Gleneagles will relaunch its famous restaurant, The Strathearn, next month following a design transformation by Ennismore Design Studio.
The space – which has welcomed a host of famous faces over the decades, from Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier and Sean Connery, to John Travolta, Bob Hope and her majesty the Queen – is to unveil a show-stopping new look inspired by the golden age of railway travel.
The location recalls when glamorous socialites would travel in style from London to Gleneagles to enjoy summer seasons of country sports and decadent dining.
The new designs will celebrate that elegant spirit through a setting that evokes the theatre of the outdoors, the beautiful flora and fauna of Scotland and the fine dining experiences of the 1920s-30s.
The creation of a stunning mosaic-floored orangery will offer beautiful views of the estate and the Ochil Hills across the seasons, while a new stage for musical performances will complement the elegance and drama of the rich décor – evocative of first-class carriage journeys in the early twentieth century.
A new kitchen-style breakfast servery will also double up as an occasional private dining space – breathing fresh life into the area that housed Gleneagles’ kitchen in the 1920s.
Dinner at The Strathearn will be an even more decadent affair, with traditional gueridon service from bespoke dining trollies bringing excitement and energy to the room as a selection of classic dishes are finished at the table.
Sharan Pasricha, chief executive of Gleneagles and Ennismore, said: “As one of the final strands of our three-year design transformation, the renovation of the Strathearn restaurant was always going to be one of the most important phases of all.
“After years of meticulous planning, 12 months of interior design work and four months of careful renovation, we can’t wait to unveil the beautiful new look in May.
“Originally known simply as the Dining Room, the restaurant has been a destination for decadent dining and lively celebrations since Gleneagles first opened nearly 100 years ago.
“It’s been cherished by generations of guests, so we didn’t want to radically change the fabric of the space or the spirit of the experience.
“Instead, we wanted to take the essence of The Strathearn and turn up the volume.
“By amplifying all the elements that are so well loved – the elegant décor, the history, the lively atmosphere, the culinary theatre and the exceptional food – the team has brought back the vibrancy, energy, playfulness and glamour of fine dining experiences a century ago.”