Ahead of the launch of its new hotel and entertainment-led restaurant, The Trocadero, this weekend, and following a £20m investment, five-star Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre near Glasgow, has appointed Panos Dimou as Head Mixologist.
Crossbasket Castle was bought by Alison and Steve Timoney in 2011, and after spending the next 5 years restoring the 15th century Castle, they opened in May 2016, making it into the five-star hotel and events venue that it is today. The latest investment sees the introduction of 40 upscale bedrooms as well as the new entertainment-led restaurant, Trocadero’s lead be Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
As the hotel released the first images on the new design Alison Timoney, owner of Crossbasket Castle, said, “Our new hotel and restaurant have been meticulously designed to create a place of pure escapism. When guests walk through the door, we want them to leave their world behind and journey back in time to a place where indulgence, glamour and sophistication were truly celebrated.
“Every detail has been carefully considered, from the handcrafted furniture to the materials and fabric used throughout, to create a timeless escape which is both distinctive from the original castle, yet complements its historic charm.
“The full concept of Trocadero’s, from the playful pours behind the bar and the indulgent delights from the kitchen, to the energy of the double bass that fills the room with live entertainment, our restaurant has been designed to create a space where champagne flows and anything goes.
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Lighting plays an equally crucial role in setting the mood in Trocadero’s and we will subtly adjust the hue and brightness to enhance the theatrical storytelling of the music.
“We had a very clear vision to create something entirely unique for the luxury market in Scotland. The final venue is truly extraordinary. It is a place where elegant vintage interiors seamlessly blend with the spontaneity and energy of live entertainment.”
The appointment of Panos Dimou comes as the hotel gets ready to welcome guests to its new 19020’s-inspired redesign today. With more than 15 years’ experience working in high-end luxury hotels, including the five-star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St Moritz, he moved to Glasgow in 2016.
Panos Dimou, said, “We are creating something truly special at Crossbasket Castle. This is a place where attention to detail is crucial and we are taking exceptional care when selecting the ingredients and products that we use.
“At Trocadero’s the bar offering will be a central part of the experience, and not just an add on to the restaurant. When you bring in the entertainment aspect, you create an electrifying atmosphere that will draw in guests from all around the world.”
Graeme Green, Managing Director of Crossbasket Castle, said, “The introduction of Trocadero’s at Crossbasket Castle will set a new benchmark for hospitality in Scotland. Panos’ years of knowledge combined with his experience from other notably extraordinary five-star hotels is a fantastic addition to our already incredible team.”
Living up to its tagline ‘Where Champagne Flows and Anything Goes’, the Trocadero’s bar promises a menu of champagnes “to ensure luxury with every sip”, while the cocktail list celebrates a bygone era as it transports guests to the 1920s in line with the overall them of Trocadero’s with its new art-deco inspired interiors.
Crossbasket Castle is managed by luxury hotel management company Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), which operates 12 other independent properties around Scotland, including Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, and Greywalls Hotel in Gullane. In May 2023, ICMI announced its extended management agreement with Crossbasket Castle, helping support the hotel as it undergoes the ambitious £20 million expansion.
The new development also includes plans for a dedicated spa and two eco-lodges, which are due to open later in the year.
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