A Perfect Pairing – Working with Kitchin Group

Guests are always looking for that perfect experience and restaurants are under pressure to go above and beyond to meet customers’ expectations.

Firmly established as one of Scotland’s most successful and recognisable restaurant groups, Kitchin Group, based in Edinburgh is home to Tom Kitchin and his family. Awarded as Restaurateur of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards 2019, Tom and his wife Michaela have had an eventful 12 months, strengthening their presence in and around Edinburgh.

In late 2018, they opened two new establishments – Southside Scran, a neighbourhood bistro in Bruntsfield in the South of Edinburgh with an impressive Maestro Rotisserie and The Bonnie Badger, a boutique hotel and restaurant in the golfing haven of Gullane, East Lothian.

Tom explains, “We looked for years to find the right place for us in the South of Edinburgh as we knew there was a need in the area for something that showcases local produce with our passion and style. When the opportunity in Gullane came up just as we had signed on the Southside Scran site, it proved too hard to resist. We knew we had to do it, so we sought advice on how best to proceed from our advisors.”

For over 13 years, EQ Accountants has supported their business growth. Having worked with Tom and Michaela since the inception of Kitchin Group in 2006, we fully understand their vision and plans for the future.

“We see our professional advisors as an extension of our business, they have to understand our ethos and share our common goal” discusses Tom, “For us, every guest must experience consistency and always receive the highest levels of service and we expect the same from the people we work with. We choose to work with EQ as they understand our plans for growth and how important every step is. They help us to plan where we are going and how to get there, years in advance.”

Ross Oliphant, Partner in our Glenrothes office commented, “Kitchin Group is fantastic to work with. They take pride in every decision they make, and we share similar values thanks to a matching thought process. We assisted them with their most recent expansion by offering tax advisory support, exploring the best structure and maximising available tax reliefs, such as capital allowances.”

After an extensive renovation and refurbishment, their fifth venture, The Bonnie Badger opened its doors to fantastic reviews and was quickly recognised as an AA hospitality 5 Gold Star Restaurant with Rooms. Soon after they received a 5-star recognition by Visit Scotland followed by a Michelin Bib Gourmand. This charming hotel with 13 individually designed en-suite bedrooms features a beautiful garden with an outdoor fireplace, bar and kitchen showcasing the Green Eggs and Utopia. The hotel offers a restaurant, pub and private dining, perfectly placed for mini conferences and those on golfing trips or weekends away in the popular seaside town.

Since Tom and Michaela opened their first restaurant, The Kitchin, on Edinburgh’s Leith waterfront in 2006, they have steadily grown their portfolio and now have a perfectly formed restaurant group that has something for everyone. Months after The Kitchin opened, it gained a Michelin star – one of only nine in Scotland. They still hold this today, and it is still considered one of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom thanks to its many accolades and acknowledgements received over the years.

Kitchin Group’s philosophy for excellence extends beyond the food. It’s always been about creating an experience that people won’t forget. Along with the directors, Michaela and Tom, who are both very hands-on in the business always pay great attention to staff training, which they say is the key to success. “Without our team, we are nothing” Michaela explains, “A skilled and passionate team with a genuine love of hospitality is the key to exceed guest’s expectations and to deliver consistency at all times. It is all about working together and sharing the success.”

That care and passion is clear whenever you step inside any of Kitchin Groups establishments. Having started with 7 employees in 2006, Michaela and Tom now employ over 250 staff. Many members of the team have now been with the company for several years and have grown and developed in line with the growth of the company.

Tom comments, “Recruitment of our team and our advisors is hugely important to us. We fully understand the meaning of partnership, as we do with each one of our suppliers from the scallop divers and fishermen to the drivers that deliver our produce. EQ have always assisted us greatly, providing consultation and advice whenever we need it. We feel as comfortable with them as we want our guests to be with us. We strongly believe in working together and we very much see them as part of our extensive team.”

Ross explains, “We have supported Tom & Michaela since the very beginning, we set up a business structure to aid the growth they wanted to achieve and had no doubt at all that they would become hugely successful. We are delighted to work with like-minded, ambitious people and we have created a very trusted relationship here. We know the business inside and out and we look forward to seeing the businesses continue to flourish.

Now with five established venues within the Edinburgh and East Lothian area, Kitchin Group can focus on what they know best, providing locally sourced, seasonal food in stylish and welcoming settings. No matter which one of their restaurants you visit, you know the team will look after you and give you a memorable dining experience. Hospitality at its best.

For more information on Kitchin Group, visit www.thekitchin.com, for Southside Scran https://southsidescran.com/, for Castle Terrace www.castleterracerestaurant.com or for The Bonnie Badger https://bonniebadger.com/ or contact us to find out how we can support your business.