restaurant

The situation

10/10

The decor

9/10

The neoclassical architecture of the two buildings is remarkable, revealing their prestigious past. They were the headquarters of the British Linen Bank from the 18th century^e century, then the Royal Bank of Scotland. Six Corinthian columns dress the facade of the most imposing building, topped with six huge statues, works in the 19th century.^e century by Scottish sculptor Alexander Handyside Ritchie, depicting shipping, commerce, manufacturing, science, art and agriculture. Five years of work were needed to rehabilitate the historic buildings. It was the Ennismore Design Studio that imagined the new interior decoration which, without distorting the magnificence of the place, reinterprets Victorian codes in glamorous mode.
Lovers of velvet, upholstery and Art Deco touches, you won’t be disappointed: patterned wallpaper, Murano glass chandeliers, color palette declining to green, headboards dressed in floral fabrics, hangings in silky fabrics with ornate tiebacks fringed pompoms… And everywhere in the common areas, a hanging of contemporary works of art, signed by Scottish artists such as Lise McGurn, Jack McConville, Csilla Kozma and Donnie Maclean…

The rooms

9/10

The hotel has 33 rooms, from 26 m² at 40m². The “Nook Rooms”, located in the loft and therefore with sloping ceilings, have skylights with no real view but are as cozy as can be. For the view of St Andrew Square, choose the “Town Room” category. All rooms have hardwood floors adorned with soft rugs, ultra-comfortable Sleepeezee bedding. Homemade treats as a sign of welcome, books on the pedestal table and, placed on the bedside table, a Marshall brand speaker that plays jazz when you enter the room for the first time. A wooden bar cabinet includes a sharp selection (for a fee) of spirits (gin, whisky, vodka, etc.) but also a non-alcoholic offer such as Seedlip Grove 42. And of course, free coffee and tea. Special mention to the decoration of the bathrooms. We love the fir green tiling, the wallpaper signed by the publisher Brunschwig & Fils, available in the same tones with setters stopping in front of the waterfowl, the quality basins with traditional golden Perrin & Rowe fittings. Those who like the details will not remain indifferent to the night slippers… in green velvet!

Service and equipment

8/10

All the staff are very attentive, warm and you can even talk in French. Do not miss going to the basement to visit the wellness area reserved for hotel guests and club members. Its imposing safe doors, authentic vestiges of the past, are worth the visit in themselves. And maybe you will be tempted by a Pilates class?

At the table and at the bar

9/10

The Spence (pantry in Scottish) is the heart of the hotel, open to all from breakfast until late in the evening. Its decor is remarkable: glass dome overlooking a huge room, monumental columns, frieze of sculptures of famous people. Here it has been revamped into a trendy place with upholstered velvet sofas, central bar and high chairs in orange leather, original floors in cement tile mosaic. And an open kitchen where the brigade of Scottish chef Jonny Wright is busy. Originally from Dunblane, he reinterprets his native land with a welcome breath of modernity: the dough for the squash tartlet is filo pastry (€21), the oysters come from Argyle Rock and are offered ceviche style with lemon and jalapeño pepper (€24), the perfectly steamed halibut comes from the island of Gigha (€34). Nice selection of biodynamic and natural wines offered by head sommelier Elizabeth Mellish.
We will not fail to visit the Lamplighters bar, located on the top floor of the hotel, reserved for club members and hotel guests only. It has a terrace at the level of the six statues of the building and offers a panoramic view of the city and beyond. Sofas upholstered in pink or duck blue velvet, leaf-patterned carpeting, and all around the bar counter where head bartender Stef Anderson officiates, leather armchairs with tulip-shaped seats. For a total harmony with the place, choose to sip the cocktail The Leerie (16 euros) in reference to the character of the poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Lamplighter.

Value for money

9/10

If the price remains high, from €406 per night (in low season until March), €458 from April, the breakfast included in this price is a delight of freshness, the decor arty and glamorous, and the location ideal for exploring the city on foot. If we can, we don’t hesitate, it’s really the hotel of the moment.