somethingfortheweekend East Haugh House Hotel, Pitlochry

Sunday Herald, The, Nov 23, 2003 by Rohese Taylor

Why?

Pitlochry is an easy drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow making it a suitable destination for a weekend break, and its status as the 'gateway to the Highlands', means you're in the heart of some breath- taking scenery.

Postcard potential The 17th-century turreted stone house, built as part of the Atholl Estate, is close to the River Tummel and set well back from the road with a sweeping driveway and two acres of lawn. The interior is decorated in a traditional style, but with a contemporary feel .

Fabulousness This family-run hotel has recently been sumptuously re-decorated throughout. The bedrooms are luxurious, two with magnificent four-poster beds, all with ensuite bathrooms, as well as colour television and sound systems. Fishing paraphanelia and family portraits decorate the walls and the log fires in the restaurant, lounge and bar create a welcoming atmosphere.

Gut feelings The food is spectacular, most sourced locally, and all cooked by chef and proprietor Neil McGown. The hum of contented diners hovers over the restaurant, and with delicious dishes including seared scallops wrapped in bacon and roast partridge on the menu, it's not surprising. Lunch and dinner is not exclusive to hotel guests, but if you do want to pop in for dinner, call first, as they fill seats quickly. When the evening rush relaxes, expect to see locals and new customers propping up the bar with the McGowns, who like to make sure that everyone has a great time.

Doorstep challenge On the doorstep, literally, is the river, and you can go fishing for about (pounds) 25 a day (once the season starts again in mid-January). Also nearby is The Hermitage, a National Trust folly, built in 1758, and set in a dramatic, deep wooded gorge.

The knowledge East Haugh House Hotel and Restaurant, Pitlochry, Perthshire (01796 473121, www.easthaugh.co.uk, email, easthaugh@aol.com). Dinner, B&B from (pounds) 65, B&B from (pounds) 45 per person per night.

Rohese Taylor