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Crossbasket Castle’s new hotel sits within the grand estate of the historic castle near Glasgow, bringing the addition of 40 upscale bedrooms alongside Trocadero’s, a new Art Deco dining room and cocktail bar. They’ve done a remarkable job of adding something innovative to the hospitality offering while expanding the scale of their luxury experience.
Crossbasket Castle has stood, in one form or another, in the 14 acres of grounds at the border of East Kilbride and High Blantyre for six centuries. The new hotel building that now sits alongside the historic landmark has opened following a £20million investment by the 34th and current owners of the castle, Steve and Alison Timoney. They created a luxury hotel and event venue from the 16th-century tower with Georgian and Victorian extensions that they rescued from dereliction in 2016. Since then it has become one of Scotland’s leading wedding venues and the fine dining restaurant that was established by Albert Roux and then continued by his son Michel Roux Jr held a 3-Rosette from the AA Restaurant Guide.
Michel Roux Jr now oversees the menu at Trocadero’s which brings together champagne, lavish dinners and live entertainment from a substantial roster of bands and musicians. Every aspect of the hotel has been carefully crafted, from the pristine gardens to the handcrafted furniture. In contrast to the period opulence of the castle itself, the hotel is modern, stylish and designed to sit within its tranquil surroundings.
The interiors are inspired by Art Deco designs of the 1920s and 1930s with opulent fabrics selected to enhance the sophisticated sleek aesthetic, and rich earth tones of green, orange and brown captured in the soft furnishings.
Within the new hotel sits two restaurants: Foveran’s is an bright and serene atrium where natural daylight floods the room with a palm court-style setting for a laidback breakfast or lunch. Trocadero’s is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux who works with chefs at the hotel to create a menu to match the luxury setting. Guests can expect to be transported to a magical bygone era that promises top music entertainment acts, an immersive dining experience, cocktails and an excellent wine list.
Inside Trocadero’s, guests will find mood lighting, candlelit tables and plush seating, setting the stage for a romantic dining experience, reminiscent of the classic underground jazz clubs which inspired its concept. The restaurant has a dedicated stage, where live performances take place seven nights a week, and its own troupe of dancers.
Still to come as part of the new development is the luxury Four Angels Spa which will open at Crossbasket Castle in autumn 2025, alongside two new luxurious eco-cottages that are set to create additional private havens within the castle’s estate.
Crossbasket Castle is managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International, which operates 12 other independent luxury properties around Scotland, including Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, and Greywalls Hotel in Gullane.
Rooms at Crossbasket Castle Hotel start from £195, within the 40 rooms available there are two suites and four junior suites. There are nine rooms within the castle itself that start from £360. The Roosevelt Ballroom has seating for up to 250 guests. The James Little Hall has seating for 250 for ceremonies and receptions, 120 for dining, and Bailey Room and Stewart room can accommodate events for up to 40 people.
Crossbasket Castle, Stoneymeadow Rd, High Blantyre G72 9UE
Here is what we found out about this distinctive Scottish destination during our overnight stay with afternoon tea at the castle and dinner at Trocadero’s.
5. Foveran's
Daylight floods into this tranquil atrium dining room which glows in the early evening light as we order martinis at the bar. You can order an angus burger from the Josper grill, an Isle of Mull cheddar and ham toastie or Shetland hake served with pickled kohlrabi and creme fraiche crushed potatoes. We will return here for a full Scottish breakfast tomorrow - where we notice they have their own Bloody Mary station. | Contributed Photo: Contributed
6. Crossbasket Castle
The main event. Trocadero's has the razzmatazz of a bygone age. A beautifully constructed bar and dining room where a succession of musicians bring you through jazz and swing from previous generations, right up to date with singalong anthems from the modern era. Dancers whirl between tables as courses glide from the kitchen. The atmosphere builds as the night progresses. | Lauren Murphy Photography
7. Trocadero's
Crossbasket Castle's Managing Director Graeme Green describes the menu concept at Trocadero's saying: "It's simple dishes done really well. So if we're going to have a steak on the menu, we're going to get the best possible cut we can from the best possible supplier and we've invested in a Jasper grill so we can cook it the best possible way we can and not overcomplicating it at all." | Trocadero's
8. Trocadero's
On the idea behind Trocadero's, he tells me: "We knew we wanted to do something a bit different. So there's been a lot of thought and a lot of time from the owners that has gone into this, taking inspiration from places in London and Las Vegas. We want the food to be engaging so there will be tableside service. The live entertainment will get things going. It's not just dinner it's an experience. We want people to think "that was fabulous" and want to do it again. We want the guests to have a great time." | Trocadero's