Concierge at Old Course Hotel

Good day folks!

I left you last month with news of our Head Chef, Ross Marshall, judging the Scotland Food & Drink Awards. Since then, Ross has spent a day with the Scotland Food & Drink team in Glasgow. He saw presentations from Scotland’s top “Young Talent” across the industry and was bowled over by the quality of work produced and dedication the youngsters have for the hospitality industry. Fredrika Cockburn from The Balmoral Hotel emerged triumphant after a tough day of judging, so a huge congratulations from all of us of here, Fredrika!

So, what else has been happening? Busy as ever, we’ve had guests and visitors coming to discover our newly launched Road Hole Restaurant. Our Head Chef Ross Marshall has done a fantastic job in transforming the famous fourth floor into a haven of the very best fresh, local and seasonal dishes. Over the past two years, Ross has worked closely with our resident Master of Culinary Arts, Simon Whitley, and developed what we know will be a winning concept. It’s all about the how we produce the very best dishes using the fabulous suppliers we are lucky to have on our doorstep. Our lamb from Drumcarro travels less than 7 miles from farm to plate – you don’t get much more local than that! The Road Hole Restaurant is now open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, so there’s no excuse not to taste the new menu for yourself!

Ross and his team’s hard work paid off when they were awarded the “Best Restaurant Award” at the Scottish Hotels Awards the week after the restaurant launched – talk about great timing! That wasn’t the only award we celebrated that evening. Our favourite Landlady, Antoinette Leaske, now proudly holds a Hospitality Gold Medal for her outstanding work at The Jigger Inn. Our fabulous spa girls picked up the “Spa Treatments Award” and we ended the evening scooping the award that will make everyone swoon … “Honeymoon Hotel of the Year Award”.

It’s not just the Road Hole Restaurant that’s had a makeover! Our Clubhouse up at The Duke’s has a new look and feel and boasts a sparkling new menu too. Whether you are looking to recharge after a challenging back nine, or just fancy popping in for a sandwich and some incredible views of the auld toon make sure you stop by. I think they serve the best Fish & Chips in Fife, but try them for yourself!

Those who have checked us out recently on Tripadvisor will notice we’ve got now a much coveted Certificate of Excellence on our page! We are delighted! Excellence certificates are only awarded to those properties who have 4.5 or 5 star customer ratings, so mythanks for that recognition goes to you, our guests, customers and visitors … you are all VIPs in our eyes.

 

So, whilst the team at home have been busy bringing home the awards and generally being fabulous, our Sales & Marketing Team have been woo-ing the Middle East! Over the course of 7 exciting days spent Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the team held an event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club this time.  Looks too hot for me, bit blustery today but its been just fine and sunny enough here in St Andrews!  Its going to be a lovely summer I’m sure, great news for picnic lovers… and great news for our Luxury Picnic Experience… looks delicious!

I have some great fun pics to share with you from our Highland Games this week, when we all go together to compete for our very own version of the Claret Jug!  See if you can spot any ‘famous’ faces!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speak soon!

Ralph