Hotel is first in isles to get AA rosette

The restaurant at the Scalloway Hotel has become the first place in Shetland to be awarded an AA rosette for the quality of its food.

The hotel’s Peter Mackenzie said he was delighted with the award, which acknowledged the hard work of his staff.

The AA inspectors visit restaurants throughout the UK and turn up unannounced to eat.

Mr Mackenzie said one inspector had visited on Monday, which, coincidentally, was the night when the head chef was not working.

However the other kitchen staff – there are a total of four chefs – laid on a spectacular three-course spread, enough to earn the coveted award.

The inspector dined on a starter of Shetland crab and scallop with parsley on open ravioli with rocket pesto, followed by halibut poached in pomace oil with smoked haddock croquette and black pudding with an Isle of Mull cheddar, pancetta and olive sauce. His dessert was lemon grass and lime leaf pannacotta with chilli syrup and mango and passion fruit sorbet.

Mr Mackenzie said his chefs work as a team to devise dishes, which emphasise local fare if possible.

He said: “We try to showcase as much Shetland produce as possible, especially seafood, lamb and fish.”

The rosette had got all four chefs enthused, he added, and they now wanted to obtain a second one. Meanwhile all the staff were delighted with the national recognition, showing that the hotel had achieved a certain standard.