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A Christmas Escape: Old Course Hotel Announces the Launch of Swilcan Loft
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews has announced the opening of a new restaurant and bar, Swilcan Loft, featuring breathtaking views of the iconic golf course and beautiful Fife coastline. Opened this autumn, it is the resort’s sixth bar and restaurant offering, and is part of a series of wider hotel renovations which took place this year, including the addition of a new penthouse, guest rooms and refurbished events spaces.
Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, Swilcan Loft offers uninterrupted views of the Old Course golf course, West Sands Beach and the iconic Hamilton Grand building, making it a new destination restaurant unlike any other for the historic town of St Andrews. It is located on the fourth floor of the East End of the hotel, overlooking the 17th hole of the Old Course and one of golf’s most famous landmarks, Swilcan Bridge – from which Swilcan Loft takes its name.
The 74-cover restaurant welcomes locals, visitors and of course guests for all day dining and is helmed by Old Course Hotel’s Executive Head Chef, Martin Hollis, who oversees all of the hotel’s restaurants, including the 3 AA Rosettes rated Road Hole Restaurant. At Swilcan Loft, Martin and his team will be offering an eclectic international menu created with locally sourced Scottish produce, such as Hot Smoked Loch Duart Salmon Salad, Scottish Black Isle Beef Rib Eye and Local Berries with Champagne & Basil Jelly. The extensive wine and bar list will feature signature cocktails such as the Islay Air – a warming cocktail for winter made with whisky, honey, fresh ginger and chocolate bitters. Swilcan Loft is the perfect place for those looking for an indulgent lunch or dinner with good selection of wines and innovative cocktails.
Old Course Hotel sits within the Hospitality and Real Estate group of Kohler Co – created and headed by Executive Chairman Herb Kohler. Kohler Co is the global leader in kitchen and bathroom products, and the privately held company has provided home design solutions for over 140 years. Interiors have been designed by Lead Interior Designer, Niti Bhatt, who has supported Kohler Co’s wide portfolio of gracious hospitality experiences worldwide and brings 15 years of experience in hospitality and commercial design to create the pared back interiors of Swilcan Loft. Grey wall panelling, ochre banquettes and a varied mix of furniture styles have been chosen to create a warm and inviting feel to the space. Natural paint colours from Farrow & Ball echo the neutral hues of the North Sea and West Sands beach that can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around three sides of the room, ensuring diners’ eyes are drawn to the uninterrupted views of the St Andrews skyscape beyond.
In addition to the six restaurant and bar spaces, Old Course Hotel is home to the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa featuring 13 treatment rooms, including two twin rooms for couples, a 20m pool, along with the Kohler Waters Thermal Suite, which includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam
room and plunge pool. Owned by and in close proximity to the Old Course Hotel is the 18-hole Championship The Duke’s Course which is available to play all year round, boasting panoramic views of St Andrews and the coastline.
Swilcan Loft is the perfect place to dine after a morning of spa treatments or following a round of golf on one of St Andrews’ many courses. West Sands Beach is only five minutes from the hotel, and guests can also explore Fife’s beautiful coastline, passing through historical and natural landscapes along the 81 mile-stretch of Coastal Path. The hotel is less than two hours’ drive from Scotland’s most famous national parks, including The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, while being in reach of major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.