Nick Nairn

Modern Scots chef Nick Nairn uses this site to promote his family business, which incorporates a hotel, restaurant, and cooking school. The site also serves as a fan club, and gets visitors from all over the world. The categories are arranged around a central flame icon, so just click on the section you want to enter. The extensive forum archive needs editing down. The site aims to update fortnightly and is quick to load, but although you can look at pictures of the hotel rooms, the enhanced virtual tour demands a plug-in.

Special Features

Nick's Recipes can be found by clicking 'Nick Nairn' on the homepage. They tend to be modern British culinary clichés as far as the restaurant world goes, but are good if you're planning a dinner party. Typical examples are Rocket and Pine Nut Ravioli, Aubergene and Mozzarella Stack, and seared John Dory with Puy Lentils and Fondant Potatoes. There's some helpful ingredient information with the recipes. The section will be better when there's more dishes, and some categorisation would be an improvement.

Nick's News is updated sporadically, but he makes more of an effort than other British chefs. It's chatty and personal, with Nick being quite open about how ehausted he feels with all his media comitments, and fans will get plenty of insight into the TV-chef's lifestyle

Virtual Meals which can be found in the restaurant section, are some of the nicest epostcards around, beautifully photographed and with recipes to appeal to trendy and traditional eaters. Fill out the form to email the picture and a message to your friend, who is told where to click to get the full recipe.

Menus are updated monthly, and tell you what Nairn's is serving at lunch and dinner, should you be planning a visit.

Hotel is thoughtfully compiled. Not only do you get to see the lovely rooms, there's information on Glasgow to help you plan your visit. It also includes perhaps all you would need to know about Nick's brother and mum.

Cookschool sounds great. Here's where you'll find news of the types of courses the new school is offering, plus accommodation details and information on head teacher, chef John Webber. The Cook book seection within this area includes advice on stocking your kitchen with food and equipment, plus class notes from John on cooking techniques and sporadically updated pieces on growing your own herbs and vegetables.

Other Features
Include the chef's biography, book sales, gift certificates, plus a forum well-attended by swooning girls and people inviting Nick for a visit.