Sagar Massey has launched ‘Sanja by Sagar Massey’ at The Kirkhouse Inn, in Strathblane, this week.
The award winning chef will launch his new dining concept – whose interiors have been designed by celebrity interior designer John Amabile – with a menu created to showcase the very best in fine dining.
He said, “Having worked in several high-profile restaurants across Scotland it has always been my ambition to launch my own fine dining restaurant and I’m delighted to be opening Sanja at the Kirkhouse Inn.
“The Inn has the perfect balance of being close to Glasgow but also in the midst of some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, making it the perfect backdrop for my concept, which blends spices and vibrant tastes with the very best Scottish ingredients and traditions.
“I’m very excited to be launching and bringing a new dining experience to Scotland.”
Sagar, at just 25 years old, has already earned a reputation and career track record. He was a finalist in the BBC’s Masterchef – The Professionals in 2022, and has worked in two Michelin Star restaurants, Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh and the Isle of Eriska Hotel in Benderloch near Oban, as well as with some of Scotland’s most high-profile fine dining names, including the five-star Mar Hall in Bishopton, Glasgow’s Cail Bruach and the Marine and Lawn Hotel in Troon.
A gold ‘Best Chef’ award winner at the ScotHot Awards – which showcases food, hospitality and tourism – he also took the coveted accolade of ‘UK National Seafood Chef of the Year’ in 2017.
Raised near New Delhi in India, until leaving for Scotland in 2014, Sagar is renowned for using the spices of his homeland to enliven and embolden Scottish fine dining. Inspired by his father, Raju – who is also a chef working in Oban – as well as by his mother’s fresh and comforting home cooking, Sagar’s roots remain firmly in the impactful, complex flavours and aromas of Indian cuisines. He now brings all of his experience to The Kirkhouse Inn.
The Kirkhouse Inn, owned by former chef Brian Home, has worked at some of the top restaurants in London, France and New York, as well as under the helm of Andrew Fairlie and Michael Roux and was part of the Michelin star winning team at One Devonshire Gardens.
Brain said, “We’ve been steadily investing in the Inn over the past few years and are delighted to welcome Sagar and offer this fine dining experience. Sagar is a fantastic chef and his style of cooking exceptional. Sanja offers the opportunity for people to enjoy fine dining at its best as well as enjoy a relaxing overnight stay if desired.”
With a heritage spanning back to 1601, the Kirkhouse Inn has 15 bedrooms as well as the 1601 bar and restaurant. Located at the foot of the Campsie Hills, on Strathblane Road, the Inn is on the path of the John Muir Way and is just 12 miles from Glasgow.