Latest news with #CrieffHydro
The Courier
05-05-2025
- The Courier
Finance chief smashed into four cars during drunken drive in Crieff
A champion piper and finance director struck multiple parked cars as he careered around a Perthshire town while more than three times the alcohol limit. Jonathan Greenlees had been wining and dining with colleagues at the Crieff Hydro before getting behind the wheel on April 14 this year. Perth Sheriff Court heard his electric-powered Polestar smashed into four vehicles as he went on an night-time tour of Crieff. His car's built-in emergency response system alerted police as he kept bashing into motors, while narrowly avoiding hitting others. The wrecking spree lasted about half an hour and is believed to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. When traced by police in the driver's seat, Greenlees said he had not even realised he had been involved in a crash. According to Companies House records, the 51-year-old resigned from his role as finance director at SecuriGroup – one of the country's biggest security firms – the following day. Greenlees has won several awards for his piping and claimed the best overall piper title at the opening day of the 2015 Royal National Mod in Oban. He pled guilty to driving in the Crieff Hydro car park, on the A822 towards Muthill and on various roads within Crieff with excess alcohol (70mics/ 22). He further admitted driving dangerously and at excessive speed for road conditions, colliding with various stationary vehicles, while failing to maintain control of his vehicle. The court heard Greenlees had no memory of leaving the venue, getting into his car and driving off. Colleagues later confirmed to him he had polished off several glasses of wine during the evening. Prosecutor Elizabeth Hodgson said Greenlees hit four other vehicles, striking one car twice. Emergency services were alerted to the collisions by his car's in-built alarm system and residents heard a series of loud bangs. They ran from their homes to see Greenlees in his bashed-up car. 'Police attended and noted damage to multiple vehicles,' said Ms Hodgson. 'The accused was traced within the car, trying to start it.' Greenlees confirmed to officers he was not injured. 'He was asked to exit the vehicle,' the fiscal depute said. 'It was clear he was dazed, confused and slurring his words.' Greenlees told police: 'I didn't think there was any crash but I was the driver.' Ms Hodgson said the entire 30-minute incident was caught on Greenlees' dashcam. Solicitor Jim Brady, defending, said: 'This incident was a result of a combination of alcohol and a very unusual reaction to medication the accused was taking at the time. 'He has been taken this medication for about one-and-a-half to two years and there has never been an issue with alcohol before.' Mr Brady said his client, who is from Glasgow, was meant to be staying at the Crieff Hydro that evening. 'He would not normally risk driving at all having had any amount of drink. 'He tells me that his colleagues only afterwards told him how much he had had to drink, which was around four to five glasses of wine. 'He cannot recall getting up from the table, leaving the hotel or indeed driving the vehicle.' Mr Brady said the label on his client's medication said 'it had not been shown to increase the effects of alcohol'. Sheriff Alison McKay said: 'The reading of the complaint suggests to me that this was at the higher end of dangerous driving and Mr Greenlees not only put his own safety at risk but also the safety of the public at risk. 'And I am pretty sure all persons who take antidepressants would be warned about the effects on drinking alcohol.' She added: 'I get the impression Mr Greenlees is horrified that he finds himself in the dock. 'These are serious offences and I am not going to deal with them today.' The sheriff deferred sentence for background reports and banned Greenlees from driving in the interim.
The National
23-04-2025
- The National
See inside Crieff Hydro in Scotland after major revamp
The revamp of Crieff Hydro has seen the creation of six new bars and restaurants as well as a total rethink of the menus on offer at existing spots. The owners hope that by positioning the hotel as one of the "most exciting" culinary locations in Scotland, it can meet the needs of younger visitors. See inside Crieff Hydro after Scottish hotel given massive revamp Crieff Hydro's "signature" restaurant - EAST is described as an Asian-inspired dining spot (Image: Crieff Hydro) The new food and drink venues on offer at the Crieff Hydro in Scotland range from Asian restaurants serving small plates to elegant and relaxed cocktail bars. The hotel's signature restaurant is EAST, an Asian-inspired dining spot offering "sizzling" sharers and a menu that is perfect for mixing and matching. Dishes on offer here include Javanese Sticky Chicken with a Gooey Sweet Sauce, Korean Fried Chicken, Spicy Gochujang Sauce, Slow Cooked Cambodian Spiced Lamb Shoulder with a Masala Sauce and a Hong Kong-Style Whole Pan-fried Seabass. The Ballroom Bar (Image: Crieff Hydro) The Ballroom Bar, which is set in a "totally remimagined" space, is said to be a nod to the hotel's heritage while still offering a "relaxed, elegant and contemporary experience." For some "feel-good" food, guests can check out The Brasserie, where rustic, bistro classics await, including burgers, fries and pies. The Winter Garden (Image: Crieff Hydro) The Winter Garden, another new location at the lodging, retains all the elements of a traditional Victorian Winter Garden, making it an "airy" and "elegant" space Guests can enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning, as well as light lunches and drinks in the evening. The Winter Garden, looking away from the greenhouse (Image: Crieff Hydro) A wee brew or two can also be enjoyed at Tea at Loggia, a lovely spot that draws on Scotland's traditional larder. Dishes here include Gazpacho Soup with a Chorizo Bon Bon, Cullen Skink Quiche and Mini Venison Cottage Pie. Dishes available at Loggia include Chorizo Bon Bon (Image: Crieff Hydro) Finally, there is The Hermitage, a spot which has been described as a "speakeasy-style, decadent, low-lit, grown-up hideaway." It is said to blend mixology with a "bit of mischief," thanks to its curious cocktails, non-alcoholic creations, and rare whiskies, including six exclusive Diageo bottlings locked behind a private keep-safe. Recommended Reading: Discussing the changes, Stephen Leckie, CEO of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said this is a "significant" chapter in the hotel's 157-year-long history. He added: "For us, investment large and small is always about creating something better for our guests and for our team here. "This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation, I believe, will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland."
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
In Pictures: Crieff Hydro unveils new restaurants and bars after £5 million dining transformation
One of the largest single investments ever made by Scotland's oldest registered trading company, it heralds a new era for the company, with the sixth generation of the Leckie family having steered the project. By positioning itself as one of the most exciting dining destinations in Scotland, the hotel aims to meet the needs of new and younger generations with its new restaurant lineup, whilst remaining focussed on retaining its long-established family market. The Ballroom Bar: "This totally reimagined space is a nod to Crieff Hydro's heritage while offering a relaxed, elegant and contemporary experience. Settle into your velvety booth and linger with a mocktail, cocktail or a glass of champagne." | Crieff Hydro New venues include EAST, an Asian small plates concept; The Ballroom Bar, an elegant, relaxed, contemporary day-to-night bar; and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space which has been modernised and offers all-day dining. A new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with sweeping views over Strathearn Valley, Loggia has been introduced. Menus across all the new restaurants champion the very best of Scottish provenance, with Crieff Hydro's team of chefs working closely with the long-standing local suppliers to bring as much local and regional produce to the heart of the menus. The new collection of dining experiences brings together bold, global flavours, timeless classics and exquisitely styled, contemporary interiors with a gentle nod to the hotel's 157-year-old heritage. 1 . EAST EAST is the hotel's signature restaurant, an Asian-inspired dining spot, offering sizzling sharers and a menu made for mixing and matching with dishes bursting with aromatic flavours, such as Javanese sticky chicken with a sweet sauce, Korean fried chicken, spicy gochujang sauce, slow cooked Cambodian spiced lamb shoulder with a masala sauce and a Hong Kong-style whole pan-fried seabass. "The place to go for date nights, child-free catch-ups, family get-togethers and grown-up feasts." | Crieff Hydro Photo Sales 2 . The Winter Garden The Winter Garden: "It retains all the elements of a traditional Victorian Winter Garden - airy, elegant and full of charm with Crieff Hydro's glass-house space reimagined to flow effortlessly from day to night. Guests can enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning, light lunches and soups and drinks into the evening. Menu highlights include mix and match tacos with spicy pork, refried beans, mushroom and tarragon or Mexican ground chicken, salad bowls, the Highland wagyu burger, classic club sandwich, battered fish and chips, loaded tattie skins and wild mushroom ravioli. | Crieff Hydro Photo Sales 3 . Loggia The sun-streamed Loggia, with its uninterrupted views across Strathearn Valley, has a packed menu of brunch classics, many with an innovative twist, including croissant burgers, haggis Benedict, steak and eggs, waffles, pancakes and bagels. The drinks menu features a range of smoothies, lattes and cocktails including mimosas, espresso martinis and bloody Marys. | Crieff Hydro Photo Sales 4 . The Ballroom Bar The Ballroom Bar was pivotal to the whole layout, with an oak stained, glass and metal work gantry. The bookcase wall with the hidden door leading to the adults-only speakeasy bar is a completely new concept for the hotel. | Crieff Hydro Photo Sales Related topics: HotelScotlandVictorianRestaurants
The Courier
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Inside Crieff Hydro after £5m bars and restaurants investment
Crieff Hydro has spent in excess of £5 million refurbishing its eating and drinking areas as it seeks to win more business from locals and couples. The investment is the largest in the history of the family business. The hotel's ballroom has been transformed into an elegant day-to-night bar. There's a new speakeasy cocktail bar, as well as an Asian-inspired small plates restaurant. Chief executive Stephen Leckie describes the finished results as 'stunning'. He said: 'This is our single biggest project in decades and opens another significant chapter in Crieff Hydro's 157-year history. 'For us, investment is always about creating something better for our guests. 'This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation, I believe, will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland. 'We're confident that the variety and style of the new venues will broaden our appeal and create even more memorable experiences for guests staying or dining with us.' The revamp of Crieff Hydro means there are now six eating and drinking areas: The hotel aims to meet the needs of younger generations, while remaining focussed on retaining its loyal family market. The project vision was set by Richard and Charlie Leckie – the sixth generation of the Leckie family at Crieff Hydro. They worked alongside Fiona Leckie the longstanding head of interiors. The Ballroom Bar was pivotal to the whole layout, with an oak-stained, glass and metalwork gantry. The bookcase wall with the hidden door leading to the adults-only speakeasy bar is a completely new concept for the hotel. Charlie Leckie, associate director, said: 'My brother Richard and I were very aware that refurbishing the restaurants and bars was a chance to bring them right up to date for our own generation. 'We enjoy the variety of interesting places to eat and drink around Scotland or further afield. So, we wanted to bring some of the best of that to Crieff Hydro. 'We believe a wide choice of food and drink is such an important part of a guest's experience and shouldn't just be OK. 'It needs to be right up there with what people expect of their favourite eateries in Edinburgh, Glasgow or London.'
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside new £5m restaurants and bars at iconic Scots family hotel, including a hidden speakeasy
Interesting artefacts from the archive have been used in the design. AN ICONIC family hotel has had a massive £5m makeover. Now bosses say the big budget transformation will really put the destination 'on the map' for food and drink in Scotland. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bosses wanted to bring the hotel up to date for a new generation 5 The Winter Garden is an airy Victorian heritage space 5 EAST is a new Asian small plates concept And guests can now discover a hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase as part of the major revamp. Crieff Hydro has completed its bumper dining refurb project, which sees the creation of six new bars and restaurants and refreshed menus for its existing eating spots. New venues include EAST, an Asian small plates concept, The Ballroom Bar, an elegant day-to-night bar, and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space which has been modernised and offers all-day dining. A new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with views over Strathearn Valley, Loggia has also been introduced. Menus across all the new restaurants focus on the very best of Scottish produce, with Crieff Hydro's team of chefs working with the long-standing suppliers to bring as much local and regional food to the heart of the menus. The Ballroom Bar has an impressive oak stained, glass and metal work gantry while a bookcase wall has a hidden door leading to an adults-only speakeasy bar - a completely new concept for the hotel. And inspiration from some of the new venue designs came from the Crieff Hydro archives, with curios dotted around the new spaces, including historical documents, such as one penny payment stamps, wax seals and old share certificates. Richard and Charlie Leckie - the sixth generation of the family to be involved at Crieff Hydro - worked alongside Fiona Leckie, the longstanding Head of Interiors, to complete the massive project. Stephen Leckie, CEO Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: "This is our single biggest project in decades and opens another significant chapter in Crieff Hydro's 157-year history. "For us, investment large and small is always about creating something better for our guests and for our team here. This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation I believe will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland. W Edinburgh Crowned Scotland's Hotel of the Year 2025 "We're incredibly excited to share these new spaces with our loyal guests and those discovering Crieff Hydro for the first time and we're confident that the variety and style of the new venues will broaden our appeal and create even more memorable experiences for guests staying or dining with us. "It's fitting that as we look to fulfil the needs of a new generation of Crieff Hydro customers, that this project has been driven by the next generation of my own family. "We know that our guests are looking for unique experiences, not just any standard hotel restaurant and bar. As an independent business we have more freedom and flexibility to create something really unique.' Meanwhile, Charlie Leckie, Associate Director Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said refurbishing the restaurants and bars was a chance to bring the hotel right up to date. He added: "Like many of our guests, we enjoy the variety of interesting places to eat and drink around Scotland or further afield. So, we wanted to bring some of the best of that to Crieff Hydro. "We really believe that a wide choice of food and drink is such an important part of a guest's experience and shouldn't just be 'ok' – it needs to be right up there with what people expect of their favourite West End eateries whether that's in Edinburgh, Glasgow or even London. "So, we've tried to take the best of all that but deliver it in a way that is uniquely Crieff Hydro and fits in with all the history and tradition we're both so proud of.' 5 Loggia is an afternoon tea destination with stunning views
