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The year's most talked-about hotel with a growing celebrity following.
Travel Trade News.
Summer is here and Prestonfield is in full bloom
Escape and enjoy prestonfield's tranquility in the heart of the city. Afternoon tea at Prestonfield - in the gothic Tea House, on the terrace or in the rose-filled gardens is the perfect summer treat. You can add a game of croquet, play a round on our putting green or just savour the hundreds of David Austen old fashioned roses now at their peak
July 2010
Tourism's poster-boy returned!
VisitScotland's cut out of Prestonfield's kilted Derek has been returned!!
VisitScotland offered a £100 donation to charity for the return of a cut out of Derek West that was "kidnaped" by two lady guests at Prestonfield following the launch of their 2010 marketing campaign.
The cut-out of Derek was returned unharmed last week and so a £100 donation is on its way to Scottish Charity www.500miles.co.uk and Prestonfield's owner, James Thomson, has sent a donation too.
500 Miles was founded by inspirational Scot Olivia Giles to help support amputees and disabled childen in Malawi and Zambia - just £100 means someone who might die because of lack of limbs can be given a prosthesis. A life changeing - often life-saving - process.
The charity was inspired by the Proclaimer's lyric "I would walk 500 miles..." it is one of Prestonfield's house charities and a recent staff raffle raised a four-figure sum for the charity.
Prestonfield's owner, James Thomson said "It would be hard to find a more worthwhile charity, it is small and local and makes an immeasurable difference to the lives of people far away in Malawi. Even modest donations can have a meaningful and impressive effect."
www.500miles.co.uk
March 2010
James Thomson Speaks at the Scottish Tourism Forum's Scottish Tourism Week.
Prestonfield's owner, James Thomson is speaking today at the STF's Tourism Week alongside VisitScotland Chief Executive Philip Riddle and Scotland's Tourism Minister, Jim Mather MSP.
James will be sharing his insights on customer care and the importance or memorable experiences with other tourism delegates, based on his experience over the thirty years since he established the Witchery by the Castle.
4 March 2010
Mother's Day Madness at Prestonfield.
With two weeks to go, tables for Prestonfield's renowned afternoon tea are being booked-up fast by those looking to give their mother an indulgent Mother's Day treat.
Prestonfield's traditional afternoon tea includes wonderful home-baked cakes, delicious sandwhiches and the traditional scones too. Served daily from 2-6pm in each of Prestonfield's sumptous public rooms it is an affordable treat at just £16.95, or £25.95 when served with a glass of Champagne.
Other options for Mother's Day include Rhubarb's 3 course for £30 Celebration Menu that is available at lunch or dinner.
If you can't manage to secure a coveted reservation - or can't make it on Mother's Day, you can still impress with a Prestonfield Gift Voucher for afternoon tea, lunch or the monetary value of your choice. Gift vouchers can be bought online from this site.
Kidnapped - reward offered!
A life-size cut out of Prestonfield's Derek West was stolen following the VisitScotland launch event at Prestonfield.
Two lady guests seem to have taken a fancy to hotel-hunk Derek's life-size cut out, so the bundled it into a taxi outside of the hotel and made their getaway.
Derek's cut out was one of fourteen real Scot's who were due to tour Europe giving potential visitors to Scotland an insider's guide to their country. VisitScotland have offered a reward for Derek's safe return saying "We are offering a £100 donation to charity for the reurn of our cut-out Derek.
"He is a highly-regarded member of staff at Prestonfield and a fantastic ambassador for Scottish tourism. His cut out is going to be travelling much further afaield as part of a number of events we will be holding across Europe - so we would like him back please."
James Thomson, Prestonfield's owner said "These are not the first guests to want to take Derek home with them, so we hope to see him returned soon. We are lucky to still have the real Derek and the rest of the team to welcome guests to Prestonfield."
If you spot Derek's kilted cut out please let us know
February 2010.
Prestonfield Manager is new poster boy for VisitScotland campaign
The charismatic smile of one of Prestonfield's managers, Derek West, has led to him becoming the a key part of VisitScotland's latest campaign to draw visitors to Scotland. Dressed in Prestonfield's trademark black kilt, Derek has been welcomeing guests to James Thomson's Prestonfield since 2003.
Derek is one of fourteen Scots from all walks of life who have been selected to promote their country around Europe. Other Scots with a passion for their country who are involved in the campaign include the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, a piper, highland games athlete, whisky expert and TV cook Lady Claire Macdonald.
Launching the event at Prestonfield, Tourism Minister Jim Mather said "Tourism growth is critical to Scotland's economy and future so I'm delighted to see the very best of our country is to be showcased on the European stage".
Further details at http://news.stv.tv/scotland/east-central/159598-real-scots-to-front-tourism-drive/
February 2010
Prestonfield launches 3 courses for £30 Dining Offer
To share in the celebrations of our sister restaurant, the Witchery by the Castle's 30th Anniversary we are offering a special 3 courses for £30 menu at Rhubarb too.
3 course for £30 is available at lunch and dinner 7 days at Rhubarb, the Witchery by the Castle and the rooftop Tower Restaurants. Each restaurant's a la carte menu is also available.
January 2010
Hedgehog Checks in to Prestonfield
Hotel guests were recently surprised to find that they had been joined by four unusual guests when a hedgehog gave birth to three hoglets in the hotel's reception.
Prestonfield's kilted porters called for assistance from the Scottish SPCA, Scotland's animal welfare charity, who have cared for the animals for the last seven weeks. With minimal intervention the family have all done well and will be released into the wild shortly.
The SSPCA said "She was obviously very confused and knowing she was about to give birth, decided to find the nearest warm and sheltered place, which just happened to be a very plush hotel...they are now all seven weeks old and ready to be released into the wild."
James Thomson, Prestonfield's owner said " We were just delighted and surprised. The welfare of all of our guests is of the utmost importance to us, so we are delighted that both mother and hoglets are healthy ready to be released into the wild. We are just glad they checked in for a little luxury on the way".
October 2009.
Prestonfield awarded tourist board's highest possible hotel accolade.
Prestonfield has been awarded VisitScotland, Scotland's Tourist Board's, highest possible accolade with the arrival of a five gold star rating for Prestonfield for 2009-10. Prestonfield is one of just five hotels in Scotland to achieve this supreme accolade.
A gold star award recognises businesses that consistently achieve the highest levels of excellence within their VisitScotland star grading. VisitScotland noted that "Businesses achieving the award will excell in the areas of customer care and hospitality and show evidence of a real commitment to staff development and training."
Prestonfield now adds it five gold stars to the five red ones it currently holds, the AA's highest hotel grading.
September 2009.
300 "Old Bags" bring extra glamour to Prestonfield.
Generous guests at the Prince's Trust Scotland Lunch with an Old Bag raised over £78,000 recently.
Co-sponsored by Prestonfield's James Thomson and Ralph Lauren, the inaugural Old Bag's Lunch aimed to tackle the negative stereotypes associated with age such as that young people should be dismissed as losers or junkies or that women are "past it" by 40.
Amongst the coveted lots was the exclusive Chanel 2.55 bag and a Joseph Bonnar white gold, diamond and pearl necklace that raised over £20,000, whilst the Eiffel Tower bag, featured in Sex & the City raised £800.
Guests included Clare Grogan, Helen Lederer and Carol Smillie, whilst Dame Joan Bakewell was the entertaining, glamorous and wickedly-controversial speaker.
Other top names supporting the event by donating bags included Sir Chris Hoy, Andy Murray, Ewan McGregor, Joanna Lumley, Sienna Millar, Shirley Manson, Philyda Law, Emma Thomson and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.
Speaking after the event, Prince's Trust Scotland Director Geraldine Gammell commented "The event has been a huge success and we want to thank all of our guests, supporters and volunteers for their generosity in raising this sum. We wanted raise awareness of how society labels young people and older women alike and illustrate just how limiting, and at times damaging, this pigeon-holing can be."
September 2009.
Enjoy three delicious courses from aspecial celebration menu for just £30. the offer is available throughout the week at both lunch and dinner and is a wonderful way to enjoy to enjoy great cuisine in exceptional surroundings at an affordable price.
Hogmanay Ball Sold-Out!!!
Prestonfield's renowned gala Hogmanay Ball is always a seasonal sell out and this year tickets went in record time.
All of James Thomson's restaurants, Rhubarb at Prestonfield, the rooftop Tower Restaurant and the Witchery by the Castle will be open on Hogmanay and for lunch and dinner on New Years Day, but reservations for these coveted tables are going fast too.
Early reservations on 0131 225 1333 are recomended or online at www.prestonfield.com
December 2009
Dates sell out for Cool Yule at Prestonfield
With some dates already SOLD-OUT, extra dates have been released for Prestonfield's spectacular festive dinner cabaret show, Cool Yule.
Dates now made available include the 11, 12 & 17 December and are selling fast....
Celebrate the festive season in style with a fantastic evening of cabaret, three-course dinner and an exceptionally lavish floorshow with Craig McMurdo, dince dance band orchestra and chorus line.
Combine the magical setting of Prestonfield's glittering ballroom, entertainer Craig McMurdo, a sequi-clad chorus line, lively dance band and seasonal classics from Bing Chrosby to Nat King Cole and you have a festive night like no other!
You'll be welcomed by a complimentary festive cocktail before an exquisite three-course dinner with breathtaking cabaaret spots between each course. End the ening on the dance floor with a spectacular dance set from McMurdo's 11-piece dance band.
Tickets just £50 including show, dinner, welcome coctail & half bottle of wine per person.
To book 0131-662 2323
December 2009
Scotland the Best launches 10th edition at Prestonfield.
Author Peter Irvine launched the 10th-edition of his best selling guide to all that is the fantastic in Scotland, at Prestonfield this month.
Scotland the Best is Scotland's best-selling travel guide and was much-praise by Scotland's Minister for Culture, Mike Russell at the launch. He praised the guide's unashamed celebration of success and excellence in all things Scottish in the quirky, personal and meticulously-researched guide book.
Alongside Gleneagles, Prestonfield was the only hotel in Scotland to recieve the guide's highest accolade of three ticks!
December 2009
Prestonfield wins exceptional Gold Award from Green Tourism Business Scheme
At Prestonfield we recognise that our activity can have an effect on the local and wider environment. We hope that by increasing our understanding of these effects, we can work together with our guests, staff and suppliers to minimise any impacts.
Prestonfield is proud to have just been awared a rare and prestigious Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The GTBS is the largest such scheme in the world and the gold award its highest accolade marking us out as one of the most environmentally-responsible hotels in Scotland.
December 2009
Sparkling line up announced for Prestonfield's annual Burns Supper.
A host of well known names have been lined-up for Prestonfield's annual Burns Supper which is due to take place on 21 January 2009. Journalist and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kholi will give his very own unique twist to a the toast to the lassies and "Gregory's Girl" star Clare Grogan will reply.
World renowned Burn's expert, Professor David Purdie will give an illuminating Immortal Memory to the Bard; his depth of knowledge and passion for Burns is always thrilling and has seen him attend Burns Suppers from Mauchline to Moscow.
Aileen Carr, one of the foremost interpreters of Scottish Traditional song - and those of Burns in particular - will head the musical highlights and Prestonfield's very own pipe major will be in attendance too! All will be introduced by the evening's irrepressable host, well-known television presenter, broadcaster and journalist, Grant Stott.
The evening will support one of Prestonfield's house charities, Prostate Scotland and it is hoped that last year's five-figure fundraising total will be beaten!
Tickets, priced £60, include a welcome cocktail, a four-course dinner with Scotch beef and haggis featuring on the menu and half a bottle of wine per person.Early bookers can take advantage of a £10 saving with tickets only £50 is booked before 15 December 2009.
To book 0131-662 2305
November 2009
Inspector's Choice: Prestonfield gains the AA's Highest Award for Fifth Successive Year.
For the fifth year in succession, Prestonfield has again been named as one of the AA's rare "Inspector's Choice" hotels and awarded the most coveted badge in the hotel industry - five red stars.
The award for 2010 is the latest accolade, Prestonfield has been awarded this accolade every year since 2006 and is one of just a handful of hotels in Scotland including Gleneagles to be judges to reach this standard. The award signifies a property at the very top of their star rating that the AA judge as "hotels that stand out as the very best in the UK".
Prestonfield adds these red stars to the five gold ones it recently recieved from VisitScotland as their highest accolade.
November 2009
Prickly guests check into Prestonfield
Rhubarb Wins Rare Fine Wine Award.
Rhubarb's acclaimed wine list has been internationally recognised with a rare Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence by the internationally-respected Wine Spectator. Rhubarb is just one of two restaurant cellars in Scotland to be given this accolade and is one of just 816 around the world.
Wine Spectator note that it is given to "restaurants that clearly exceed the requirements of the Reward of Excellence. These lists typically offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation and either vintage depth, with several vertical offereings of top wines, or excellent breadth accross several wine regions."
The list is put together, and lovingly managed, by Prestonfield's tweed-suited Head Sommelier, John Power, and Prestonfield's owner and renowned oenophile, James Thomson.
Wine Spectator noted that Burgundy was a particular strength of the list, no great surprise when Thomson, a Chevalier of the Tasse de Vin, is a regular attendee at the famed Hospice de Beaune wine auctions each year where he is known as a ferocious bidder for the best casks on offer. Unique wines from his bids from the past decade are now available to guests at Rhubarb & Prestonfield and feature on his wine list.
And the only other restaurant in Scotland to gain the same award? James Thomson's historic Witchery by the Castle.
August 2009.
Prestonfield short-listed for prestigious environmental award.
Prestonfield has made the short list for the Vision in Business for the Environment Scotland Awards 2009.
Set to be independently judged against rigorous criteria, Prestonfield has been selected as a candidate for this prestigious award for it's ongoing committment to sustainability.
Maintaining a historic A-listed building is fairly sustainable aim in itself, but already this year Prestonfield has diverted hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill, including 48 tonnes of food and organic waste, whilst almost 1000 native trees have been planted and energy consuption reduced.
Prestonfield is also due to be assessed shortly for the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
August 2009
James Thomson named Restaurateur of the Year.
At this year's UK tourism oscars, the Catey Awards, Prestonfield's owner James Thomson was named Restaurateur of the Year. James joins a glittering list as former winners include Sir Terence Conran, Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumental, the Roux Brothers and 
creators of the Caprice, Ivy and the Wolsey - Christopher Corbin & Jeremy King.
This award is particularally coveted by restaurateurs as it is rigorously judged by a panel of experts in the industry. Judges this year included Richard Shepherd of Langans, Paul Heathcote, Pascall Aussignac of Club Gascon, Alan Yau and Anthony Demetre of Arbutus. High profile runners up were Chris & Jeff Galvin and Claude and Claire Bosi of Hibiscus.
Judges noted that "Thomson's high standards, business acumen and dedication have seen him rise above many of his competitors. Thomson is a restaurateur who has been running a successful business for 30 years and truly deserves the Catey. He ticks all the boxes."
James' latest award couldn't be better timed as he is currently celebrating the 30th Anniversary of his first restaurant creation, the Witchery by the Castle!
July 2009
