Historic Strathspey hotel gets a new lease of life
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One of Strathspey’s longest established hotels will be reopening once Covid regulations allow after being closed since just before the first national lockdown.
The Garth Hotel in Grantown has been acquired by Amity Hospitality.
Peter Macnab has taken on the role of general manager and the ex-Muckrach House chef has allayed concerns the popular hostelry might become another Covid casualty after its closure 10 months ago.
Mr Macnab said: “As we take over the iconic Garth Hotel, I’m really looking forward to welcoming our first guests to an authentic, and truly enjoyable Highland getaway”.
The Garth Hotel had been owned since 1998 by WKW (Partnership) Ltd which also runs the popular Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore.
They sold the Grantown business in December 2019 to Cairngorm Partnership to develop the site.
But importantly the hotel has been sold to Amity Hospitality Ltd.
The firm has had an association as recently as May 2018 when it was appointed managing agent for the hotel until its closure on March 20, 2019.
The Garth Hotel reopening had initially been pencilled in for November, last year. Then the planned date became the beginning of February.
The latest Covid restrictions have again delayed the reopening, but the new owners are confident the one-time coaching inn has a bright future.
Mr Macnab said: “As soon as restrictions have been lifted the hotel will reopen.”
In the meantime, Amity has been carrying out some ground floor refurbishments including a new look reception and bar and to the restaurant as well as an extension to the outside beer garden area.
Mr Macnab said that he was absolutely delighted to be taking the next step in his career as general manager and chef de patron.
He has worked in Scottish hospitality for 18 years, heading some of the country’s top multi-rosette eateries along the way including Pittodrie House and Thainstone House, both Inverurie and Aberdeen’s Norwood Hall.
His career has seen him spending his time driving the kitchens of Crieff Hydro Resort and Table Manors at Achnagairn Estate before his spell at Dulnain Bridge with Muckrach Country House.
It was there he won Restaurant of the Year 2019/2020 at the Scottish National Food and Drink Awards.
Mr Macnab said: “The Scottish hospitality scene is my passion.
“I feel this shall be transparent as we reopen The Garth, and rejuvenate the food and beverage operations there – alongside a first-class accommodation to enjoy a ‘staycation’ experience.”
Amity co-director Mike Sheffield said: “We see the future for The Garth being extremely positive – with staycation being a priority this year, Grantown and the Spey Valley should be looking at a bumper future in the medium term.
“Amity is delighted to secure Peter’s role within The Garth. Living locally, he has been associated with the area for some years now and now this award-winning chef has taken his first step into hotel management.”
The Garth Hotel has a long history dating back to when it was built in 1769 by James Grant, clerk and factor to Sir James Grant of Grant – when it was used as a private residence.
