Having visited this iconic hotel twice in the last few years, I can affirm that Meldrum House is one of those institutions that truly stands the test of time and is one of the most effortlessly luxurious hotels you will find in Aberdeenshire. Just ask recent guest, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Although the clientele is more bourgeoisie, the prices are surprisingly reasonable even with the recent staycation spike in prices across the country.
Hotel
The original tower house might have been built around the 13th century, but the current owners have spared no expense in ensuring it’s a heritage hotel with well-maintained and modern upkeep. With only 51 bedrooms and 240 acres of private estate, social distancing isn’t an issue here; and for those who enjoy alfresco dining and drinking, they’ve invested in spectacular domes for your delectation. The newest, Titan, costs around £100K and can be used for private dining events midweek and works as a bar during the weekends.
Room
They offer significant choices here depending on whether you prefer rooms with history and character at The Manor House or more contemporary options at The Stables or The Estate Rooms, which was opened by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2016. There is also the option of Chain Lodge for larger families who want to hire out five stunning en suite rooms for exclusive use.
My recommendation would be to upgrade your experience by booking the Turret Suite and experience the height of opulence. The room has been smartly furnished to reflect the history of the manor house. The power shower within a turret could easily win the best hotel shower in the UK award. There is also a lounge area where you can find a dram of Glen Garioch from the estate’s neighbouring distillery waiting for you to imbibe.
Food
Pineapple, the resident two Red Rosette restaurant, is a culinary experience to savour, especially with Alan Clarke, the new executive chef, in place. When they use the term ‘local’ on their menu, it means the butcher in their local town, Presly’s. They’ve incorporated the use of their local whisky in plenty of the dishes such as the Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve cured salmon, giving the dish added complexity above your stereotypical beetroot curing. If you want to try the local classic, rowie, then you must try the hearty rowie bread and butter pudding. That, along with a dram of Glen Garioch whisky, will prepare you for any Scottish wintry weather conditions.
There is also a cosy drawing room which is ideal for afternoon tea or pre-dinner canapes, while the award-winning cave bar, with its nooks and crannies, is the perfect place for a post-dinner digestif boasting an impressive array of over 120 whiskies. Talking of whisky tastings, guests can hire out the ancient doocot for a private whisky tasting. It has a romantic ambience as it is only lit by candlelight and it’s not unknown to hear of proposals happening there.
To do
With a stunning 18-hole championship golf course, you can’t be surprised the hotel is hugely popular with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson. However, I would highly recommend visiting the nearby Glen Garioch Distillery too, which was recently visited by actual royalty, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, rather than just footballing royalty. He was there to support their £6 million ongoing restorations and upgrade project. The distillery will be returning to more traditional production processes and going back to offering a slightly peated whisky.
They are one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland and a particularly great place to taste their exceptional whiskies is the old bothy (the old tax office) where you will see some remarkable vintage whiskies. A particular favourite is the Glen Garioch 15-year-old Sherry cask matured, which has warming notes of raisins, sultanas, and cinnamon.
For the ultimate treat, book in for the The Legends of Garioch experience. You get to sample some of the oldest and rarest whiskies during an expedition outside of the distillery which you explore the barley-rich landscape along with local delicacies. When you return to the distillery, they’ll take you to parts that are normally secret areas for the staff and you will finish off with lunch back at Meldrum House. The contents of that menu are top secret, but I can assure you there will be no sense of disappointment.
In a nutshell
For a regal staycation experience where you can enjoy the very best of Aberdeenshire from whisky to Aberdeen Angus and gregarious hospitality, make sure you check out Meldrum House.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £85pn with their upcoming January Sale.
Address: Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB51 0AE
Phone: +44 1651 872294
Email: reception@meldrumhouse.com
Website: meldrumhouse.com
