The Dipping Lugger – Fine Dining in a Highland Harbour Manse
An intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant in an 18th-century harbour manse, serving inventive tasting menus of hyper-local seafood and game in the heart of Ullapool.
Perched on Ullapool’s waterfront in an elegant 18th-century former manse, The Dipping Lugger is a Michelin-recognized fine-dining restaurant with rooms. Chef David Smith crafts inventive tasting menus showcasing hyper-local seafood and game, served in a small, intimate dining room with views over Loch Broom. The experience blends refined technique with warm, unpretentious hospitality, making it a standout culinary destination in the Scottish Highlands.
A brief summary to The Dipping Lugger
- 4 W Shore St, Ullapool, IV26 2UR, GB
- +441854613344
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Luxury
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 7 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12:30 pm-2 pm
- Friday 12:30 pm-2 pm
- Saturday 12:30 pm-2 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially if you want to stay overnight; tables and rooms at The Dipping Lugger are in high demand.
- Consider the wine or non-alcoholic pairings; they’re thoughtfully curated to complement the tasting menu and enhance the flavours of each dish.
- Arrive early to enjoy the harbour views and the atmosphere of Ullapool’s waterfront before dinner; the setting is part of the experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Dipping Lugger location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Dipping Lugger
A Harbour-Edge Hideaway with Michelin Pedigree
Tucked along Ullapool’s western shore, The Dipping Lugger occupies a graceful 18th-century former manse right on the edge of Loch Broom. Its name nods to a traditional sailing vessel, and the building’s vintage charm is carefully preserved in its interiors: polished wood, soft lighting, and a relaxed, unpretentious elegance. This is not a grand hotel dining room, but a small, intimate restaurant where every table feels close to the action. For years now, it has held a place in the Michelin Guide, a rare distinction in the Highlands, earned through consistent excellence in both food and service.Culinary Storytelling with Highland Ingredients
The heart of The Dipping Lugger is chef David Smith’s tasting menu, a carefully choreographed sequence of courses that reads like a love letter to Wester Ross. Hand-dived scallops from the loch, fresh crab, smoked fish, local venison, and foraged mushrooms appear in dishes that balance simplicity with surprising depth. Each plate is a study in texture and balance: a rich chicken liver parfait on a beetroot macaron, a tender cut of venison with three forms of mushroom, or a delicate crab tart with jellied bisque and caviar. The cooking is precise but never showy, letting the quality of the ingredients shine through in every bite.An Intimate, Shared Dining Experience
Dinner here is a communal event: all tables are served the same tasting menu at the same time, creating a shared rhythm to the evening. There’s no waiting for neighbouring diners or feeling rushed between courses; instead, there’s a gentle, unhurried pace that encourages conversation and lingering over each dish. The dining room is small and warmly lit, with views across the harbour to the hills beyond. Service is attentive but never intrusive, led by co-owner Robert Hicks, whose easy manner and genuine warmth make guests feel like welcome guests in a well-run Highland home rather than customers in a formal restaurant.More Than Just a Meal – A Highland Stay
Beyond the restaurant, The Dipping Lugger also offers a handful of well-appointed rooms, making it possible to turn dinner into an overnight escape. Staying on-site deepens the experience: waking to breakfast featuring Loch Broom smoked halibut, house-made butteries (a rich, flaky local speciality), and other seasonal highlights. The combination of a Michelin-recognized kitchen, a beautiful harbour setting, and comfortable accommodation makes it a rare gem in the Highlands – a place where fine dining and Highland hospitality are perfectly in tune.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walkhighlands
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Stoer Lighthouse
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Experience a unique self-catering lighthouse stay with panoramic coastal views on Scotland’s remote and rugged Stoer Head.
Ardgay Bespoke Tours
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Craig Castle
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Duke Of Sutherland Monument
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Old Ruins
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Craig Phadrig
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Dolphin Spirit Inverness
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The National Trust For Scotland
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The WaterFront
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Monument to Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland
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A dignified monument in Golspie honoring Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, a Victorian political hostess and social reformer with a lasting Highland legacy.
MacGregor's
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Leakey's Bookshop
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Old High Church
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River House
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Experience the finest seafood dining in Inverness with breathtaking river views and a menu that celebrates local flavors.
Unmissable attractions to see
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
16.3 km
Explore three billion years of Earth’s history at Knockan Crag, where ancient rocks and breathtaking Highland vistas reveal Scotland’s geological story.
Falls Of Measach
17.7 km
Experience the breathtaking 46-meter Falls of Measach plunging into Scotland’s dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge, framed by a historic suspension bridge and lush woodland.
The Bone Caves
27.0 km
Explore ancient limestone caves high in the Scottish Highlands, where Ice Age animal bones and stunning views tell a story of prehistoric wilderness.
Inverewe Garden
29.0 km
Discover the lush, exotic beauty of Inverewe Garden, a Highland botanical treasure thriving against the rugged Atlantic coast.
Alladale Wilderness Reserve
31.3 km
Immerse yourself in the wild luxury of Scotland’s Alladale Wilderness Reserve, where conservation meets comfort in a breathtaking Highland sanctuary.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
31.4 km
Explore Scotland’s first National Nature Reserve, where ancient pinewoods meet soaring eagles and rugged mountain peaks in breathtaking wilderness.
Achmelvich Bay
31.7 km
Discover Achmelvich Bay’s pristine white sands, vibrant watersports, and breathtaking Highland scenery on Scotland’s northern coast.
Hermit's Castle
31.7 km
Discover the enigmatic Hermit's Castle, a tiny Brutalist bothy blending into Scotland’s rugged coast with a mysterious story and stunning views.
Ardvreck Castle
31.7 km
Explore the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, a dramatic Highland landmark steeped in history, legend, and stunning lochside views.
Achmelvich Beach
31.7 km
Discover Achmelvich Beach, a tranquil white-sand paradise with turquoise waters and rugged Highland beauty on Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500.
Loch Assynt
31.8 km
A breathtaking freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, framed by rugged peaks and historic castle ruins, perfect for nature and history lovers.
Ardvreck Castle Waterfall
32.0 km
Discover the haunting ruins and cascading waterfall of Ardvreck Castle, where Scottish history meets breathtaking Highland nature.
Croick Church
32.9 km
An exceptionally preserved Thomas Telford church bearing witness to Highland Clearances and rural Scottish heritage.
Clachtoll Beach
34.3 km
Discover the serene white sands and turquoise waters of Clachtoll Beach, a pristine Highland paradise rich in wildlife and ancient history.
Clachtoll Broch
35.1 km
Explore Clachtoll Broch, a remarkable Iron Age drystone tower on Scotland’s coast, preserved by fire and time with stunning sea views.
Essential places to dine
The Dipping Lugger
0.0 km
An intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant in an 18th-century harbour manse, serving inventive tasting menus of hyper-local seafood and game in the heart of Ullapool.
An Cala Café
28.4 km
Fresh seafood and hearty Scottish fare served year-round in a cozy café and bunkhouse nestled in Lochinver’s scenic Culag Park.
Delilah's
28.7 km
A lively, family-friendly Highland restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning sea views and a buzzing atmosphere.
Lochinver Larder
29.2 km
Savor handcrafted Highland pies amid stunning Scottish scenery in the welcoming village of Lochinver.
The Gorse Bush
33.6 km
Cozy bistro in Kinlochewe’s Old Village Hall, serving comforting dishes with friendly service amid scenic Highland surroundings.
Kylesku Hotel
41.1 km
Experience Highland charm and fresh seafood with breathtaking views over Loch Glencoul at the welcoming Kylesku Hotel.
The Pier
47.0 km
A charming lakeside café in Lairg offering local produce, panoramic Loch Shin views, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Gille Brighde Restaurant
47.2 km
Remote Highland dining with fresh local seafood, stunning loch views, and warm Scottish hospitality in a charming old schoolhouse setting.
Eddrachilles Hotel
48.1 km
Charming Highland hotel with stunning sea views, authentic hospitality, and refined Scottish dining on the shores of Badcall Bay.
The Crask Inn
50.1 km
A remote Highland inn where simple rooms, hearty home-cooked meals, and genuine hospitality meet wild moorland and Munro country.
Coul House Hotel
50.2 km
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Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen
50.7 km
Coastal dining with fresh Highland seafood and stunning Loch Torridon views in the heart of Shieldaig.
Scourie Hotel
50.8 km
A charming Highland fishing hotel on Scotland’s northwest coast, blending rustic tradition with cozy comfort and excellent local cuisine.
Highland Farm Cafe
54.6 km
Eco-friendly Highland Farm Cafe in Dingwall offers hearty British fare, scenic views, and cyclist-friendly amenities in a welcoming rural setting.
Shorehouse Restaurant
55.0 km
A cozy family-run seafood haven in Tarbet offering fresh catches, stunning Highland coast views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Captain's Cabin
0.1 km
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Gairloch Gifts
36.6 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and heartfelt souvenirs at Gairloch Gifts, your charming Highland stop on the scenic North Coast 500.
The Storehouse
55.9 km
Explore The Storehouse for exquisite gifts, local delicacies, and a charming café experience by the Foulis Ferry.
London Stores
62.8 km
Discover local flavors at London Stores, the premier supermarket in Lairg, blending quality groceries with a warm, inviting atmosphere for every traveler.
Tanstar Gifts
63.2 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and unique souvenirs at Tanstar Gifts, a charming boutique in the heart of Invergordon’s High Street.
McRaes of Scotland
63.3 km
Discover authentic Scottish souvenirs and cashmere treasures at McRaes of Scotland, Invergordon’s premier gift shop on High Street.
Simply The Best Fair Trade Gifts
66.8 km
Discover ethically crafted fair trade gifts supporting global artisans in the heart of Dornoch Retail Park.
Jail Dornoch
66.9 km
Discover a historic former jail transformed into a charming gift shop with authentic Highland spirit and unique local treasures.
Dalneigh Stores
71.9 km
Explore Inverness with ease! Dalneigh Stores is your go-to convenience shop for essentials and local delights, open daily from early morning to night.
The Merchant
72.1 km
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Old Town Curiosities
72.2 km
Explore Old Town Curiosities, Inverness's enchanting antique shop filled with unique treasures and rich history.
La-Di-Da Fashion/ Ladies Quality Occasion Wear
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Ness Wear
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Triquerta Crafts
72.3 km
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Highland House of Fraser
72.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Badachro Inn
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Beinn Bar
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Nanny's
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Rockvilla Hotel, Rooms, Restaurant & Bar - Lochcarron - NC500 Route
58.1 km
Charming Highland guest house with stunning loch views, excellent local cuisine, and warm hospitality on the NC500 route.
The Ship Inn
63.1 km
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Platform 1864
66.2 km
Historic charm meets contemporary dining at Platform 1864, Tain’s beloved bar and restaurant in a stunning old train station.
Clachnaharry Inn
70.2 km
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The Union Tavern
70.4 km
A cozy Fortrose pub offering local ales, live traditional music, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere on the Black Isle.
The Fishertown Inn
71.1 km
A cozy Georgian pub in Cromarty offering exceptional food, local ales, and a warm Highland welcome on historic Church Street.
Innes Bar
71.9 km
Historic Inverness pub with hearty fare, lively darts nights, and a warm Highland welcome at the heart of the city.
The Phoenix Ale House
72.1 km
A cosy, award-winning Scottish pub in Inverness serving local ales and hearty traditional dishes with a welcoming Highland spirit.
The Walrus & Corkscrew
72.2 km
Discover Inverness’ cozy wine bar with over 200 wines and artisanal Highland charcuterie platters in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
R&Bs
72.3 km
A lively family-run bar and restaurant in Inverness offering local flavors, gluten-free dishes, and the Highlands’ only karaoke nights.
Highlander
72.3 km
Experience daily live Scottish music, authentic cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere at Highlander Bar, Inverness’s cultural heart.
The Malt Room
72.3 km
Discover Inverness’s cozy whisky sanctuary with expert hosts, rare malts, and a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for savoring every dram.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Ross Shire Club
54.7 km
Experience Dingwall’s vibrant nightlife with a welcoming vibe, BYOB policy, and lively social scene at The Ross Shire Club.
Private Eyes Inverness
72.2 km
Experience Inverness’s vibrant nightlife at Private Eyes, where stylish decor meets great music and a welcoming party atmosphere.
The King Haakon Bar
77.0 km
Experience authentic Scottish hospitality at The King Haakon Bar on the Isle of Skye, where local ales and hearty meals await in a cozy atmosphere.
The Rip
79.4 km
Experience the charm of The Rip, a cozy bar on the Isle of Lewis where local culture meets scenic beauty, perfect for unwinding after your adventures.
Lewis & Harris Rangers Supporters Club
79.6 km
A vibrant Stornoway social hub where Rangers fans and locals unite to celebrate football, community, and island culture.
Red fox
80.0 km
Red Fox on the Isle of Lewis: Dive into a vibrant adult entertainment scene amidst breathtaking landscapes.
McNeills
80.1 km
Discover the warm hospitality and vibrant nightlife at McNeills, Stornoway's favorite bar for locals and tourists alike.
The Criterion Bar
80.2 km
Experience the charm of Stornoway at The Criterion Bar, a cozy spot for drinks and local culture in the heart of the Isle of Lewis.
Star Inn
80.2 km
Discover the heart of Stornoway at the Star Inn, where traditional Scottish hospitality and local brews await.
THE HARBOUR BAR
80.3 km
Experience the warmth and charm of The Harbour Bar in Stornoway, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.
The New Lewis Bar
80.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at The New Lewis Bar, a family-friendly pub in the heart of Stornoway.
The Bar at Scorrybreac
81.4 km
Experience the finest cocktails and local flavors at The Bar at Scorrybreac, a must-visit cocktail bar in Portree, Isle of Skye.
Merchant Bar
81.4 km
Experience the heart of Portree at Merchant Bar, where local flavors meet lively atmosphere in a cozy setting.
West Highlands Bar
81.6 km
Discover the inviting atmosphere and local flavor of West Highlands Bar, the perfect retreat in the heart of Portree, Isle of Skye.
Skye Camanachd Social Club
82.4 km
Experience the vibrant social heartbeat of Portree at Skye Camanachd Social Club, where tradition meets lively nightlife on the Isle of Skye.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly