JAMES THOMSON
RESTAURATEUR AND TASTEMAKER

A reputation others would die for. Scotland on Sunday 2003.

James Thomson’s acquisition (and subsequent lavish multi million pound restoration) of the much-loved, but long-neglected Prestonfield House has seen Prestonfield become one of the most talked-about hotels in Britain and Scotland’s latest five-star hotel. Already the AA's Hotel of the Year 2005, Prestonfield has also been named as one of the Best 101 Hotels in the World by Tatler and Room for Romance's Hotel of the Year too!

Within weeks of its high profile opening with a gala dinner for the entire cast of the MTV Music Awards, Prestonfield was garnering critical acclaim, generating huge international press coverage and receiving the first of many awards that have recently been joined by coveted five-star hotel status.

Decades of decline were reversed with a bold restoration that has seen Prestonfield become one of Britain’s most in demand and decadent hideaways. The bold and theatrical Thomson style in is evidence throughout! Rhubarb – the ultimate in decadent destination dining has become the most talked-about restaurant in the city and displays the famed Thomson hallmarks of magical dining experiences with exceptional food, wine and service in the most spectacular settings. As many commentators have noted, it is very James Thomson

James had been captivated by the historic charms of Prestonfield when he worked there as a waiter whilst studying at catering college in Edinburgh. Any thoughts of ownership were more than ambitious, as Prestonfield had remained in private hands without coming onto the open market for almost 400 years! In late 2003 a private deal was concluded and he became Prestonfield’s new owner following an approach that had been based on his growing reputation as Scotland’s most successful and respected restaurateur.

Despite running a growing collection of successful businesses in Scotland, James remains an enthusiastic ambassador for Scotland and the wider tourism and hospitality industries and is actively involved in a range of quality improvement and charitable initiatives. His passion and drive for quality and innovation saw his become the first independent restaurants in Scotland to be accredited as Investors in People as well as Company of the Year in addition to a raft of other awards.

James Thomson is currently celebrating the 25th Anniversary at the Witchery, the first restaurant that he established with a staff of just three. Now a team of over 200 work with him across his collection and his first year’s turnover is achieved each day.

His aim of creating an antidote to the bland uniformity of hotels has been surpassed at Prestonfield and despite his daily tours of the other venues in his collection, including the rooftop Tower Restaurant and historic Witchery by the Castle, Thomson can be seen at Prestonfield each day adding many of the personal touches that make this atmospheric hotel so exceptional.

Click here for further information on James Thomson, Prestonfield and his unique collection

For images or opportunities to interview James Thomson please contact Prestonfield’s PR Manager Mark Rowley mr@prestonfield.com or 0131 225 0976