The Craigellachie Hotel is reopening with a brand-new heated outdoor terrace, a new and improved menu, and Executive Chef Will Halsall be taking over the reins as the hotel’s General Manager.
The Craigellachie Hotel was built in 1893 and is known as one of the best whisky hotels in the world. It’s a superb 26-room hotel that stands at Speyside’s very heart where the rivers Spey and Fiddich come together.
Speyside is the main reason why whisky aficionados so highly regard the hotel. The Speyside area is home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, making it the largest whisky region globally. Speyside is not only renowned for its wide variety of whiskies, but it’s also home to some of Scotland’s finest produce, including Walkers shortbread, Aberdeen Angus Beef, wild venison and some of the country’s finest fresh fish.
With all this on the Craigellachie Hotel’s doorstep, it’s an excellent decision to have Executive Chef Will Halsall overseeing day-to-day running as the hotel’s new General Manager.
One of the highlights of the reopening will be a brand new menu. The menu was expertly curated by William who’s CV boasts some of London’s finest restaurants, including The Ivy, 34 Grosvenor Square and Le Caprice. With William overseeing things, guests can be certain of first-rate food and drink that showcases high-quality produce from various local suppliers.
The hotel is well-known for its home from home experience. The team has been busily working away on renovating the hotel’s interior and exterior to improve overall guest experiences and keep the local community safe. As part of this, locals, visitors, and passers-by are invited to enjoy some highlights from the Copper Dog Pub menu for takeaway or eat out on the hotel grounds overlooking the Spey river.
In addition to the appointment of a new General Manager, Craigellachie is also unveiling a new outdoor dining experience that offers extra seating for thirty more guests.
The team has also kept their eyes on safety, so inside the Copper Dog, the place where guests from around the world rub shoulders with the locals, hand sanitising have been installed at all the entrances and social distancing will be carefully monitored.
Will Halsall said: “Our team can’t wait to reopen the doors and welcome locals and visitors alike back to The Craigellachie. We are also pleased to be offering a brand new food and drink menu from Copper Dog’s bar and kitchen featuring the very best of Speyside’s larder, which can now be enjoyed on our new terrace overlooking the banks of the River Spey.
A big reason behind Speyside becoming the world’s largest whisky-producing region is its microclimate and being one of the driest places in Scotland, this means we have some of the best food produce too, working with local suppliers from Sutherlands of Portsoy seafood to locally grown vegetables from Speyfruit and beef from Aberlour’s S.A Mackie Butchers.
Our team has gone through vigorous training in preparation for reopening without compromising our friendly, home-from-home experience, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
The Craigellachie Hotel has also launched a members initiative for local residents and regular visitors via a personal membership scheme. On producing a membership card, holders will receive a ten per cent discount off all service at the Craigellachie, including accommodation, the Copper Dog Pub, and exclusive access to upcoming events.
Making a booking at the Craigellachie Hotel
For more information about the hotel, the types of rooms, the facilities and dining options, please visit their website www.craigellachiehotel.co.uk.
Reservations are mandatory, and bookings can be made through sevenrooms.com. The Copper Dog pub is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm.
Address: Victoria St, Craigellachie, Speyside AB38 9SR.
Accommodation will open from May 17th.