Red Carnation's 100 Princes Street finally expected to open this year
After a long wait, Red Carnation Hotels' highly anticipated new establishment, 100 Princes Street, is set to open its doors in Edinburgh this November.
The old establishment of the Royal Overseas League will be accessible on the 1st of November, taking inspiration from the notable occupants of the past exclusive organization. The Over-Seas Club was established back in 1910 by Sir Evelyn Wrench, with the aim of nurturing international companionship and comprehension.
The high-end hotel group purchased their inaugural Scottish establishment, a stunning building, from the Royal Overseas League in 2019. With aspirations to maintain the property's character, the company intends to undertake a considerate restoration project for the former members-only club, making the most of its exquisite Edinburgh Castle vistas. Their vision is to create a secluded and exceptional getaway, reminiscent of their renowned Hotel 41 in London, complete with around 30 lavish bedrooms. The anticipated opening of the hotel was scheduled for April 2022.
Created by Toni Tollman, Philippe Bonino, and Brian Brennan, 100 Princes Street has been adorned with furniture and artwork crafted by talented local craftsmen, such as bespoke tartan by Araminta Campbell, and an exquisite staircase embellished with a hand-painted mural by Croxford and Saunders, paying homage to the remarkable Scottish explorers of the past. Additional notable features consist of a wine collection boasting over 200 exceptional wines and a carefully curated assortment of Scottish whiskies.
The service is defined as an "all-encompassing, whenever you need it" approach with double the staff compared to guests, and a comfortable townhouse ambiance similar to a personal residence, rather than a conventional hotel. Additionally, there will be an exclusive Explorers' Club solely for residents, where they can enjoy unique, locally inspired dishes.
The hotel will be managed by Malcolm Hendry, who is in charge of Hotel 41 and the Rubens at the Palace in London, along with 100 Princes Street. Laura Jamieson will be the resident manager, and Wilhelm Rudolf Mare will serve as the executive chef.
Mare embarked on his professional journey as an apprentice cook at De Volkskombuis in South Africa, dedicating a remarkable seven years to climbing the ranks and eventually becoming the assistant general manager. In 2021, he made a career move to Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, where he served as the executive sous chef before attaining the prestigious position of executive chef. As he takes on his new role at 100 Princes Street, Mare's culinary creations are anticipated to showcase the finest locally obtained ingredients, with a particular emphasis on delectable seafood and premium Scottish beef.
Red Carnation Hotels, which are under the ownership and management of the Tollman family, possess a total of 18 establishments located in various countries such as the UK, Guernsey, Ireland, the US, Switzerland, Botswana, and South Africa. These establishments include renowned hotels like Milestone, Rubens at the Palace, Montague on the Gardens, Egerton House, and the Chesterfield Mayfair hotels in London. Additionally, the portfolio also consists of Summer Lodge in Evershot, Dorset; the Duke of Richmond and Old Government House in Guernsey; as well as Ashford Castle and Hatch Hall in Ireland.
