Wednesday July 15th 2026
Bonnie Badger in Gullane, East Lothian, is set to undergo refurbishmen
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A former restaurant and hotel owned by tv chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela is set to expand its bedrooms after it was taken over by a hospitality firm.
The Bonnie Badger, in Gullane, was opened by the Kitchins eight years ago after they took over the building, which was known as the Golf Inn, creating a hotel with 12 en suite rooms, including two in adjoining cottage accommodation and 60 cover restaurant.
The couple sold the popular eaterie to Scottish firm Buzzworks earlier this year who have now lodged refurbishment plans with East Lothian planners.
The internal changes include adding a further five hotel guest rooms in the place of rooms currently used for staff accommodation on the first floor and a private dining room and lounge area downstairs.
A design statement from Buzzworks says the changes will protect the Category B Listed building which sits in Gullane conservation area as well as the sustainability of the business.
It states: “The proposed development is a proportionate and policy-compliant refinement of an established hotel use at The Bonnie Badger..
“It will provide five additional hotel bedrooms, comprising two bedrooms at ground floor level and three bedrooms at first floor level through the change of use of staff accommodation.
“The proposal is internal, light-touch and operationally integrated with the existing hotel. It does not involve a material change to the building envelope, external massing or the Main Street elevation.
“The proposed approach therefore safeguards the Category B listed building and preserves the character and appearance of the Gullane Conservation
Area.
“The additional bedrooms will support the ongoing viability of the hotel, strengthen the local visitor economy and contribute to the continued active use and stewardship of a listed building.”
Michelin star chef Mr Kitchin who has been a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen Live and Masterchef sold the Bonnie Badger for an undisclosed sum in March this year. Buzzworks Hospitality Ltd already has a number of venues in East Lothian including Herringbone in North Berwick and Lido in Musselburgh.
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