30/10/24 - updated with more details about the opening.
It may be cheaper to fly to Girona to try the original, than to take the train up to Scotland - but news that world-class restaurant El Celler de Can Roca is opening a restaurant north of the border is still very interesting indeed.
The restaurant is opening a dining 'experience' up at The Macallan Estate in Speyside. TimeSpirit, is going to be their first restaurant outside Spain and will serve up a nine-course tasting menu celebrating the Scottish whisky.
If you, like us, have never been to the original restaurant then key takeaways are that it not only holds three Michelin stars but it topped the World's 50 Best list twice (and came second in four other years). The Scottish restaurant will also have another World's 50 Best connection - it's being designed by David Thulstrup, who's also behind Noma in Copenhagen. Here, he's made good use of the setting and ensure there are amazing views into the countryside, safe in the warmth of the restaurant. The dining room will also have the kitchen at its centre and yes, there will be plenty of bottles of The Macallan around.
As for what's planned for the restaurant - we're told it will be "a culinary exploration of The Macallan". A nine-course tasting menu is planned, with initial dishes including vegetarian haggis with whisky spiced mayonnaise and pastrami with steamed brioche and sauerkraut. Many of the dishes will be inspired by The Macallan like From the Cask to the Chocolate which they're describing as "a whisky and chocolate indulgence".
In addition to the whisky, there will also be wines and sherries curated by Josep Roca, who just happens to be the award-winning sommelier of El Celler de Can Roca.
It's all actually pretty well priced too with the lunch tasting menu being £60 and the evening £95. Of course, you have to get there first.
This will be extremely popular - you can expect getting a booking here to be a similar ordeal to trying to get one at their Girona establishment.
More about TimeSpirit
Where is it? The Macallan Estate, Easter Elchies, Aberlour AB38 9RX
When does it open? 31 October 2024
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @The_Macallan
Photos by Robert Rieger
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