Meet the chef teaming up with Michel Roux Jr at Crossbasket Castle's new Trocadero's restaurant
Crossbasket Castle's head chef is teaming up with Michelin-starred restaurateur Michel Roux Jr to deliver a dining experience unlike any other in Scotland.
Originally from Luton in North London, Kevin Barron discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager during a work experience placement at his aunt's hotel in Clydebank.
he was so captivated by the kitchen environment that he extended his stay by three weeks. From this point on, he never looked back, ultimately leaving school at 16 years old to start mastering his craft as a professional chef.
After receiving his formal training at Barnfield College in North London, he went on to work with several boutique hotels, picking up a 3 AA Rosette Award as a head chef at just 24 years old.
In 2008, following the passing of his father, Kevin relocated with his wife, Annie, to Kenya, where he played a central role in the launch of the newly built Ole-Sereni Hotel.
As the lead food and beverage executive, he designed the hotel's kitchens and developed concepts for its three restaurants: a grill room, buffet restaurant and café terrace.
The success of this venture led to his leadership in opening a sister hotel for the group.
Kevin said: 'Nothing prepares you for landing in Nairobi. It was surreal and unlike anywhere I'd ever been. But I loved it and ended up staying in Kenya for 12 years. My wife and I were married there, and both our daughters were born there.'
Though he never imagined leaving Kenya, an opportunity he couldn't refuse arose when he was headhunted to join Glenapp Castle.
He continued: 'I've always been drawn to Scotland — it has one of the finest natural larders in the world. I couldn't pass up the chance to work there again after all those years.'
Kevin's next chapter brought him to the renowned Crumplebury Estate. There, he was immersed in a truly farm-to-fork experience. The estate raised its own livestock and cultivated a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs for its fine-dining and pub venues.
It was here he was able to perfect his craft of working with fresh ingredients and appreciate the mastery of flavour creation.
Following the sale of Crumplebury Estate in 2024, Kevin found himself once again back to Scotland, where he was given the chance to cook for the acclaimed Michel Roux Jr and the executive team at Crossbasket Castle.
While a slightly daunting experience to cook for such a high-profile and successful chef, the opportunity paid off and he was appointed executive chef of Crossbasket Castle in 2024.
He said: 'As soon as I heard of the plans for Crossbasket Castle, I knew it was a place where I could thrive. It's an extraordinary and incredibly diverse venue.
'Since joining, I've had the pleasure of doing so many different things, from summer barbecues, to weddings and cooking demonstrations alongside Michel Roux. Now, with Trocadero's, we're creating something truly original — a dining experience where food and cocktails are served in rhythm with the show.'
With Trocadero's, the team is reimagining fine dining and shifting the spotlight back onto the ingredients themselves.
'With the introduction of Trocadero's, we've stripped back the theatrics of the fine dining experience to concentrate on the story of the ingredients,' Kevin explains.
'Sometimes in fine dining, the presentation can overshadow the produce, and that's not what we are trying to do here. We want great food and be served in a great setting.'
All beef and seafood at Trocadero's are sourced from Scotland, a deliberate and sometimes challenging decision.
Kevin continued: 'It's a brave move to go local. Cheaper options exist, but we're committed to showcasing authentic Scottish flavours through our dishes and ensuring that we do them justice in how they are prepared.
'Even something as seemingly simple as a rib-eye steak involves so much consideration. From the oil and seasoning to the provenance of the beef, we take considerable care to get it right. Indeed, we even spent three months just sourcing the right charcoal for the Josper grill.
'You don't get into this trade for the hours or glory,' he adds. 'You do it to witness the joy on a guest's face. Food brings people together, and to be part of that experience is a privilege.'
What really sets Trocadero's apart is the incorporation of entertainment, which aims to transport guests back to a magical bygone era that promises the best top music entertainment acts, immersive dining experiences and crafted cocktail and drinks offerings.
The hand-selected team exist to bring a level of entertainment and service which is set to be incomparable to anything else already on offer in Scotland.
Taking its name from the beloved 1950s dance hall in the local town of Hamilton, Trocadero's boasts one of the most sophisticated live performance set-ups in Britain.
Kevin continues: 'When the doors swing open in the kitchen, you hear the beat and then a flurry of dancer go by – it just hits different from other restaurants.'
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Daily Record
13 hours ago
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Meet the chef teaming up with Michel Roux Jr at Crossbasket Castle's new Trocadero's restaurant
Kevin Barron discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager during a work experience placement at his aunt's hotel in Clydebank. Crossbasket Castle's head chef is teaming up with Michelin-starred restaurateur Michel Roux Jr to deliver a dining experience unlike any other in Scotland. Originally from Luton in North London, Kevin Barron discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager during a work experience placement at his aunt's hotel in Clydebank. he was so captivated by the kitchen environment that he extended his stay by three weeks. From this point on, he never looked back, ultimately leaving school at 16 years old to start mastering his craft as a professional chef. After receiving his formal training at Barnfield College in North London, he went on to work with several boutique hotels, picking up a 3 AA Rosette Award as a head chef at just 24 years old. In 2008, following the passing of his father, Kevin relocated with his wife, Annie, to Kenya, where he played a central role in the launch of the newly built Ole-Sereni Hotel. As the lead food and beverage executive, he designed the hotel's kitchens and developed concepts for its three restaurants: a grill room, buffet restaurant and café terrace. The success of this venture led to his leadership in opening a sister hotel for the group. Kevin said: 'Nothing prepares you for landing in Nairobi. It was surreal and unlike anywhere I'd ever been. But I loved it and ended up staying in Kenya for 12 years. My wife and I were married there, and both our daughters were born there.' Though he never imagined leaving Kenya, an opportunity he couldn't refuse arose when he was headhunted to join Glenapp Castle. He continued: 'I've always been drawn to Scotland — it has one of the finest natural larders in the world. I couldn't pass up the chance to work there again after all those years.' Kevin's next chapter brought him to the renowned Crumplebury Estate. There, he was immersed in a truly farm-to-fork experience. The estate raised its own livestock and cultivated a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs for its fine-dining and pub venues. It was here he was able to perfect his craft of working with fresh ingredients and appreciate the mastery of flavour creation. Following the sale of Crumplebury Estate in 2024, Kevin found himself once again back to Scotland, where he was given the chance to cook for the acclaimed Michel Roux Jr and the executive team at Crossbasket Castle. While a slightly daunting experience to cook for such a high-profile and successful chef, the opportunity paid off and he was appointed executive chef of Crossbasket Castle in 2024. He said: 'As soon as I heard of the plans for Crossbasket Castle, I knew it was a place where I could thrive. It's an extraordinary and incredibly diverse venue. 'Since joining, I've had the pleasure of doing so many different things, from summer barbecues, to weddings and cooking demonstrations alongside Michel Roux. Now, with Trocadero's, we're creating something truly original — a dining experience where food and cocktails are served in rhythm with the show.' With Trocadero's, the team is reimagining fine dining and shifting the spotlight back onto the ingredients themselves. 'With the introduction of Trocadero's, we've stripped back the theatrics of the fine dining experience to concentrate on the story of the ingredients,' Kevin explains. 'Sometimes in fine dining, the presentation can overshadow the produce, and that's not what we are trying to do here. We want great food and be served in a great setting.' All beef and seafood at Trocadero's are sourced from Scotland, a deliberate and sometimes challenging decision. Kevin continued: 'It's a brave move to go local. Cheaper options exist, but we're committed to showcasing authentic Scottish flavours through our dishes and ensuring that we do them justice in how they are prepared. 'Even something as seemingly simple as a rib-eye steak involves so much consideration. From the oil and seasoning to the provenance of the beef, we take considerable care to get it right. Indeed, we even spent three months just sourcing the right charcoal for the Josper grill. 'You don't get into this trade for the hours or glory,' he adds. 'You do it to witness the joy on a guest's face. Food brings people together, and to be part of that experience is a privilege.' What really sets Trocadero's apart is the incorporation of entertainment, which aims to transport guests back to a magical bygone era that promises the best top music entertainment acts, immersive dining experiences and crafted cocktail and drinks offerings. The hand-selected team exist to bring a level of entertainment and service which is set to be incomparable to anything else already on offer in Scotland. Taking its name from the beloved 1950s dance hall in the local town of Hamilton, Trocadero's boasts one of the most sophisticated live performance set-ups in Britain. Kevin continues: 'When the doors swing open in the kitchen, you hear the beat and then a flurry of dancer go by – it just hits different from other restaurants.'
Metro
15 hours ago
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American tourist spends $900 on day trip to Irish cliff
Have you ever flown for more than six hours, only to eat a snack and look over a cliff before heading home again? No, we've never done that either. However, a man called Kevin Droniak did just that. The American travel influencer went on a day trip to Ireland from New York, and filmed it all for Instagram. In a video breaking down the cost of his trip, Kevin revealed he paid close to $900 to spend a few hours on the Emerald Isle — with time for just one activity. After taking a direct flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland's west ($457 return), Kevin rented a car for $48 and drove to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country's most iconic attractions. While he was there, he had a few minutes to scoff down a sandwich and a cappuccino. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Having spent an undisclosed amount of time at the cliffs, he ran into trouble with a flat tire. He paid a mechanic to change the wheel, but incurred a $275 fee from the rental company because he hadn't paid for insurance. After that headache, Kevin said he headed straight back to the airport. The average flight time between New York and Shannon is around six and a half hours, which means he spent around 13 hours of the day in the air. We contacted Kevin to clarify his exact flying time and learn more about the trip, but didn't hear back. Including buying an Irish polo shirt (presumably from the airport), Kevin said he ended up spending $898 for his few hours in Ireland, which even he admits might not have been worth it. For most people, the idea of a holiday abroad involves packing a suitcase and being away for at least a weekend, if not a week or more. But for some, like Kevin, a single day is enough to fly to another country, explore, and be home in time for bed. It's part of a growing trend known as 'extreme day tripping'. Yet despite the popularity, 'EDTs' have drawn criticism over their environmental impact and lack of engagement with local economies. While we don't have an Oxford definition of the phrase, Extreme Day Tripping generally involves travelling an extraordinary distance to a destination, only to spend no more than a day there before flying home. In practice, you wake up stupidly early, get to the airport, catch a red-eye flight (hopefully in time to get there at a reasonable time in the morning), and then pack as much into your trip as you can before catching a very late flight back again the same day. In theory, it allows you to get a very brief flavour of another country, without the cost of accommodation or taking chunks out of your annual leave. We asked Irish economist Jim Power about the benefits of having holidaymakers visit Ireland, even if only for a short time. 'Having visitors come to Ireland on any pretext is generally good for Ireland,' he told Metro. 'A visitor will spend a significant amount of money on food, transport, fuel, souvenirs, and so on, so it represents a significant financial investment into the important tourism sector.' However, Jim acknowledged that the economic benefits of extreme day trippers could be small. 'Over just one day, there is a limit to how much the accommodation and food services sector will benefit, and it is also the case that a visitor will not get any real idea about what Ireland or any other country is like. 'In addition, the environmental implications of flying into a country for just one day are not positive.' Jim concluded: 'Despite these reservations, the more one-day trippers that come to Ireland, the better for the valuable tourism sector. ' A common criticism of extreme day trips is the impact they have on the environment. According to climate research, flying is now responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 8% of the UK's emissions, specifically. Campaigners have called for limits on flights taking off to address environmental concerns. Speaking to the BBC, Extreme Day Trip enthusiast and travel blogger Monica Stott acknowledged the impact the practice might be having. Would you consider an Extreme Day Trip? 'I think if it means people are taking way more flights, and airlines are putting on more flights, then I do see that as a negative impact,' she said. However, Monica went on to say: 'But a lot of people doing extreme day trips are doing it because they either can't afford to take a longer holiday or don't have time. 'I don't think it's fair to say one person's holiday is more important than another person's holiday, because they're going for longer.' Metro's Travel Editor, Alice Murphy, who was born in Dublin, had this to say about Kevin's day trip to her homeland. More Trending 'It's great to see people with large followings shouting about Ireland, but Kevin spent so little time there that he missed out on things that, in my opinion, take a visit to the Cliffs from great to exceptional. 'If he asked me to plan a trip, I'd tell him to start with coffee and a pastry at Hugo's in Lahinch, then head to the Cliffs to do the hike from Doolin to O'Brown's Tower (around 12km all in). 'Alternatively, he could do the Burren hiking trail (white is easiest). After that, I'd direct him to Clahane shore, where you can swim in the rock pools at high tide, followed by a short drive to refuel with lunch at Homestead Cottage and explore the gorgeous village of Doolin. 'If he still has room after that, cocktails and a seafood dinner at Russells is always a good choice.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Venetians are up in arms after tourists expose 'secret' €2 gondola rides MORE: I've been going to the Algarve for years – try day trips for dodging tourists MORE: Ibiza Final Boss's rise to fame shows no sign of slowing down after releasing track on Spotify
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The friendly Scottish area that was named 'most welcoming in the world'
It makes for a perfect staycation destination. If there is one thing that Scots are known for, it is our friendliness. Tourists visiting Scotland frequently rave about the welcoming attitude of locals, who are usually quick to offer advice or directions. As previously reported by the Daily Record, the 10 "most welcoming destinations" in the world were revealed in 2024. Placing at number one on the list was Perthshire in Scotland. The study, which was carried out by saw the experts take into consideration more than 309 million verified customer reviews. Perthshire area beat out locations such as the Penghu Islands in Taiwan, Trentino in Italy, and Erongo in Namibia. Perthshire is a historic county situated in the heart of central Scotland. Also known as the 'Big County' or 'the Shire', it is regarded as among the most picturesque regions in Scotland. Perthshire features more than 200,000 acres of forest, making it a popular destination for those keen to do a bit of wildlife spotting. There are also many friendly towns and villages located around the region. One Perthshire destination that was singled out by was Auchterarder. The town was even named the second "most welcoming" in the UK behind Brampton in Norfolk. Auchterarder is located north of the Ochil Hills in Perth and Kinross, around 13 miles out of the city of Perth. The town is home to approximately 6,000 people, and is best known for the historic Gleneagles Hotel. Gleneagles is a five-star luxury hotel, spa, and golf resort that dates back to 1924. One of Scotland's most iconic hotels, it features more than 200 individually designed rooms and suites and a two Michelin star restaurant. Elsewhere, Auchterarder is home to one of the longest main streets in the whole of Scotland. Running for more than a mile in length, it features a huge variety of shops selling fashionable clothes, artisan foods, antiques, and much more. Auchterarder's High Street also includes a number of cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Cafe Kisa offers freshly ground coffee and homemade scones, Delivino is a delicatessen and wine cafes, and The Niblick is a friendly pub with a wide selection of drinks, live sport, and music. For those who are interested in a trip to Auchterarder, but unable to splash out on a stay at the Gleneagles Hotel, there are plenty of other accommodation options in the area. One of these is 32 Cruachan Lodge, which can be booked for as little as £333 for three nights through Sykes Holiday Cottages. The property is a log cabin that is located in the Grand Eagles Luxury Lodge Park, around just one mile out of Auchterarder. It features two bedrooms, and sleeps up to four guests. The lodge features an open-plan living area with a kitchen, dining area, and sitting area. There is also a front patio with furniture to enjoy when the weather is nice. On Sykes Holiday Cottages, 32 Cruachan Lodge has a rating of 4.2 out of five based on 53 reviews. Visitors have praised the accommodation as "very quiet" and "peaceful", though another guest described it as "not good". Elsewhere, Oak Cottage in the nearby Perthshire village of Comrie can be booked through The property, which features three bedrooms and sleeps up to six people, can be booked for £632 for three nights. Oak Cottage is a detached holiday let set within a lawned garden with furniture. Inside, there is a living room with a wood burner, a fully equipped kitchen, and a modern family bathroom with a shower over bath. On Oak Cottage has received only positive reviews from visitors. However, some holidaymakers may not like the property's location and prefer to be closer to Auchterarder.
