Press Releases

PRESTONFIELD RE-OPENS AFTER £5.5 MILLION RESTORATION

Following an extensive programme of restoration and refurbishment, PRESTONFIELD has re-opened as Edinburgh’s most indulgent retreat and a truly stunning new addition to the capital’s array of hospitality destinations.

James Thomson, owner of the capital’s celebrated Witchery and Tower restaurants, acquired this historic 17th century mansion, which had already been a hotel for fifty years, last summer. The purchase realised a long held ambition. For, while still a student at catering college, Thomson had worked at Prestonfield as a banqueting waiter. He fell in love with the magical place, and dreamt of one day becoming its owner.

As one might expect from the man responsible for creating some of the most unique and exciting hospitality destinations in the country, this marvellous old house has been distinctively re-styled to provide the ultimate retort to minimalism.

The patina of age has been gently brushed away, and its long forgotten splendours re-gilded. Walls have been covered in opulent velvets or brocades. And, in addition to Prestonfield’s existing collection of fine art and antique furnishings, Thomson has added a wealth of suitably grand, precious and quixotic finds culled from the auction rooms of Europe.

Now, as the lights dim of an evening, log fires roar once more in the original hearths, and Diptyque’s beguiling tuberose fragrance fills the air. Candles are lit throughout the house, and the atmosphere becomes gloriously decadent.

Guest bedrooms and suites have state-of-the-art technology discreetly located amid their antique splendours. All are air-conditioned, with Swisscom high-speed wireless internet access, Bose sound systems, DVD players and flat screen televisions. Bed linens by Frette, luxurious bathrobes, fresh flowers and exclusive toiletries complete the pampering experience.

James Thomson says: “I am proud to have thrown the doors open once more at Prestonfield after a project that has been a true labour of love. I wanted, of course, to restore the house to the glories of its heyday. But I also hoped to create at Prestonfield a compelling alternative to today’s plethora of bland and unexceptional hotels. The chosen style of décor is every bit as rich and colourful as the history of the house itself.”

Prestonfield is situated only five minutes from Edinburgh’s finest shopping streets and the historic attractions of the Royal Mile. Yet, as the house is surrounded by twenty acres of parkland (which is home to a herd of highland cattle plus eighteen peacocks), it provides all the privacy of a country estate.

November 2003

For further information and images, or an opportunity to interview James Thomson, please contact MARK ROWLEY in the Press Office at Prestonfield on +44 (0) 131 225 0976 or mr@prestonfield.com

 

PRESTONFIELD NAMED SCOTLAND'S MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL

Following an extensive programme of restoration and refurbishment, PRESTONFIELD has been named SCOTLAND’S MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL in the Hotel of the Year Awards. This accolade compliments Prestonfield’s earlier recognition by Tatler as one of Britain’s Top 20 Hotels, confirming it as Edinburgh’s most indulgent retreat.

Opulence, theatre and luxury are combined in James Thomson’s quirky and stylish reworking of this A-listed seventeenth century mansion where minimalism is banished and maximalism rules! In addition to the dramatic bedrooms and sumptuous suites, there is a new destination restaurant – Rhubarb – alongside a collection of stunning private diningrooms and romantic salons.

Walls have been upholstered in opulent velvets or brocades. The patina of age has been gently brushed away and long forgotten splendours re-gilded. And, in addition to Prestonfield’s existing collection of fine art and antique furnishings, Thomson has added a wealth of suitably grand, precious and quixotic finds culled from the auction rooms of Europe. Now, as the lights dim of an evening, log fires roar once more in the original hearths, and Diptyque’s tuberose fragrance fills the air, the atmosphere becomes gloriously decadent.

James Thomson says: “I am delighted to see Prestonfield recognised as the opulent, indulgent and totally romantic place that it has become. I wanted to restore the house to the glories of its heyday and to create an alternative to today’s plethora of bland, dull hotels – the perfect romantic retreat. The décor is every bit as rich and colourful as the history of the house itself – we hope our guests will be as colourful too.”

Peter Lederer CBE, Chairman, VisitScotland said "It is fitting that the achievements of those at the front line of the industry who are doing a great job should be recognised through the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards”.

Prestonfield is situated only five minutes from Edinburgh’s finest shopping streets and all the historic attractions of the Royal Mile. Yet, as the house is surrounded by twenty acres of parkland (which is home to a herd of highland cattle plus eighteen peacocks), it provides all the privacy of a country estate.

June 2004

For further information and images, or an opportunity to interview James Thomson, please contact MARK ROWLEY in the Press Office at Prestonfield on +44 (0) 131 225 0976 or mr@prestonfield.com

 

PRESTONFIELD - EDINBURGH'S STAR-STRUCK HOTEL WELCOMES 5 MORE STARS!!

PRESTONFIELD - Edinburgh's most indulgent retreat, has just been awarded rare and coveted 5-star hotel status. This confirms Prestonfield's position as one of the most luxurious and pampering places to stay in the world.

The city's most glamorous and stylish hotel, which opened its doors late last year to welcome the entire cast and stars of the MTV awards, including Dido, Minnie Driver and the Darkness for an exclusive eve-of-award gala dinner, has since developed a strong celebrity following with stars such as Joan Collins calling it "fabulous” and regular fan Shirley Manson thinking it "incredible!". Conde Nast Traveller Magazine recently described it as "so extravagant it's like walking onto the set of some extravagant costume drama"

Prestonfield, the latest in a collection of unique places to eat or stay owned by Scottish hotelier and restaurateur James Thomson, has had an incredible year already, being dubbed "Edinburgh's most indulgent retreat" by Elle, as one of the 20 Hottest Hotels by Tatler and as the "Most Romantic Hotel in Scotland" in the Hotel of the Year Awards. Now, following a series of anonymous inspections, VisitScotland have conferred the ultimate accolade of 5 stars on the city's most talked-about hotel.

James Thomson, Prestonfield's owner said " It has been a huge achievement by all involved to turn this faded gem of an hotel into one of the world's most desirable places to stay and a major attraction for visitors to Scotland. Prestonfield has true star quality and we very much welcome seeing this reflected in the awarding of the maximum five stars from VisitScotland. Prestonfield and its restaurant Rhubarb are already developing a passionate following and we look forward to welcoming guests for many years to come-  in true five-star style."

Jack Munro, Chief Executive of Edinburgh & Lothian's Tourist Board, commented: “This is a considerable achievement in the short space of time since James Thomson acquired the hotel and is testament to his ability and flair. To have another 5-star property in the city clearly enhances our reputation as a leading city break destination. We’re delighted that the hard work of the new team at Prestonfield has paid off with this award.”

Susan Watson, SE Edinburgh and Lothian’s tourism team leader, said: “Prestonfield joins the elite of Scotland’s hospitality sector with its five star rating. It is a well deserved accolade for Prestonfield's management and staff who have invested enormous effort in providing a quality experience for their guests that enhances Edinburgh and Scotland’s reputation as a world class destination.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

James Thomson bought Prestonfield late last year in a private deal before embarking on an ambitious £3 million restoration of this A-listed mansion, now the city's most indulgent retreat.

Prestonfield was built in 1687 as the grand home of a seventeenth-century Lord Provost of Edinburgh and a place for entertaining the glitterati of the day including David Hume, Benjamin Franklin, Dr Samuel Johnson, and his biographer, Boswell. Later Sandie Shaw walked barefoot across the marble floor of the front hall. Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher each dined at Prestonfield under the watchful eyes of early Dick-Cunyngham family portraits. Sean Connery, Elton John and Catherine Zeta Jones all partied the night away. And Oliver Reed raised the hell for which he was so very well known.

Now opulence, romance, theatre and luxury are combined in this stylish reworking of the hotel that now features every modern convenience - from plasma TV's to air-conditioning - all hidden behind the velvet-lined walls of its ultra-luxurious rooms and suites.

September 2004

 

PRESTONFIELD - SCOTLAND’S MOST INDULGENT HOTEL SCOOPS HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Edinburgh’s most glamorous hotel, PRESTONFIELD was named as HOTEL OF THE YEAR by the AA in Scotland at a ceremony held in Glasgow today.

It is less than a year since James Thomson's Prestonfield opened with a star-studded dinner for the entire cast of the MTV music awards and already Prestonfield has scooped a clutch of awards of its own, including being named as the Most Romantic Hotel in Scotland and becoming the latest hotel in Scotland to receive the coveted 5 star hotel rating.

Recently described by the international travel bible Conde Nast Traveller Magazine as So extravagant it’s like walking onto the set of some flamboyant costume drama and by style bible Tatler as Divine decadence, Prestonfield has rapidly become one of the most talked-about hotels in the UK with an A-list following that includes Joan Collins, Minnie Driver, Billy Boyd and Vin Diesel among it’s fans.

Opulence, theatre and luxury have been combined in James Thomson’s quirky and stylish reworking of this A-listed seventeenth century mansion where minimalism is banished and maximalism rules! In addition to the 22 dramatic and luxurious bedrooms and sumptuous suites, there is a new destination restaurant - Rhubarb - alongside a collection of stunning private diningrooms and romantic salons.

Every modern convenience including plasma TVs, Bose sound systems and air-conditioning has been hidden behind walls upholstered in opulent velvets or brocades. Other luxury touches include Venetian glass mosaic bathrooms, Champagne to welcome guests in each room and roaring log fires burning in the hotel’s many decadent salons.

Prestonfield’s owner James Thomson said,  “Prestonfield is a uniquely individual and magical place that our guests just seem to love, so it is great to be recognised by the AA as their Hotel of the Year.

We aimed to make Prestonfield a bold and distinctive alternative to the bland, uniform hotels that proliferate and to give visitors another great reason to visit Scotland. Prestonfield’s award is wonderful recognition for all of our team who have worked hard to create a distinctive destination hotel for Scotland and who work so hard to make every guest’s visit to Prestonfield exceptional.”

Jack Munro, Chief Executive of Edinburgh & Lothian’s Tourist Board commented, “I am delighted, but not surprised, that Prestonfield has achieved this prestigious Award.   This is an enormous vote of confidence in James Thomson’s team at Prestonfield and further enhances Edinburgh’s reputation as a destination with an ever-growing portfolio of world class tourism products and services.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

James Thomson purchased the 17th century Prestonfield in a private deal late last year.

Thomson also owns Edinburgh’s renowned Witchery by the Castle which celebrates its 25th Anniversary on Halloween this year and Edinburgh’s first and finest rooftop restaurant the Tower, located above the Museum of Scot

When he opened the Witchery in 1979 it was with a staff of three, now a team of almost 300 work in his growing collection of unique venues and his first year’s turnover is achieved daily.

A lavish and extensive multi-million pound refurbishment has seen all Prestonfield’s rooms and public areas restored in his unique grand and opulent style that includes the most decadent October 2004

October 2004

 

EDINBURGH'S SUPER-INDULGENT HOTEL, PRESTONFIELD, NAMED ONE OF EUROPE'S SEXIEST SPOTS

Experts at the new super-exclusive Mr & Mrs Smith guide to Europe's sexiest locations have named Edinburgh's 5-star Prestonfield as the only destination for lovers in Scotland and the only UK destination outside of London.

The Mr & Mrs Smith guide to European Cities has been described as "the ultimate guide to hip hotels" by the Guardian and " A fantastic guide to the most stylish escapes" by the Sunday Times. Mr & Mrs Smith's experts included fashion designer Stella McCartney among the many reviewers that scoured thousands of hotels in a Europe-wide search for the 33 sexiest hotels in 14 cities throughout the continent.

Recently lavishly restored by its new owner James Thomson, Prestonfield has had an exceptional first year, winning coveted 5-star rating to make in Scotland's latest top hotel, as well as being named as the Most Romantic Hotel in Scotland and by the AA as the Hotel of the Year in Scotland. World travel bible Conde Nast Traveller called it "So extravagant it's like walking onto the set of some flamboyant costume drama" and it is described as "possibly the most service-obsessed hotel I have ever visited...beyond swank" in exclusive US-based Hampton's Magazine.  Since its star-studded opening for the cast of the MTV music awards, Prestonfield has attracted a celebrity following that includes screen star Joan Collins, Vin Diesel, Billy Boyd and Minnie Driver, as well as many guests in search of Scotland's most indulgent and romantic retreat.

A multi million pound investment in the restoration has seen owner James Thomson create a stylish and ultra-opulent hotel within the unique setting of an A-listed historic mansion, built as the grand baroque home of Edinburgh's Lord Provost in 1687. Guests now find every modern
convenience from high speed internet to huge plasma screens - hidden behind the velvet-upholstered walls of Scotland's most indulgent rooms and suites.

Prestonfield is also home to Rhubarb, Thomson's latest destination restaurant and the most opulent to date (he also owns Edinburgh's famous rooftop Tower & Witchery by the Castle restaurants). Prestonfield's owner, restaurateur and hotelier James Thomson said; "We are delighted that Edinburgh’s most indulgent retreat features in the ultimate hotel guide to Europe's elite & stylish hotels. It is an exceptional guide that features only exceptional hotels, so we are delighted to see Prestonfield recognized as one of the finest in Europe and to see the city of Edinburgh feature among Europe's most romantic destinations. Mr & Mrs Smith is a uniquely bold, colourful and sassy guide that perfectly reflects the indulgent, opulent and quirky character of Prestonfield and of the other exceptional hotels it features."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Mr & Mrs Smith European Cities collection is published by Spy Publishing www.mrandmrssmith.com It is the successor to the Mrs & Mrs Smith UK/Ireland book which featured Prestonfield's sister restaurant-with-rooms, the Witchery by the Castle www.thewitchery.com

Membership of Europe's most elite collection of hotels marks an exceptional first anniversary for Prestonfield after its stylish reworking and massive investment by new owner James Thomson. In an exceptional first year Prestonfield gained coveted 5-star hotel status, was named as the AA's Hotel of the Year, as Romantic Hotel of the Year , as one of the AA's Top 200 Hotels and as one of the UK's hottest 20 Hotels by style-bible Tatler.

Prestonfield has just 24 highly individual and luxurious rooms and suites, all decorated in Prestonfield's trademark opulent and indulgent style.

Rates start at just £195 per room per night, inclusive of VAT, newspapers, Prestonfield's full Scottish breakfast and a complimentary bottle of Pol Roger Champagne. Reservations 0131 225 7800

As well as romantic beds, marble and Venetian mosaic bathrooms all rooms feature the latest technology from CD & DVD players to wi-fi internet and 32" plasma TVs.

November 2004

 

PRESTONFIELD NAMED AS ONE OF  WORLD'S BEST 101 HOTELS

Edinburgh's super-opulent celebrity hideaway hotel, Prestonfield, has been named today as one of The World's Best 101 Hotels by style-bible Tatler in their "guide to the ultimate in global glamour".

In Tatler's glossy guide to the most indulgent places to stay in the world, Prestonfield features alongside the world's most famous and star-studded hotels, including the Ritz, the Cipriani in Venice, the Crillon in Paris and the Bel Air in Los Angeles.

Tatler described Edinburgh's Prestonfield as having "opulence with sophistication”, urging readers to "Forget minimalism for a blissful moment and indulge in leather silk and velvet" whilst noting that a stay at Prestonfield was like "living in one of Vivienne Westwood's dresses."  Tatler's verdict - "Overblown should never be underrated!"

Prestonfield has been lavishly refurbished by new owner James Thomson in the decadent and dramatic style that became his trademark style when creating the famous Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh. Now the stylishly reworked Prestonfield has become Scotland's most talked-about hotel, with an A-list following that includes Minnie Driver, Beyonce, Shirley Manson, Vin Diesel, Bryan Ferry and Joan Collins among its many fans. Prestonfield is also home to  Rhubarb, Thomson's latest destination restaurant and the most opulent to date!

When he purchased Prestonfield last year James Thomson said he hoped to create an hotel that was  " an antidote to the bland uniformity of hotels, that would put back the fun and glamour  into a hotel stay."

Following the Tatler awards, Prestonfield's owner James Thomson said "Tatler have sought out a unique collection of the most glamorous hotels in the world and it is wonderful to see Prestonfield and Edinburgh feature alongside the world's great destinations. Edinburgh is the most beautiful and romantic city in Europe, so we are delighted that even more visitors will discover Scotland's charms when they come and indulge in Prestonfield's utterly decadent experience."

Jack Munro, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board, said:  “It is beyond dispute that Prestonfield has become one of the most elegant and stylish hotels in the United Kingdom.  James Thomson and his team continue to earn the respect and admiration of some of the most demanding critics and this latest acknowledgement, from Tatler/Abercrombie and Kent, is a further reminder of just how far the hotel has come in only a short time.  Prestonfield’s success is good news for Edinburgh and good news for Scottish tourism.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

James Thomson purchased Prestonfield in 2003 and has since lavished millions on a dramatic and stylish restoration that has seen the very latest technology integrated behind the velvet and leather upholstered walls of Scotland's most romantic and pampering hotel rooms.

Prestonfield is located in an A-listed 17th century baroque mansion built for a former Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1687, just moments from the Royal Mile it is still surrounded by 20 acres of parkland adjacent to Holyrood Park.

Prestonfield has just 24 super-luxurious bedrooms and suites alongside exceptional historic public rooms such as the Tapestry Room and the leather-lined Leather Room.

Rhubarb - Thomson's latest destination restaurant is located at Prestonfield in a matched pair of grand, gilded, regency rooms. His most opulent restaurant to date, it takes its name from the introduction of Rhubarb to Britain by a former owner of Prestonfield in the eighteenth century. Rhubarb reservations 0131 225 1333

2004 has been an exceptional first year for Prestonfield with a clutch of awards that include seeing it named as AA Hotel of the Year in Scotland, as Scotland's Most Romantic Hotel, as one of only 33 sexiest hotels in Europe selected by the influential Mr & Mrs Smith Guide to European Cities and as Scotland's latest 5-star hotel.

Rates at Prestonfield are from £195 per night and to ensure guests get into a suitably indulgent mood at Prestonfield, they will find a complimentary bottle of Pol Roger Champagne in their room when they check in!

Described by Clarissa Dickson Wright as "The best restaurateur I know" and Time Out as "Edinburgh's star restaurateur," James Thomson recently received the ultimate accolade in Scottish tourism, a Silver Thistle, presented by First Minister Jack McConnell at VisitScotland's Thistle Awards.

As well as Prestonfield, James Thomson owns a growing collection of Scotland's best destinations including Scotland's first and finest rooftop restaurant - the Tower and his famed restaurant-with-rooms, the Witchery by the Castle, which is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

Prestonfield reservations and contact details: Prestonfield, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT     0131 225 7800

The annual Tatler Travel Awards and the launch of the Tatler Abercrombie & Kent Travel Guide 2005 is the highlight of the travel year, with the names being released at a glamorous gathering of the world's most famous hoteliers at London's famous Ritz hotel. The Guide is on sale with Tatler on 9 December 2004.

Details of James Thomson's entire collection of exceptional venues, including Prestonfield, can be found online at www.edinburghsbestrestaurants.com

For further information about Prestonfield, images and an opportunity to interview James Thomson, please contact Mark Rowley in the Press Office at Prestonfield on+44 (0) 131 225 0976 / 07976-610876 or mr@prestonfield.com

 

JAMES THOMSON OBE - RESTAURATEUR AND TASTEMAKER

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.

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 is about to celebrate his 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.

A fuller biography of James Thomson is available online at www.edinburghsbestrestaurants.com

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