Nick Nairn

Nick Nairn is a chef, TV personality and the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star when he received it in 1991.

Despite having no formal cookery training, Nick opened Braeval in 1986, his own restaurant located near Aberfoyle in Scotland. Just five years after opening, he received the Michelin star aged just 32.

He currently has two restaurants: Nicks at Port of Menteith and Nairns, Bridge of Allan. He also has two cookery schools, one at the Lake of Menteith and a second in Aberdeen.

Nick became a face of popular TV in the 1990s when he was a regular chef on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook from 1995. Along with Dougie Vipond, Nick also co-hosted The Great Food Guys which showcased Scottish food and produce.

As well as appearing on a number of television programmes, he has also written several books and columns for newspapers and magazines.

Nick is also involved in philanthropic activities and initiatives to promote healthy eating and culinary education. He regular appears at food festivals, hosts cooking demonstrations, and contributes to food-related events both in Scotland and internationally.

He is celebrated not only for his culinary skills but also for his efforts to promote Scottish cuisine, support aspiring chefs, and encourage people to explore the pleasures of cooking and eating good food.

Nick received an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling in 2007 for his contributions to Scottish cooking and healthy eating, and was awarded a second honorary doctorate from Abertay University in June 2016.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book Scottish chef, Michelin star winner and TV personality Nick Nairn for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

Hospitality, Food & Drink Speaker

More About Nick Nairn

Nick was born in Stirling, Scotland and joined the Merchant Navy at 17 for seven years. At 25 years of age he could barely boil and egg but decided to make a career out of cookery and two years later was running a restaurant. By 32, he had won a Michelin star.

Nick Nairn on TV

Nick has appeared on many television programmes, demonstrating his culinary skills and sharing his passion for food, especially the use of sustainable, Scottish ingredients. Some of the programmes he has featured in include:

Wild Harvest, where Nick explored the Scottish countryside, foraging for wild ingredients and showcasing how to incorporate them into delicious dishes.

Ready Steady Cook: Nick was a regular chef on this popular cooking game show where two contestants, each paired with a chef, had to prepare a meal using a selection of provided ingredients within a limited time frame.

Great British Menu: Nick appeared as a contestant and later as a judge, where top chefs from across the UK compete to create dishes worthy of being served at a prestigious banquet. In 2008 he defeated Tom Lewis in the Scottish heat of the BBC television series Great British Menu. He went on to cook a main course of roe venison for Queen Elizabeth II and 250 guests at the Mansion House for her official 80th birthday celebration.

Saturday Kitchen: Nick has made guest appearances on this popular, weekend BBC cooking show, where celebrity chefs prepare dishes and engage in culinary discussions with the host and other guests.

Nick Nairn | Books

Nick has authored several cookbooks, sharing his expertise and passion for Scottish cuisine with a wider audience. His cooking style often emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and showcasing the richness of Scotland’s culinary heritage.

His books include:

Island Harvest: Inspired by his television series of the same name, this cookbook celebrates the culinary treasures found on Scotland’s islands, featuring recipes that reflect the unique ingredients and flavors of each island.

Nick Nairn’s New Scottish Cookery: This book presents a collection of modern Scottish recipes, showcasing Nairn’s approach to using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes.

Nick Nairn’s Top 100 Salmon Recipes: As a prominent advocate for Scottish salmon, Nairn shares his favorite recipes featuring this versatile and delicious ingredient, ranging from traditional Scottish dishes to contemporary creations.

Nick Nairn’s Cook School Cookbook: Based on his cookery school in Scotland, this book offers a comprehensive guide to mastering essential cooking techniques and includes a variety of recipes for home cooks of all skill levels.

Nick Nairn | Cookery Schools

Nick opened his first cookery school in the year 2000 at the Lake of Menteith, near Stirling. In 2012 he added a further school in Aberdeen. The school offers a range of cooking classes and courses designed to cater to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cooks.

Classes focus on specific themes such as seafood, baking, or regional cuisines, and they typically involve hands-on instruction.

The Cook School emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and teaches cooking techniques that empower students to create delicious and nutritious meals at home. The philosophy reflects Nick’s passion for Scottish cuisine and his commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

Nick Nairn | Awards and Recognition

Nick has received a long list of awards for his contribution to food, cookery and Scottish traditions. These are just some of those awards:

1986: Scottish Field, Bollinger Newcomer of the Year
1990: Scottish FieldCharles Heidsieck Scottish Restaurant of the Year
1991: Good Food Guide, Country restaurant of the Year1991..Michelin star
1991: MacallanDecanter Restaurant of the Year
1992: Member Masterchefs of Great Britain
1991: Founder member Scottish Chefs Association
1996: Scottish Chef of the Year
1998: Tourist board- Thistle Award for Tourism and the Media
2000: Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards 2000. For contribution to Food & Drink
2002: Personality of The Year, Food Processing Awards 2002. For development of the Baxters sauce range
2003: Fellowship to the Master Chefs of Great Britain
2004: Glenfiddich Food and Drink Awards Winner Best Food and Drink TV Show for Nick Nairn and The Dinner Ladies