Famed Spanish restaurant opens first overseas site in Scotland

Renowned Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca is to open its first overseas location in the Scottish Highlands later this month.

The Catalan eatery, which opened in Girona in 1986, holds three Michelin stars and is ranked among the best restaurants in the world by critics.

The new venture, named TimeSpirit, will be based on the Macallan estate in Speyside along the whisky distilley.

El Celler de Can Roca, run by brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi, said that it would be “a unique dining concept” with a locally-sourced tasting menu.

Thirty guests can be accommodated at a time, with a lunch menu priced at £60 and dinner costing £95.

The restaurant already has a 12 year business partnership with whisky maker Macallan.

The Roca brothers previously released a book, Distilling Scotland, which explored Scottish culture and cuisine.

In a statement, the Roca brothers described their new venture as “thrilling”.

They said: “The many trips we have made to Scotland and the inspiration we have found in its old cookery books have afforded us the chance to pay homage to Scottish cuisine.”

Rachel Walters, director of operations at the Macallan, said TimeSpirit would offer diners “something completely unique”.

She said: “We have the finest Scottish larder on our doorstep, with a kitchen garden and a hyper-local sourcing programme, which will offer fresh, local ingredients alongside the welcoming Speyside hospitality.”

TimeSpirit will open at the Macallan estate on October 31.