Coleburn Distillery unveils bistro amid whisky resort build
Speyside’s Coleburn Distillery will open a 62-cover bistro in autumn as the first phase of its planned whisky resort.
The once dormant distillery, located in Longmorn, Elgin, will officially reopen its doors in 2027, more than 40 years after it was mothballed.
Once full-scale renovations are complete, the site will become a whisky and hospitality resort, home to whisky lodges, a Pagoda penthouse, and a bistro.
Moray Council has now approved the bistro, which will open in late autumn this year. Called The Kitchery, it will take over the former Piggery building, which was once used for livestock.
Gwenda Smits, director at Coleburn, said: “This marks the first of many milestones in the development of the wider Coleburn Whisky Resort. The Kitchery is just the start, and breaking ground feels like a very special moment.
“Opening the space as an initial introduction to the site establishes it as an integral part of what will be a much larger offering, giving visitors the opportunity to return year-round, follow its progress, and enjoy the food and beverage experience.
“Central to the overall project is the sense of community and coming together. We can’t wait to welcome people from both near and far to the new bistro in the heart of Speyside.”
The Kitchery is expected to create 15 direct jobs, alongside additional opportunities across the local economy, particularly in agriculture, logistics, and hospitality.
The space will have a bar and retail area, a private dining and tasting room, and a relaxed bistro that can seat up to 62 guests.
The food and drink offer will spotlight locally sourced ingredients, while a chef’s table-style kitchen will be central to the experience.
Design studio Significant Others is developing the interiors. These will feature materials such as warm leathers, natural timbers, aged copper and backlit rippled glass.
The idea is to preserve the historic building’s character, while adapting it for modern use.
Ruth Hay, director at Significant Others, added: “Seeing The Kitchery come to life this year will mark a significant milestone, and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum with the next phases of the masterplan as the wider vision for Coleburn continues to unfold.”
Sustainable steps
Construction on The Kitchery began in March with a biomass boiler installed by UK-based firm Reheat. The boiler is part of the distillery’s broader commitment to sustainability and will form part of a heating network that will run through the site.
Reheat’s director Neil Harrison said: “We’ve been working with the team at Coleburn on how best to underpin their operations with low-carbon energy for some years now.
“It’s fantastic to see this first practical step being taken on their journey to bring their plans to reality with the installation of a district heating network to meet the heating and hot water needs of multiple buildings on the site.
“There are many more steps to follow, but their decision to opt for a biomass system underlines their commitment to the local economy, local sourcing, and doing things the right way from the off, plus a project combining listed buildings, district heating, a hospitality setting, and whisky is at the centre of our competence Venn diagram.”
Coleburn is being revived by D&M Winchester, with former Benromach master distiller Keith Cruickshank and Organic Architects leading the project.
The distillery gave fans a taste of what’s to come in October with the launch of a whisky range called Local Heroes.
The bottlings comprise three blended malts, each with a different profile: Sherry Bomb, Sweet Peat and Big Smoke.
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