The Craigellachie Hotel is opening its doors again in May just in time for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The hotel, which will now be known just as The Craigellachie, has undergone a transformation after being bought by Piers Adam last year.
He had stayed at the Craigellachie three years ago while touring the Highlands with his father, who had been evacuated by his Scottish parents to the area during WW2. Piers comments, “When I first stayed at The Craigellachie I instantly fell in love with the place, however I was saddened that it had become run down and lost some of its spark. For the next year or so I kept my eye on the sale of the hotel hoping that someone would buy and restore it, and then I made the snap decision to buy it myself. Most of my businesses are related to bars and restaurants in London and internationally so I really hadn’t considered a hotel in the Highlands of Scotland. However, there is something special about The Craigellachie and Speyside. There is a real sense of community in the area and I really want The Craigellachie to continue to be part of that! We’ve had great support and interest from the local people and local businesses during the restoration and also welcomed input from Highlands & Islands Enterprise.”
The 28 bedroom hotel and new pub, The Copper Dog, will open 1st May but the new Quaich Whisky Bar has been moved from its original location. The room previously known as the Quaich Bar now serves as a lounge area and will be used for whisky tastings with the new Quaich opening in summer 2014.
However locals and guests alike will be able to wine and dine in The Copper Dog which is located in the basement level of the hotel which, during the renovations, has been reconfigured to open up the bar and restaurant area. Internal walls have been taken back to the original stone and lined with reclaimed whisky vat timbers, giving a traditional but homely feel to the bar. It aims to showcase the best of local fare.
Piers commented “First and foremost, we want The Craigellachie to be a great local pub and eatery; we’re offering great local food at reasonable prices. Our lunch menu will include traditional items such as a good hearty bowl of soup and the evening menu will have pub classics such as fish and chips, locally sourced chicken, lamb and steaks or if people would prefer something extra special we will also have our ‘Daily Catch’ menu. So whether people are stopping off for a bite of lunch, a bar meal or a special family occasion there will be something on the menu to suit everyone.”
The Craigellachie Re-opening
