Andy and Kim Murray’s Cromlix hotel names new executive chef

James Mearing has been appointed executive head chef at Andy and Kim Murray’s Cromlix hotel in Dunblane.

He has replaced Darin Campbell, who worked at the five-AA-star hotel for 11 years and has left to pursue new projects.

Mearing was formerly executive chef at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant in Evershot, Dorset, which held three AA rosettes.

He is moving his family to Stirlingshire and is working with Campbell on the handover at the Glasshouse, the hotel’s three-AA-rosette restaurant.

Mearing will oversee all the fine dining at Cromlix and be part of developing the new restaurant and kitchen, which has planning approval and is due to open in spring 2026.

He said he hoped to create “a real food destination” with the new restaurant.

Cromlix’s general Manager Barry Makin said: “We put James through a challenging recruitment process but he came through with flying colours. His food is absolutely exceptional, and he has some impressive ideas for our fine dining menu.

“The Glasshouse has been a real success story since the refurbishment of the hotel, full most nights of the week and at lunchtimes, and we have a large number of repeat diners who eat here regularly. We are confident that this next chapter will continue that success and look forward to integrating James properly into the Cromlix team.”

Cromlix was bought by former world number one tennis player Andy Murray and his wife, Kim, in 2013. The hotel has 15 bedrooms, a self-catering Lodge house, chapel, loch, kitchen garden and tennis court.

Kim oversaw a complete refurbishment of Cromlix in 2023 and planning permission has been granted for nine woodland cabins and the creation of a wellness cottage in its grounds.

It was awarded AA Hotel of the Year, Scotland, in 2024 and received a Michelin key last year.