Hairy Bikers Go Local at The Harbour Café with New Meal Box Available Nationwide

As the latest series of BBC’s Hairy Bikers hits the screens, Fife’s Harbour Café is launching a special food box containing some of the culinary gems sampled by Dave Myers and Si King, who visited as part of the show.

Run by past Great British Menu contestant, Amy Elles, and her husband Jack, the Harbour Café is in Elie in the East Neuk of Fife. It featured on The Hairy Bikers Go Local on 6th January in an episode in which Dave and Si worked with Amy and Jack to put together a meal that celebrates local producers in the area. This included smoked fish from St Monans, local langoustines from Pittenweem, locally grown vegetables and salads, Pasture for Life assured organic beef from Balcaskie Estate and a sticky toffee pudding made with whisky from Kingsbarns Distillery.

Available from 19th January until 2nd February, the new The Hairy Bikers Go Local Box contains a selection of the dishes that featured on the show and can be delivered nationwide across mainland UK.

The box costs £60 per person plus postage and contains:

  • Sourdough bread & Edinburgh butter
  • Anchovy hummus
  • East Neuk Kilnhouse hot smoked trout pate
  • Dill pickled cucumbers
  • Harbour Cafe fish soup
  • Langoustines and aioli
  • Roast Balcaskie beef and horseradish
  • Papas Aliñas – Andalucian potato salad
  • East Neuk Market Garden green leaf salad with house dressing
  • Sticky toffee pudding with a Kingsbarns Distillery salted whisky caramel sauce
  • A lemon and finishing salt are also included

Amy Elles said:

“Jack and I had great fun introducing Si and Dave to The Harbour Café and the East Neuk. The show went to the heart of what we do here – sourcing amazing produce direct from local fishermen, growers and farmers and making it available to our customers. We’re really blessed in this area of Fife to be surrounded by such sensational producers so to be able to celebrate them on the screen and in this special menu is such a pleasure.”

Amy Elles is increasingly recognised as one of Scotland’s foremost chefs, with a particular focus on seafood. Fans of cooking programmes may also recognise her from the BBC TV series Great British Menu, in which she represented Scotland in 2019 and 2020. A classically trained chef, she started out as pastry chef at The Grove hotel in Hertfordshire before taking up a pastry chef role at Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin starred Fat Duck. Before starting The Harbour Café in Fife, she worked at Spanish Michelin starred restaurant, Casa Marcelo in Santiago de Compostela, at London’s Moro restaurant and as a private chef travelling the world for four years.

The Hairy Bikers Go Local began on BBC Two on January 3 and shows Dave Myers and Si King travelling the country on a mission to bring together the best local restaurants with the most innovative local suppliers. The Hairy Bikers visited The Harbour Café in summer of 2021 and spent the day with Amy and her husband Jack.

Bookings for The Hairy Bikers Go Local Box are open now via www.theharbourcafe.co.uk for delivery from 19th January until 2nd February. Orders should be received by 12pm on Mondays for delivery or collection on Thursday of that same week. There’s also an option to collect on Thursdays from Kinross and Elie. All packaging is either compostable or fully recyclable.

The Harbour Café itself is currently closed but is offering The Harbour Café at Home, a range of luxury seafood boxes which can be delivered across mainland UK, which includes The Hairy Bikers Go Local Box.

www.theharbourcafe.co.uk

Instagram: @theharbourcafeelie

Facebook: @theharbourcafeelie

Award-winning Indian street food restaurant opens second Edinburgh site

Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food has opened its doors to a second Edinburgh site, on Drummond Street, in the heart of the city’s Old Town. Known for its lively atmosphere and playful interiors, the new restaurant will offer an authentic selection of small plates inspired by the bold and punchy flavours of popular Indian railway station and roadside dishes.

Drummond Street is the third addition to the already successful Tollcross (Edinburgh) and Sauchiehall Street (Glasgow) restaurants. The 90-cover restaurant which features a 35-cover group dining space is perfect for social dining with friends and family of any size or occasion. With a particular focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes across the menu, hero dishes include; Bun Samosa, Saag Tofu and beetroot Bhajis alongside the much-loved signature Wallah Staff Curry, Chicken Lollipops and Puri Yoghurt Bombs.

Owner, Rizvi Khaleque said: ‘I’m so proud to be opening a third Tuk Tuk. The last few years have been a rollercoaster in the hospitality industry, so this feels like a particularly special achievement. We’re excited to open our doors for customers to enjoy our authentic menu filled with flavour and spice and soak up the lively atmosphere.’

Working closely with award-winning Edinburgh design agency S+Co, the space has been configured to create a sociable dining room full of personality with the brand’s bright and bold oranges and greens. Recycled materials are at the heart of the restaurant; off-cut British timber waste has been used to create the tabletops and the statement bar has been designed using Kenoteq’s K-Briq made up of over 90% recycled construction and demolition waste and recycled pigments. The signature Tuk Tuk orange is a focus on the biggest of three hand-painted murals across the walls. Bollywood film stars are cut out across the venue with a neon sign designed by Solas Neon in the window to welcome diners.

The BYOB all-day dining experience will offer authentic lunchtime Tiffin lunch boxes for those on the go between 12pm-4pm and a sociable sharing-style menu will be available in the evening menu from 12pm-10pm.

Tuk Tuk has committed to adding a discretionary fee of 50p per table to all bills which goes directly to their partner charity, Scottish Love in Action (SLA). SLA is a charity that provides meals to vulnerable children in India and so far, the restaurants collectively have raised over £26,000 which equates to 119,845 meals.

First spirits launched by MacMillan Spirits ahead of Benbecula Distillery launch

MacMillan Spirits has launched its inaugural trio of spirits inspired by its home in the Outer Hebrides. The new independent bottler, owned by Uist locals and father and son, Angus A MacMillan and Angus E MacMillan, celebrates the Scottish islands, its community and heritage. 

The duo are also behind Benbecula Distillery which is currently under construction on the Island and looks to pay homage to the island’s rich maritime heritage. Angus A Macmillan has spent his life at the centre of the Outer Hebrides community and is one of the founding directors behind the historic community buyout in 2006.

The liquids include Wheelhouse Whisky, an eight year old single cask single malt produced on Islay;  Machair Gin, a herbaceous, aromatic gin which contains heather and wild angelica botanicals which are harvested on Angus’ Uist croft; and Molucca Rum, an eight year old golden rum. Each liquid was carefully selected by Angus and his team for their flavourful characteristics representing aspects of Uist.

Angus A MacMillan, Managing Director of MacMillan Spirits, said: 

“As a proud islander, I wanted to bring together flavours and stories inspired by the Outer Hebrides to MacMillan Spirits. Wheelhouse Whisky, Machair Gin and Molucca Rum each have their own story but Molucca Rum is my personal favourite. 

“It’s inspired by Martin Martin’s 1703 book A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, which talks about finding Molucca beans, sometimes known as sea hearts, on the Western Isles. Molucca Beans are smooth seeds from the warri tree, which wash up on our Hebridean beaches having been carried on the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean. We find these heart-shaped seeds hidden in the sand and tangled in the seaweed: a smooth, shiny seed the size of your palm – like a heart-shaped pebble but light as a husk. It’s such a special link with Scotland and the Caribbean.

“This initial collection is just the beginning of our plans for creating a family of spirits that embodies our small island home and celebrates our slow, natural craft.”

Jamie MacDonald, Business Development Manager for MacMillan Spirits, added:

“We’ve created a series of signature serves for Wheelhouse Whisky, Machair Gin and Molucca Rum which allow drinkers to fully explore the depth of favour in each unique liquid. For our Machair Gin, we’ve created our own version of the classic Martini inspired by its name. Machair is a strip of low-lying fertile land that was grazed by the small herds of the Hebridean crofters over the summer months. It’s an entirely unique habitat that clings to the Hebridean coastline and is home to beautiful and rare flowers which are used in the gin.

“In our Martini we use Penja Pepper Berry Cordial, Vermouth and garnish with candied angelica to reflect the foraged botanicals, wild angelica root and island heathers used in the gin.”

Each label features original, specially commissioned artwork by Minneapolis-based artist, Nick Dahlen. Further information on Nick Dahlen is available here

For trade enquiries please contact Jamie MacDonald at jamie@macmillanspirits.com. To purchase, visit https://macmillanspirits.com/

CIAO MORNINGSIDE! MATTO PIZZA OPENS FIRST RESTAURANT IN EDINBURGH’S SOUTH SIDE

MATTO Pizza that launched in September 2020 will launch a restaurant in the south side of the city mid-December.

One of Edinburgh’s most popular pizzerias is set to open its first restaurant in the city’s Morningside neighbourhood this December. MATTO pizza currently delivers up to 600 pizzas a night from its giant city centre pizza oven to Edinburgh’s pizza-loving population, but this will be the brand’s first dedicated diner.

The new pizzeria at 370-372 Morningside Road, will serve a selection of MATTO’S popular Neapolitan-style pizzas and authentic Italian starters and desserts that have led it to be crowned one of Edinburgh’s top takeaways on Deliveroo and UberEATS.

MATTO has become a firm favourite amongst city centre residents for its unique take on the classic Neapolitan pizza. MATTO uses a state-of-the-art wood-fired oven that cooks the pizzas in 60 seconds and uses a long, slow rise dough made with premium 00 Italian flour. Their pizzaiolos create all pizzas from scratch using only the best ingredients including, San Marzano tomatoes DOP and Fior di Latte Mozzarella as standard. They are also renowned for their creativity and the new Morningside menu will feature firm favourites including their Truffle base pizza with smoked cheese, mushrooms and rocket and Pumpkin base pizza with ‘Nduja, gorgonzola, pumpkin seeds and fresh basil; and new additions such as Pea purée base pizza with smoked speck, gorgonzola, mozzarella, figs, rocket and balsamic glaze drizzle.

The 42-seater restaurant has been designed by Edinburgh based, S-SO. They created a dynamic and engaging space to bring MATTO’S unique character to life and showcase its innovative approach to pizza. The aim is to take customers on a journey in true theatrical Neapolitan-style.  The dining space incorporates bold prints and bright colour for a dramatic effect. Guests can expect big and bold including a show stopping pizza oven taking centre stage with the design details as its cast. S-SO created different areas within the space providing more intimate dining for smaller groups, as well as larger seating areas perfect for large groups to share a slice with friends.

Co-owner Nel from MATTO Pizza, said:

“We are really excited to be opening a restaurant in Morningside. When we launched MATTO, our vision was to create authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas that were a little different but with absolutely no compromise on the quality of the ingredients. It has been a labour of love from day one and to expand so quickly, we feel incredibly lucky. It would not have been possible without the support of our loyal customers.

We hope to welcome old and new customers to the new restaurant, so we can showcase MATTO’S creativity and hospitality”.

MATTO Pizza is due to open mid-December.

370-372 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5HS.

Instagram: @matto.pizza | Facebook: @mattopizzaedinburgh

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OPULENT COCKTAIL BAR TO OPEN IN EDINBURGH’S WEST END

The Cocktail Mafia, a new one-of-a-kind drinking experience is due to open early December on Charlotte Lane in Edinburgh’s vibrant West End. Owned by Pinnacle Hospitality, the team behind The Raging Bull on Lothian Road, The Cocktail Mafia will fuse edgy glamour and elegance with theatrical flair. The experimental cocktail menu will bring a new and innovative concept to the Edinburgh bar scene. Cocktails include: ‘Citizen Cane’ made with Glenfiddich that will be served in a port sipper glass with a smoked bubble on top and the Roku Gin infused with basil, ‘Millieu Vert’ that will be presented in a vintage 1924 coupe, with a sugared basil rim. 

The 160-cover bar has been created in conjunction with Edinburgh designer JaCoco whose remit was to craft a decadent drinking den. A rich and sultry palette, contemporary art, neon’s, plush fabrics and wallpapers create a sophisticated look and feel.

Nick Madigan, Managing Director, Pinnacle Hospitality, said:

“The Cocktail Mafia is a concept we have been working on since pre-pandemic times and we are very excited to be finally bringing it to life.  We wanted to create a bar that was different yet complements the thriving Edinburgh bar scene with world-class service that will set us apart from our contemporaries.”

“Having been working on it for a while now, we have taken inspiration from some of the world’s best bars. It will be a deluxe experience, a playground for the senses with a focus on original cocktails for those who dare to be different. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we can’t wait to open our doors in the middle of the festive season.”

The Cocktail Mafia is due to open in early December from 4pm -1am Sunday – Thursday and 1pm – 1am Friday and Saturday. Sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with progress: https://thecocktailmafia.co.uk/

Follow on social media for announcements, Instagram @thecocktailmafiauk, Facebook: @thecocktailmafia.

15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 4QZ.

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BAERN: NEW BAKERY, CAFÉ AND EVENTS SPACE SET TO OPEN AT BOWHOUSE WITH PREVIEW AT CHRISTMAS MARKET WEEKEND 11-12 DECEMBER 10-4PM

A new bakery, café and events space named Baern, will open at Fife’s food and drink hub, Bowhouse, in spring 2022 with visitors to this month’s Christmas Market Weekend, given the opportunity to try some of the food out for the first time.

Hazel Powell and Giacomo Pesce will open Baern in March in the striking café and courtyard area of Bowhouse offering hyper seasonal, producer-led, locally sourced food and homemade drinks. The ever-changing menu will be directly influenced by the producers within the Bowhouse, as well as the surrounding area, showcasing the incredible produce the region has to offer.

A daytime menu will run Thursday to Sunday and will be based around sourdough bread, sweet and savoury pastry and a plated brunch/lunch menu. An evening menu will run for special events and will focus on a more refined small plate offering. The pair will also offer a deli selection to take away and homemade soft drinks, with everything focused on locally sourced and foraged ingredients.

Pop up suppers and visits from guest chefs also form a part in the plans, with the upstairs area ideally suited to hands-on food workshops and group activities. Baern’s events will introduce the community to some of the diverse network of chefs, producers, and suppliers who are helping to shape Scotland’s food landscape.

Visitors to the forthcoming Christmas Market Weekend at Bowhouse on 11th and 12th December, will have the chance to meet Hazel and Giacomo who will have a stand at the market, selling freshly baked breads, scones, pasties, pies and cookies. The menu at the weekend includes a menu of sourdough focaccias with Rosemary oil, white wine; Nduja, fennel seed and garlic honey; or New potato, purple sage and grape. There will also be scones made with Isle of Mull cheddar and burnt onion skin served with apple butter; Pork, harissa, sage and chestnut sausage rolls; Butternut Squash, chestnut mushroom and burnt lemon pasties; Almond and brown butter mince pies; and Rye, dark chocolate and sourdough cookies.

Hazel and Giacomo join a line-up of food producers and street food traders from Fife and beyond, as well as a carefully curated selection of craftspeople at this seasonal event.

Hazel and Giacomo are moving to Fife from The Secret Herb Garden Café & Bistro (Edinburgh), where they’ve honed their skills baking and using the produce grown on their doorstep. One of the only bakeries in Scotland to operate a true wood fired oven, sourdough baking will be central to Baern’s food, alongside dishes using ingredients produced locally, particularly by those makers based at Bowhouse: Scotland the Bread flours from the mill next door, organic beers and spirits from Futtle, meats from the butchery and organic vegetables from the field just behind the café.

The pair have worked across a number of restaurants and bakeries over the years:

Hazel trained at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland before going on to cook and teach at Ballintaggart in Perthshire. She then went on to be Head Chef at Fhior Garden Café, where she has been showcasing her love of vegetables through the amazing produce available in the gardens every day. Drawing from her experience as a chef and educator, as well her background in Fine Art, she will be the driving force in the kitchen at Baern, leading by example, promoting local suppliers and produce through her cooking.

Formerly a scientist, Giacomo is now a chef and baker with a particular interest in sourdough and all things flour. Previously in charge of the pastry section at Fhior, he developed his bread skills at Twelve Triangles before joining Hazel at Fhior Garden Cafe. His love for experimenting and for pushing the boundaries between classic and modern flavour is a key factor in the unique approach to food which characterise Baern’s approach.

Hazel Powell said:

“Giacomo and I cannot wait to open Baern at the Bowhouse. We’re both really passionate about Scottish produce, sustainability and supporting small producers, so we really couldn’t be in a better location, or in better company. We can’t wait to join this incredible community of food in Fife.”

Baern is named for the café’s barn location with a nod to the ancient Scottish grain, beremeal.

Those shopping for local food and drink can also make use of the Bowhouse Link weekly online market on the Open Food Network, which enables customers to continue shopping from local makers for pick up at Bowhouse or local delivery. Customers can shop Monday to Wednesday from a range of selected producers. Orders are then packed for delivery or pick up at the market on the Saturday and Sunday.  Visitors to the Market Weekends can use the Bowhouse Link service to pre-order before browsing the market stalls.

Based on Balcaskie Estate, Bowhouse opened in 2017 to provide the missing link between farm and fork, with a mission to connect maker with consumer.

Find out more about Bowhouse at bowhousefife.com or on twitter, facebook or instagram.

Bowhouse Farm, St Monans, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 2DB.

Bowhouse Market Weekends adhere strictly to Scottish Government Coronavirus guidelines with hand sanitiser points available throughout and contactless payment encouraged. Facemasks must be worn inside the Market Hall. Dogs are as always, welcome outside but not in the market hall.

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LORNA MCNEE RECOGNISED IN GLOBAL CULINARY AWARDS, LA LISTE, AS NEW TALENT TO WATCH

Scotland’s only female Michelin star chef, Lorna McNee has been recognised by internationally renowned industry awards La Liste under the ‘new talents of the year’ category. Lorna is the only British chef to be given this accolade and features alongside some of the UK’s leading restaurant names including L’Enclume and Core, who were included in La Liste’s Top 1000 restaurants in the world.

After working as the late two-Michelin starred chef, Andrew Fairlie’s protégé in her early career, Lorna chose to take up her first head chef role at Glasgow’s Cail Bruich in 2019. In just two years, she won a Michelin star to add to her already decorated career. From winning Scottish Chef of the Year (2017), BBC’s Great British Menu (2019), and being crowned the show’s ‘Champion of Champions’ Lorna has never been afraid to take on a challenge and explore an innovative yet elegant style of cooking.

 In 2021 Lorna was also named one of Observer Food Monthly’s “Stars of the future”, one of the 100 most influential women in hospitality by Code Hospitality, was shortlisted for a GQ Food and Drink Award and Square Meal’s Female Chef of The Year. She was also given the prestigious chef recipe column in The Times, Scotland.

Lorna said: ‘This truly is an honour to be recognised by La Liste and especially as the only chef to represent Scotland and the UK in this category. I am delighted to be noted alongside other talented chefs from around the world and look forward to celebrating this accolade.’ 

La Liste is a compilation of hundreds of guidebooks, publications, and online reviews finely filtered by an international board to select the world’s best restaurant and chefs. The awards started in 2015 and are viewed as an elite platform to showcase the very best within the industry covering 10 categories including the Innovation Award, Sustainability Award, and Hidden Gem Award.

The gala celebration was hosted in Paris on 29th November welcoming chefs from around the world to honor winners. The full-list of winners can be found here.

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INNOVATIVE MENU AND DESIGN-LED ROOMS AT HEART KILLIECRANKIE HOUSE OPENING

Killiecrankie House, in the heart of Highland Perthshire, has opened this month with a new restaurant and five beautifully appointed bedrooms as well as a drawing room and cocktail bar. Owners, chef Tom Tsappis and his sommelier wife Matilda will welcome guests to experience their little slice of luxury and gastronomy in the Cairngorm National Park.

Tom, who trained at Leiths and was the first recipient of two of its coveted annual awards and his wife Matilda, who previously ran the popular supper club Elia London, have created a boutique bolthole that’s been designed by them as a food-lovers retreat. Tom will be overseeing the multi-course tasting menu in the 18-cover open restaurant kitchen, and at the adjacent chefs table which is at the heart of the house. Sommelier Matilda will host guests front of house with help from the chefs who’ve created the dishes.

They have committed to creating menus that truly reflect Scotland, giving diners not only a taste of the country’s produce but one that represents what Scots really love to eat, drawing upon both contemporary and heritage dishes for inspiration. Working with local suppliers and using home grown and locally foraged produce, the first sample menu is a fine example of how they have gone about creating a sense of place through their food. Each dish has a story behind it…

Drunken oyster

Scotch eggs

 Kombu cured mackerel, apple and horseradish

Squid from the firth of Moray cooked in a stew of its own ink

Cock-a-leekie

Food from the forest

Venison, peat and brambles

Dripping fried porridge

Highland wagyu, green tea, onions and pickled pine

Macaroni pie

Flower of Scotland

Whisky

Sweeties

Matilda’s drinks list has been designed to perfectly complement the cooking with a diverse food pairing menu including beer, wine, sake and cocktails, as well as an interesting non-alcoholic pairing of juices, teas and infusions. Matilda’s approach is to offer a combination of ‘classics’ vs ‘off the beaten track’, including wines from her family vineyard; Treaty Port in China; a beer made in collaboration with local brewery, Wasted Degrees; soft drinks from Bad Gal Boocha and Rapscallion plus tea and coffee from The Rare Tea Company and Glen Lyon Roastery in Aberfeldy.

Pre and post dinner drinks can be comfortably enjoyed by the fireside, overlooking the kitchen gardens and fruit trees, in the Drawing Room or in the bijou Cocktail Bar with its marble countertop and feathered pink Murano glass chandeliers – surely the chicest place for an aperitif in Perthshire!  

The colour palette throughout is a calm, sophisticated deep blue with dark wood floors and eclectic hints of colour in the artwork and even in the hand-painted wash basins which were sourced from The London Basin Company. The selection of chandeliers and lights from Pooky in Chelsea hint at decadent times gone by as does the vintage 1960’s record player and mid-century furniture, which has all been brought together with stunning attention to detail. Upstairs are four generous four-poster bedrooms and a master suite (which comes with the chef’s table experience), each one uniquely shaped, due to the age of the property and with the original shutters restored. All bedrooms come with standalone roll-top baths for the ultimate indulgence, as well as rain-fall showers and feature blush pink concrete basins from Concrete Etc, with toiletries from Scotland-based Laura Thomas Co.  

A set dinner will be served to everyone at 7pm Wednesday to Saturday. The bar will open at 12noon, Wednesday – Saturday.

Tasting Menu £85 per person

Alcoholic Drinks Pairing £65 per person

Non-Alcoholic Drinks Pairing £45 per person

Overnight experience (dinner, bed and breakfast for two people) starts at £450  

To book call 01796 473213 or visit the website www.killiecrankiehouse.com

 Killiecrankie House, Killiecrankie, Perthshire, PH16 5LG

@killiecrankiehouse

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CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT A COSY 4-STAR HOTEL, BRIMMING WITH HISTORY

Photos by: Grant Anderson – www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Dating back to the 13th century, Maryculter House, in Aberdeenshire, is a magical place to spend Christmas; steeped in history, with gourmet feasts and a warm Scottish welcome it’s the perfect place to see in Christmas and Hogmanay.

Maryculter’s Christmas Staycation

Arrive on Christmas Eve in time for a festive Afternoon Tea, with warming seasonal cocktails followed by a 3-course dinner in Poachers brasserie. After dinner, guests will have the option to be transported to watch the Midnight service, with warm whisky toddies and mulled wine served on return.

On Christmas Day, indulge in an array of Christmas feasts. Start off with a full Scottish breakfast, to be enjoyed at your leisure followed by a traditional Christmas lunch with a glass Nyetimber on arrival. In the evening, a light supper will be served then guests can relax or play some traditional board games in front of the crackling fires in the Great Hall.

All the excitement of Christmas isn’t over yet, as Boxing Day is packed with more festive treats. Begin the day once again with a full Scottish breakfast, followed by a curated gin tasting experience with the Gin Bothy. There is an opportunity to get competitive by taking part in the Boxing Day quiz hosted by local broadcaster and radio legend, DJ Jeff Diack, or wrap up for a walk around the hotel’s stunning grounds and along the riverbank, before enjoying a sumptuous two-course steak supper.

Before you leave on the 27th, tuck into a full Scottish breakfast, or if you have not quite soaked up all that the Maryculter has to offer, you can linger a little longer from just £75 per room, per night. Prices start at £350 pp for the full experience. *

Hogmanay staycation at Maryculter House Hotel (one- and two-night stays)

On New Year’s Eve guests will enjoy a pre-dinner Nyetimber drinks reception and will be welcomed by traditional Scottish bagpipes, with delicious canapes followed by a five-course dinner. Dance the night away to Glitz, a professional local band, and bubbles to toast 2022 in style with your nearest and dearest.

The two-night stay will see you arriving on the 30th of December, to give you plenty of time to prep for the party. You will be welcomed on arrival to a Nyetimber Sparkling Afternoon Tea, followed by a three-course meal in Poachers.

The celebrations start after breakfast with mini-Highland Games on the hotel’s lawn, followed by a hearty lunch. We will send some mini-Moet’s and nibbles to your room for you to relax and enjoy whilst getting ready for a big night seeing out 2021.

Hogmanay packages start at £199* per person for the one-night stay and £399** per person for a two-night stay.

For more information on all the festive packages visit: https://maryculterhouse.com/festive/

To make a reservation or find out more call +44 (0) 1224732124 or email info@maryculterhouse.com

*A £50 non/refundable non/non-transferable deposit per person is required, with full payment for the staycation to be paid 14 days prior to your stay.

Dietary requirements can be catered to, please let us know at the time of booking.

**A £20.00 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required per person, with full payment to be paid 14 days prior to your stay.

https://maryculterhouse.com/     |     @maryculter.house

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About Maryculter House Hotel

The hotel is positioned on the banks of the River Dee, which is perfect for those interested in fishing, and is ideally positioned for visitors from near or far, boasting excellent transport links. It is accessible by road, rail, or air, and is only a 15-minute drive from Aberdeen airport.

It boasts 40 luxury bedrooms, filled with original period detail and contemporary Scottish interiors. The customer experience at Maryculter is second to none, as there is a full concierge service, same-day laundry and dry-cleaning service, as well as the option if a chauffeur service and luxurious Molton Brown toiletries.

The restaurant situated inside the hotel, Poachers Brasserie, and offers breath-taking views of the River Dee and the hotel grounds. The menu focuses on season and traditional Scottish produce and is updated frequently to indulge customers in a special dining experience. The hotel offers unique staycations and packages, including an exclusive Clan Gordon Whisky Tour, or the opportunity to travel back in time with the historical Stories in Stone experience.

CUMBRIA’S NETHERBY HALL UNVEILS STUNNING LUXURY HOLIDAY BOLTHOLES

Grade II* listed Borders mansion, Netherby Hall has completed the refurbishment of its stables, coach houses and cottages to reveal a stunning suite of luxury holiday boltholes right in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside.

Situated within the 36-acre estate parklands with magnificent views of the Scottish hills beyond, the nine luxury cottages and suites, which include a gatehouse and Gardeners Cottage are set in the grounds, main house and renovated Victorian stable area.  Giving taste of life as a stately home resident, guests can stroll through the private grounds of a working estate which is home to stables for the horses and carriages driven by the owners and the beautifully restored Victorian walled gardens.

Perfectly positioned above the River Esk, the history of Netherby Hall dates to Roman times and it is thought that the grounds of the hall have been inhabited for nearly 2,000 years.  Purchased by Gerald and Margo Smith in 2014, they began work on the restoration of Netherby Hall to sympathetically restore, repair, and reinstate the Victorian stables, Walled Garden, and greenhouses to create a stunning retreat for guests to enjoy.

From cultural events at Netherby Hall including their concert series to nearby attractions, such as Kielder Water, scenic expeditions on foot or by bike and award-winning dining at Pentonbridge Inn close-by – Netherby Hall’s sister property – or to just relax and enjoy natural wildlife and nature, there’s plenty of reasons to visit.

The Accommodation

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Providing a warm welcome throughout the seasons, all the dog-friendly cottages with well-equipped open kitchens, most with wood burning stoves, as well as spacious dining and living areas. Luxurious bathrooms often have roll-top baths and walk-in showers, and guests have access to free wi-fi, state of the art appliances, flat screen TVs, private parking, and fresh laundry services. 

For families and groups of four, Middle Lodge, a restored Victorian gatehouse, the charming Gardener’s Cottagewith views of the glorious walled garden and  Sir Walter Scottaluxury suite adjoining the main house each have two separate bedrooms. Middle Lodge also benefits of a generous sized enclosed garden complete with garden furniture and a barbecue for the summer months.

Engineer, named after the horse-drawn coaches that drove through the nearby town of Longtown in the 19th century, is a charming couple’s getaway with one king size bedroom that has magnificent views out to the Solway and Scottish hills.

Salutation, one-bedroom apartment boasts beautiful sunset views and was named after the 19th century horse drawn Lakeland Coach used for excursions to the Lake District. There is the option to sleep three complete with a sofa bed.

Situated in the cobbled courtyard, the recent Victorian stables renovation has created four beautiful apartments that overlook the Netherby Park: the Coach House and Grooms Quarters each sleep four whilst the Clock Towersleeps two.  The Independent is an adapted apartment that benefits from a bedroom and wet room on the ground floor with a disabled lift to access the spacious living area and second bedroom with ensuite.

Three of the nine suites can interlink to allow for larger groups and are adjoining the main house.

There’s a minimum stay of three nights to make sure you make the most of your escape to relax and unwind.  You will find your holiday retreat stocked with fresh milk, tea and coffee pods, a well-equipped kitchen, with a washer-dryer and the offer of a free shuttle service to and from Pentonbridge Inn – what more could you wish for.  Accommodation prices (per night) are based on a three-day stay and start from £250 and range to £450 per night, per property.

Over the festive season, each cottage and apartment will be suitably decorated. For Christmas there is a four night stay minimum (between the 23rd and 26th December) with the option to include a Christmas package, which includes a drinks reception, dinner, and Christmas lunch at nearby Pentonbridge Inn, prices start from £1820 for two and £2780 for four for the package or £1140 for accommodation only.  For New Year celebrations, there is a minimum stay of three nights (between 30th December through to 1st January) and start from £858 for accommodation only.

Netherby Hall

Netherby, Longtown,

Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 5PR

T: 01228 792 732 info@netherbyhall.co.uk