A lavish new Edinburgh hotel and exclusive members club has announced the appointment of an award-winning head chef to take charge of its kitchen.
Johnny Wright is set to cook up a storm at The Spence when the ‘all-day’ restaurant when the opulent venue opens its doors at the swanky Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew Square later this year.
The 34-year-old, originally from Dunblane, has promised a menu “rooted in classics with a modern twist” for diners at the former bank building in the Spring.
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Johnny, who has 16 years of experience in the industry, previously headed up the kitchen at Jason Atherton’s Berner’s Tavern and was senior Sous chef at the Palomar in London - both of which scooped awards for their delectable offering.
The brand new 33-room hotel - which will also feature a private members club with exclusive 'wellness experiences' - is also set to feature a roof terrace bar, 'Lamplighters,' with views across the capital's iconic skyline.
The new townhouse hotel marks Gleneagles first ever expansion outside of its home in Perthshire in its 96-year history.
Last year, Edinburgh Live reported how each of the hotel's guest rooms will be totally unique in their own way, individual in size, orientation and ceiling height – with star suites overlooking St. Andrew Square during a sneak peek inside the extravagant accommodation.
Located in the centre of the old banking hall of the former British Linen Bank,The Spence references its previous life and incredible heritage with a central feature bar situated underneath an extraordinary glass domed ceiling, with original and elaborate features including gantry lighting.
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The roof terrace bar Lamplighters, with impressive views of the city’s medieval Old Town to the left and picture-perfect New Town to the right, has been heavily influenced by Gleneagles’ bountiful Scottish surrounds.
An opening date for the hotel is yet to be confirmed, but bosses say it should be operational by spring 2022.
