The Bonnie Badger

The Bonnie Badger, located in the charming coastal village of Gullane, East Lothian, has garnered significant acclaim as a Michelin Key Selected property, often described as a "triumph" and a leading "restaurant with rooms". This 19th-century coaching inn, meticulously renovated by Chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury and a strong commitment to Scottish hospitality and local produce.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Bonnie Badger is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its fantastic food, excellent service, and prime location. It holds impressive accolades including a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand and 5 AA Gold Stars, underscoring its high standards across both accommodation and dining. Review scores often highlight exceptional ratings for location (9.5/10), staff (9.2/10), comfort (9.0/10), and facilities (8.8/10).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Bonnie Badger for several key aspects:

• Exceptional Food: The "From Nature to Plate" philosophy, championed by Chef Tom Kitchin, delivers outstanding dishes using hyper-local and seasonal ingredients.
• Outstanding Service: The attentive, friendly, and efficient staff are frequently commended for going "the extra mile" and providing "thoughtful extra touches".
• Prime Location: Its setting in Gullane offers easy access to world-class golf courses and stunning beaches, making it ideal for coastal walks and outdoor activities.
• Stylish Design & Atmosphere: The extensively modernised interiors, described as handsome and unpretentiously luxurious, feature Scottish textiles and bespoke elements, creating a cosy yet cool ambiance. The hotel also offers a lively atmosphere with various spaces to relax.
• Dog-Friendly: The property warmly welcomes dogs, making it a popular choice for pet owners.

3. Room Quality

The Bonnie Badger offers 12 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and one master suite, situated within the main house and two adjacent cottages. Rooms are described as comfortable and well-appointed, with designs that enhance the building's original features while incorporating modern luxuries. Guests can expect Scottish textiles, fine linens, luxurious bathrooms, and bespoke Scottish toiletries. Some rooms offer garden views or terraces. While generally praised, some guests have noted concerns regarding room size and accessibility for older guests.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at The Bonnie Badger is a significant draw, reflecting its "restaurant with rooms" ethos. Options include the formal Stables restaurant, the more casual Broch Bar, The Garden Room, and The Garden with outdoor BBQ cooking. The menus, overseen by Chef Tom Kitchin and Chef Director Dominic Jack, focus on modern Scottish cuisine with traditional pub classics and creative dishes, all adhering to the "From Nature to Plate" philosophy, emphasising seasonal, local, and sustainable produce.

Breakfast receives particular praise, described as "superb" and offering a generous two-course meal with à la carte, continental, Full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Specific dishes highlighted by reviewers include delicate pork gyoza, flavourful Shetland mussels, hearty ham hock, and beautifully rendered treacle tart. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring craft ales, a wide selection of whiskies, classic cocktails, and an outstanding wine list.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Bonnie Badger is consistently rated as a highlight, with staff frequently described as friendly, polite, efficient, and attentive. Guests appreciate the "special care" and "thoughtful extra touches" that make their stay memorable. The team, led by Tom and Michaela Kitchin, aims to evoke a true sense of Scottish hospitality, ensuring a warm welcome for all visitors. A 24-hour front desk is also available.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Bonnie Badger is ideally situated in the heart of Gullane, a picturesque coastal village in East Lothian. This location is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, being surrounded by 22 golf courses, including the renowned Muirfield, and just a short walk from Gullane Golf Club. The stunning Gullane Beach, backed by large sand dunes, is only a 10-minute walk away, offering beautiful coastal walks. The hotel is also part of the John Muir Way. Edinburgh is approximately a 30-minute drive away. Public transport options are available, with bus stops a short walk away and Drem train station within a 58-minute walk. Free parking is available for guests at the rear of the property on Goose Green.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxurious experience, The Bonnie Badger is generally considered to provide good value for money, reflected in its Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Room rates typically range from around £160 to £218. Specific room types such as a Deluxe Room might start from $283, a Deluxe Loft Room from $333, and a Superior Double or Twin Room with Terrace from $383. These prices often include a generous two-course breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Cleanliness: Some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, specifically noting sticky floors and dirty carpets.
• Room Size/Accessibility: Some rooms were perceived as small, and accessibility for older guests in certain rooms has been a point of criticism.
• Inconsistent Breakfast Service: One guest reported a hard poached egg and bacon at breakfast, with the waitress seemingly unconcerned, suggesting potential inconsistencies in service at times.
• Parking: While the hotel states free parking is available, one review platform (Tablet Hotels) incorrectly indicated no parking available.

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