Gleneagles unveils new look
With an impressive score of 9.0 on BusinessClass’ list of top hotels, the elegant Gleneagles Hotel is an iconic Scottish property. Its famous golf course, luxurious surroundings and 2 Michelin Star Andrew Fairlie Restaurant have seen the hotel awarded five red stars by the AA, as well as attracting a host of affluent guests, royalty included.
For 31 years, the hotel was owned by international alcoholic beverage firm Diageo, until it was sold to private investment company Ennismore in 2015. Following the acquisition, a multi-million redevelopment was announced, with the first phase of the project unveiled this week. The completion of the first phase has revealed a new-look Century Bar, the addition of new bar, Auchterarder 70, along with 35 renovated luxury bedrooms.
The Century Bar - which is famed for housing one of Scotland’s finest collections of old and rare whiskies – has relaunched following a complete redesign by eminent design house David Collins Studio, with a result that “feels very Scottish, and extremely Gleneagles,” according to the studio. Tasked with creating an “elegant and contemporary space that would enhance the guest experience, whilst celebrating Gleneagles’ heritage and Scottish identity,” the design team has restored original panelling while implementing art deco-style lighting and a brighter colour palette. To maximise the views of the Ochil Hills, window spaces have been opened up.
Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio said: “The hotel’s main bar is an important room within the property. Its transition to The Century Bar needed a respectful approach; one which references the art deco grandeur, whilst making a charming, light-filled room by day, and a cosy intimate room by night. “My starting point was to anchor the room with dramatic red columns, and layer into the space Scottish textiles, comfy seats, subtle rich colours, and charming detailing.”
Additionally, a brand new bar, Auchterarder 70 – named after the hotel’s original telephone number – has been unveiled in the Dormy Clubhouse. It is the creation of celebrated designers Macaulay Sinclair. The atmospheric bar has a 1920s-style oak-panelled bar, chesterfield sofas, vintage furnishings, and a wooden crank wall-mounted telephone from which guests can place table orders. It also offers striking views over the 18th hole of the King’s Course and serves a range of locally-sourced craft beer and snacks.
Sharan Pasricha, owner and founder of Ennismore, said: “We’re delighted to launch these exceptional spaces which simultaneously acknowledge our rich heritage whilst marking a new chapter in the Gleneagles story. “As part of the evolution of the brand, we wanted the designs to reflect all the unique Gleneagles elements – the stunning views, the art deco origins, the country pursuits – which have inspired generations of guests, but we also wanted them to breathe new life into the hotel. “The bar launches have also created exciting new dining concepts and we look forward to introducing these experiences to our residents and guests.” Find the best prices for your stay at Gleneagles
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