Nick Nairn

06/09/2026

That’s a wrap on another well spent weekend in the Cook School.

Apron on, pans going, stories being told and plenty of food being eaten. Pretty much Nick’s happy place.

Thanks to everyone who came along and cooked with us this weekend.

Forty years in kitchens and the enthusiasm hasn’t worn off yet.

29/08/2026

20/08/2026

Not bad for two days’ picking… 🍅

Straight out of Nick’s kitchen garden and into the restaurant kitchen.

This is what late summer looks like around here — tomatoes in every shape, size and colour, grown just yards from the restaurant and picked when they’re properly ripe - served with our home grown basil, chilli and spring onions.

Now, what shall we do with them? 🍅🌿

19/08/2026

WE’RE HIRING | FRONT OF HOUSE

Great hospitality starts with great people.

Nick’s at Port of Menteith is looking for brilliant Front of House people to join our friendly, experienced team. Recently recognised by The Good Food Guide as #8 in Scotland and #47 in the UK’s 100 Best local Restaurants, Nick’s is a busy, independent, family run restaurant with a passion for great food and warm, genuine hospitality.

What you'll get from us
⭐A great working environment, surrounded by people who care about what they do, serving award wining food you can be genuinely proud of.
⭐Training, mentoring and opportunities to broaden your skills - the chance to learn from experienced people, develop your knowledge and progress as you're ready.
⭐No two weeks are quite the same. Alongside regular restaurant service, the calendar includes special dinners, guest chef events, outside catering, cook school annual Foodie Festival.

What we're looking for
⭐Whilst experience is always welcome, it’s not essential. For us, a great attitude and a willingness to learn matter just as much.
⭐Warmth, personality and strong people skills are really important to us.
⭐You'll need to be reliable, enthusiastic and comfortable working as part of a busy team, with flexibility to work a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend shifts.

You'll be part of a great team where people are respected, supported and encouraged to have a voice — and you'll be serving fantastic food in a place we're all proud to be part of.

Full-time and part-time opportunities available.

If you're looking for more than just your next hospitality job, we'd love to hear from you. Contact [email protected]
📍 Nick’s at Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire

14/08/2026

FOODIE FESTIVAL 2026- THIS WEEKEND!
No parking restrictions
No bookings required
Just come along for a blooming great day out

13/08/2026

Four decades after opening Braeval, Nick Nairn is bringing some of the chefs who helped shape its story back around the same table.

On Friday, September 11, Nick will be joined by Martin Wishart, Stephen Terry, Neil Forbes and Jeremy Wares for Braeval to Now: 40 Years at the Table at Nick’s at Port of Menteith.

The one-off dinner will revisit dishes from across Nick’s career while celebrating the friendships, careers and legacy that grew from the restaurant he opened in 1986 with no formal culinary training — before going on to earn a Michelin star in 1991.

“It’s a chance to reflect on where it all began, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look forward with optimism to the future.”

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4xzDkd9

02/08/2026

This past week in Edinburgh has reminded me why I’ve spent my entire working life in restaurants.

People often assume chefs only notice what’s on the plate. The truth is, I’m always watching everything else too. The welcome at the door. The atmosphere. The team looking after guests. The little touches that tell you someone genuinely cares.

We’ve eaten at both ends of the scale this week – from simple, unfussy places to restaurants pushing every culinary boundary. They couldn’t have been more different, but they all had one thing in common…

Every one of them was independently owned.

Behind every independent restaurant is someone who’s taken a risk. Long hours, sleepless nights, rising costs and endless challenges – all because they believe in creating something special.

As someone who’s spent more than 40 years in this industry, I never stop admiring that commitment. It’s what keeps our towns and neighbourhoods thriving.

If you can, choose independent. Every booking, every coffee, every lunch and every dinner makes a difference.

31/07/2026

FOODIE FESTIVAL 2026- 15/16th August
Have you booked your seat for our foodie festival?? Our chums at Doune Travel will be operating a service on both days - collection 10.30 from Stirling railway station and departing Nicks at 4.30, £15pp return
To book email [email protected]