Scottish chef converts cottage kitchen into 'American Airlines-inspired' in-flight galley

We have all had our issues with airline meals, but one Scottish chef has taken it upon himself to change their image – by converting his home kitchen into an in-flight galley.

Andrew Mellon spent more than £3,000 integrating the internal Boeing 737 component into his Banff cottage after spotting it for sale on eBay for just £149.

The off-grid property – named N/ine – features upcycled British Airways carts, cabin windows and video screens replaying landings into some of the 53-year-old’s favourite airports.

Andrew, a private chef who often works internationally, is now set to rent the cottage out to those looking for a unique escape to the Aberdeenshire countryside.

The galley is decorated with livery resembling that of American Airlines in the late 1960s. (Image: Iain Bain)

He told STV News: “During lockdown, I didn’t have a lot of work on, so I decided I would do something a little bit different.

“Obviously being a chef, I wanted something that was practical, but I also wanted it to be unique. When I found the galley online for the price I got it, I thought that was perfect.

“I love travelling and I’m very fortunate to travel around the world for work. I wanted to bring a little bit of that to the project.”

In addition to the customised kitchen, it also comes complete with two solar panels on the roof, providing enough energy to power every part of the 280 sq ft property.

The galley itself is decorated in bare metal with blue and red stripes, mimicking the American Airlines classic Eagle livery used between 1968 and 2013.

Screens located behind the cabin windows replay landings from as far afield as New York. (Image: Iain Bain)

Andrew regularly travels to work on exclusive events and luxury homes in the likes of Los Angeles, New York and Seattle and is the team chef for one of Britain’s top sailing crews.

However, he is determined to promote tourism in the North East of Scotland – a location he describes as being “dear to him”.

“I think now, post-pandemic, a lot of people look at Scotland, especially the North, and think it is the ideal place for an adventure,” he added.

“It is in my opinion. This is something unique, but I am very passionate about promoting the North East in particular. I think it is a wonderful place.”