Ainsley Gets A Taste Of The Lake District At Ennerdale Country House Hotel

Cooking up a storm at this year’s Whitehaven Food Festival, celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott decided to retreat to Ennerdale Country House Hotel in Cleator.

Head chef at the Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Trevor Pearson was thrilled to know that the TV chef was staying at the hotel and even more so when Ainsley stepped into his Kitchen.

Trevor says: “When I heard Ainsley was going to be staying at the hotel I was overjoyed at the opportunity to meet him, as were all the staff and guests. However, I never expected he would come and introduce himself personally to me and compliment me on my ‘perfect Yorkshire Puddings’!”

He adds: “I also got the chance to serve him one of our Cumbrian breakfasts, which as a chef, to be able to feed one of your peers, and one of Ainsley’s high calibre, is a very proud moment.”

This year over 100,000 people attended the Whitehaven Food Festival, where using local produce the chefs created mouth watering dishes.

General Manager, Diane Tinnion at the Ennerdale Country House Hotel, a Grade II listed building nestled within five acres of landscaped gardens, comments further: “Ainsley is a larger than life character and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome him to the hotel.”

Oxford Hotels secures its place in Scotland’s rich heritage

Oxford Hotels & Inns is officially Scotland’s largest hotel operator, according to research by national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland.

Visit Scotland’s research, which looked at geographic location and venue offering, identified Oxford Hotel & Inns as the largest provider outside the budget sector - taking third place behind Travelodge and Premier Inn for overall presence in the Scottish market.

The popular hotel group, which has 24 hotels in Scotland and 40 in total across the UK, is a major contributor to the leisure industry and local economy in the areas in which it is based.

Many of the group’s flagship hotels sit within its Scottish portfolio, such as the four star Carnoustie Golf Hotel (venue to the 128th British Open); the historic Argyll landmark, Stonefield Castle and Craigellachie Hotel, which is nestled in the heart of over 52 malt whisky distilleries.

Each of Oxford Hotels & Inns Scottish venues were chosen by the chain for their location and ability to champion all the things that makes Scotland a great place to visit, such as its world famous distilleries, breathtaking countryside and premier golf courses.

Commenting on the findings Colin Houston, Visit Scotland’s Quality Manager said: “Oxford Hotels & Inns presence in the Scottish market is extremely strong, underlining its commitment to building its brand and a commitment to the growth of Scottish tourism.

“In the current economic climate it is crucial the industry works together to benefit tourism and I am therefore delighted we work alongside hotel chains like Oxford Hotel & Inns, which have an exceptional guest offering and also promote the unique experience a visit to the country can offer.”

Mark Edwards, Oxford Hotels & Inns Managing Director, adds: “All the hotels in our portfolio have their own individual identity. Whether it be an historic castle deep in the Scottish countryside or a hotel situated in the heart of a working fishing village, each has a unique attraction. We will continue to promote these things because - along with our excellent facilities and service - they are what allows our guests to enjoy a stay they’ll never forget and a reason for them to return time and time again.”

Carnoustie Golf Links To Tee Off With 2011 Women’s British Golf Open

The world's top female golfers will face their toughest challenge yet at the 2011 Ricoh Women’s British Golf Open, which will be held from the 28th July - 31st July at Carnoustie Golf Links on the East Coast of Scotland.




It will be the first time the Carnoustie Golf Links has held this prestigious annual event. EventScotland identified the challenging course as the perfect platform to promote Scotland's outstanding golf credentials as it is one of the best links courses in the world, having hosted seven Open Championships to date.

Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland said: “We are delighted to announce that the Ricoh British Women’s Open will be played for the first time at Carnoustie. As we build towards The Ryder Cup in 2014 and work to broaden interest and participation in golf within Scotland, we believe the Ricoh Women’s British Open is the perfect showcase for our world class courses and facilities. “

James Watts, General Manager of the Carnoustie Golf Hotel commented: “We’re thrilled to be part of the 2011 Ricoh Women’s British Golf Open. The fact that the Carnoustie Golf Links have been chosen above many other venues to host such a prestigious tournament is testament that the championship golf course is not only one of the best in Scotland, but in the world too.

“The course is the fairest yet sternest test of golf anywhere. We’re sure the players will really enjoy such a challenging tournament and guests will enjoy watching the action from the Hotel’s terrace, which overlooks the 1st tee and18th green, as well as the coastline and Carnoustie town.

Carnoustie Golf Hotel boasts 75 luxury en-suite bedrooms and ten suites with amazing views over the championship course.


The Carnoustie Golf Links will also host the 2010 Seniors Open Golf Championship, which will be held from the 22nd July – 25th July.

For further information or to book accommodation visit the Carnoustie Golf Hotel page:

Ex-General Manager of The Royal Thurso Makes Triumphant Return

Local Scotsman, Hamish Mackinnon has resumed management of the Royal Thurso in Caithness, Scotland after a 12 year break, being reappointed as the General Manager of the classic hotel, which is one of the biggest in the area and part of the leading hotel group, Oxford Hotels & Inns.

Hamish first joined the Royal Thurso in March 1997, and during his two year tenure he built up a strong and loyal customer base and oversaw the hotel’s development and growth. He left to expand his hospitality experience; managing other hotels on the Isle of Man and most recently the Weigh Inn, in Thurso, Caithness.

Since rejoining the Royal Thurso, Hamish has recruited more staff (the team is now over 50 members strong) to help him drive the hotel forward and position the hotel as an exceptional place to stay for business and leisure breaks.

Having also recently introduced a new bar menu which offers a wide range of delicious appetisers and meals suitable for all ages and tastes, Hamish is hoping to encourage more local folk to enjoy an evening at the Royal Thurso and really build upon its strong local customer base. This year will also see the hotel catering for Christmas parties.

Hamish commented: "I’m thrilled to be returning to the Royal Thurso. I’ve been living in the town for the past couple of years, so I know the people - there’s a wonderful, friendly atmosphere here which is exactly what I’m looking to capture and instil in the hotel."

He added "I’m looking forward to the local community dropping in, whether that be for business or leisure or to simply enjoy an evening meal. We have a dedicated team delivering a first-class service, which ensures that all our guests have a memorable experience."

Mark Edwards, Managing Director of Oxford Hotels & Inns said: "We’re delighted to have appointed Hamish as the General Manager of the Royal Thurso, his wealth of managerial experience in the hotel industry and knowledge of the local area will prove invaluable.
"The Royal Thurso is close to the beach and guests wishing to visit the exquisite scenery of Orkney can take a short ferry journey to this captivating island. Close to John O’Groats, the Castle of Mey and Old St Peter’s Church the area is rich with sightseeing opportunities."

For information on the Royal Thurso please call 01847 893191