A summer pop-up at Gleneagles
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
The Scottish Highlands have always held something of a magic draw – not only for the lochs but the ancient rock formations, waterfalls, sunsets and tantalising fishing scene. Gleneagles – or the “Riviera of the Highlands”, as it’s known – is part of this lure. The palatial estate first opened its doors in 1924 as a hotel and golf destination for the upper-classes, and has since welcomed royalty, sportsmen and designers. In 1955, Christian Dior staged a fashion show at the estate, flying in 172 dresses from France; last month, the maison returned to host guests of its Cruise 2025 show.
This summer – as the hotel celebrates its centenary – features the return of its seasonal pop-up, an annual celebration of the sights and sounds of Scotland. The Seafood Bar & Grill reopens on the hotel’s expansive lawn, serving catches from the Scottish coastline to guests in stripy deckchairs that overlook the Ochil hills (home to James Braid’s 18-hole King’s Course, where local export Sean Connery played). “Summer truly is one of the best times of year to discover our breathtaking landscape,” says managing director Conor O’Leary. This year’s menu includes spiced North Atlantic prawn cocktail and West Coast scallops, served alongside frozen margaritas with a Casamigos kick.
Meanwhile, inside Glendevon, one of six restaurants on site, the hotel is reviving specials from its rich culinary history. This will include highlights from the roaring ’20s and the renowned 1989 Taste of Gleneagles cookbook, including treacle tart, buttermilk scones and terrine and caviar, a personal favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. In the early autumn, Sir Chris Hoy will also lead a cycling weekend from the hotel.
“The combination of the social and the sporting has been key to Gleneagles’ status as the Glorious Playground,” writes James Collard, who co-wrote the estate’s 100th anniversary book. “Timeless elegance and the great outdoors.”
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