the menu follows the lines of The Scran & Scallie with wholesome, classic pub dishes; our traditional roast beef Sunday lunch is cooked in the Green Egg BBQ and our busiest day recently saw over 200 covers. There are 13 rooms, from cosy spaces under the eaves to secluded cottages at the back, and we champion Scottish makers in the bedrooms with wallcoverings, fabrics, linen and bespoke toiletries from small businesses. We nurture the team so service feels natural and personal, encouraging staff to show their personalities and make the place their own. We offer a great value weekday lunch menu at just under £18, the pub side is growing organically with locals dropping in for pool, to watch sport or simply to eat and chat, and we’ve launched live music with quiz nights planned. An open fireplace is an asset in winter, the courtyard garden comes alive in good weather, and we’re planning guest chef events and maybe even some cookery classes." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team