Karma Lake of Menteith has won the title of central Scotland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year in the recent Creative Oceanic Food Awards Scotland.
It is the latest in a string of awards for the sixteen bedroom hotel, acquired by the worldwide Karma Group in 2021, and which enjoys an idyllic location on the shores of the Lake of Menteith.
Celebrating and rewarding the very best in the Scottish Food industry, from artisan producers supplying top class ingredients, to chefs preparing delicious dishes in professional kitchens up and down the land, to those serving in hotels, restaurants, cafes and other venues, the Scottish Food Awards are now in their 10th year.
Under the guidance of local Head Chef, Joe Peden, who lived in the small Trossachs Village of Brig O’Turk from the age of ten, and previously worked for Karma Lake of Menteith in 2013 when the hotel was under its previous ownership, the food offering from the Hotel’s Lakeside Restaurant has gone from strength to strength, backed up by fantastic service from the Hotel’s front of house team.
Joe’s passion for his craft has seen him enjoy a varied career as a chef all over the country, but, as he explains, his love affair with food truly began at Karma Lake of Menteith where he worked his way up through the ranks for five years, leaving briefly to open up and lead the kitchen of the multi-million pound restaurant and music venue at St Luke’s in Glasgow.
Originally born in Brighton, Joe started working in the many local restaurants around the Trossachs area. His mum ran a successful farmers market home bakery for almost twenty years, whilst three of his siblings work in restaurants as either chefs or front of house management.
“Food, and the hospitality sector, is in my blood you could say,” said Joe. “We are all delighted to win this latest award, it’s very much a team one, not just for me, as everyone contributes to the current success we are enjoying as a stand alone dining destination.”
“We’re a handy port of call, so to speak, if you want to go out on the boat to Inchmahome Island, in the middle of the Lake, and visit the old priory which was once inhabited by Mary Queen of Scots.”
“You can enjoy a delicious meal in our Lakeside Restaurant before or after the experience.”
Joe explained that he was busy planning a new Autumn Menu which he was confident both regular and new guests would enjoy.
“It’s a busy time, as after the Autumn push it’s onto the festive season,” he said. “A lot will be going on, as we have our “12 Days of Karma Christmas”, which offers fun dining and entertainment events, open to everyone, right across the twelve days.”
Joe also paid tribute to his suppliers, who, as he says “enable me to put the very best of Scotland, from land and sea, onto a plate.”
“We try to source local whenever we can, working with a range of artisan suppliers, such as butchers, Skinners of Kippen, and Old Leckie Farm Eggs, to come up with delicious and authentic dishes.”
Others esteemed suppliers, chosen by Karma Lake of Menteith to reflect a real level of excellence in food provenance, include Great Glen Venison, together with popular dairy range, Katy Rodgers.
General Manager of Karma Lake of Menteith, Adrian Willmers, said: “It’s always fantastic to be recognised in awards like this, especially ones that are voted for by our customers, as their opinions are the ones that matter most to us. We’re constantly striving to give them a fantastic Karma experience when they come here. Joe is an extremely talented chef that will go onto win many more awards. If you haven’t eaten with us yet, we would very much encourage you to do so as you’re in for a real treat.”
https://karmagroup.com/find-destination/karma-resorts/karma-lake-of-menteith/
