Perthshire’s iconic Crieff Hydro has completed a major refurbishment of its restaurants and bars, marking the largest single investment in the family-run business’s history. The £5 million project aims to elevate the dining and drinking experience for both locals and visitors, further solidifying the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination in Scotland.
The extensive renovations have resulted in a diverse range of culinary offerings, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. The transformation signifies a commitment to enhancing guest experiences and attracting a new generation of patrons while maintaining the hotel’s strong ties to its loyal family market. From Ballroom to Bar: A Nod to Heritage with a Modern Twist
One of the most dramatic changes is the conversion of the hotel’s historic ballroom into a sophisticated new bar. The Ballroom Bar retains the elegance of its past while embracing a contemporary design, creating a versatile space suitable for both daytime relaxation and evening entertainment. An impressive oak-stained gantry with glass and metalwork accents serves as a centerpiece, blending seamlessly with the updated aesthetic.
Adding to the hotel’s allure is The Hermitage, a new speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away behind a secret door, offering an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. This unique addition reflects the growing trend of hidden bars and adds an element of intrigue for those seeking a more clandestine drinking experience. A Culinary Journey Through Six Distinct Venues
Crieff Hydro now boasts six distinct dining and drinking venues, each with its own character and culinary focus:
– *EAST:* An exciting new restaurant serving Asian-inspired small plates, reflecting the increasing popularity of this cuisine. The focus is on sharing dishes and experiencing a variety of flavors. – *The Ballroom Bar:* As previously mentioned, the transformed ballroom, offering a refined setting for drinks and socializing. – *The Brasserie:* A relaxed and inviting space specializing in classic bistro dishes, perfect for casual dining. – *The Winter Garden:* A bright and spacious Victorian-era setting, revitalized for modern all-day dining, serving a wide selection of meals throughout the day. – *Loggia:* A beautiful setting with panoramic views of Strathearn, ideal for enjoying brunch or afternoon tea, providing a tranquil escape with stunning scenery. – *The Hermitage:* The hidden gem, a speakeasy cocktail bar, creating a sense of exclusivity.
A Family Legacy Continues
The vision for this ambitious project was spearheaded by Richard and Charlie Leckie, representing the sixth generation of the Leckie family to lead Crieff Hydro. Working alongside Fiona Leckie, the hotel’s experienced head of interiors, they have carefully balanced the desire for modern updates with a respect for the hotel’s rich history and traditions. The Leckie family’s enduring commitment to guest satisfaction and innovation is evident throughout the new dining and drinking spaces. Charlie Leckie emphasized the importance of offering diverse culinary experiences, comparable to popular destinations in major cities. This commitment ensures that Crieff Hydro continues to attract a diverse clientele and solidify its position as a leading culinary and hospitality destination in Perthshire and beyond.
The family intends for these revitalized spaces to resonate with a new generation while honoring the expectations of their longstanding guests. They believe these improvements will make any visit to Crieff Hydro an even more memorable experience.
The extensive renovations have resulted in a diverse range of culinary offerings, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. The transformation signifies a commitment to enhancing guest experiences and attracting a new generation of patrons while maintaining the hotel’s strong ties to its loyal family market. From Ballroom to Bar: A Nod to Heritage with a Modern Twist
One of the most dramatic changes is the conversion of the hotel’s historic ballroom into a sophisticated new bar. The Ballroom Bar retains the elegance of its past while embracing a contemporary design, creating a versatile space suitable for both daytime relaxation and evening entertainment. An impressive oak-stained gantry with glass and metalwork accents serves as a centerpiece, blending seamlessly with the updated aesthetic.
Adding to the hotel’s allure is The Hermitage, a new speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away behind a secret door, offering an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. This unique addition reflects the growing trend of hidden bars and adds an element of intrigue for those seeking a more clandestine drinking experience. A Culinary Journey Through Six Distinct Venues
Crieff Hydro now boasts six distinct dining and drinking venues, each with its own character and culinary focus:
– *EAST:* An exciting new restaurant serving Asian-inspired small plates, reflecting the increasing popularity of this cuisine. The focus is on sharing dishes and experiencing a variety of flavors. – *The Ballroom Bar:* As previously mentioned, the transformed ballroom, offering a refined setting for drinks and socializing. – *The Brasserie:* A relaxed and inviting space specializing in classic bistro dishes, perfect for casual dining. – *The Winter Garden:* A bright and spacious Victorian-era setting, revitalized for modern all-day dining, serving a wide selection of meals throughout the day. – *Loggia:* A beautiful setting with panoramic views of Strathearn, ideal for enjoying brunch or afternoon tea, providing a tranquil escape with stunning scenery. – *The Hermitage:* The hidden gem, a speakeasy cocktail bar, creating a sense of exclusivity.
A Family Legacy Continues
The vision for this ambitious project was spearheaded by Richard and Charlie Leckie, representing the sixth generation of the Leckie family to lead Crieff Hydro. Working alongside Fiona Leckie, the hotel’s experienced head of interiors, they have carefully balanced the desire for modern updates with a respect for the hotel’s rich history and traditions. The Leckie family’s enduring commitment to guest satisfaction and innovation is evident throughout the new dining and drinking spaces. Charlie Leckie emphasized the importance of offering diverse culinary experiences, comparable to popular destinations in major cities. This commitment ensures that Crieff Hydro continues to attract a diverse clientele and solidify its position as a leading culinary and hospitality destination in Perthshire and beyond.
The family intends for these revitalized spaces to resonate with a new generation while honoring the expectations of their longstanding guests. They believe these improvements will make any visit to Crieff Hydro an even more memorable experience.