Tower joy at award
A Crieff business is the toast of the town after it came home with a top accolade from a recent event.
The Tower in East High Street came out on top in the Best Licensed Premises category at the Perthshire Business Awards, held on Sunday last week at Perth Racecourse.
The success marks the culmination of almost two years-worth of hard work by owners Kayleigh Keith and Craig Gillespie, who took over the hotel early last year.
Kayleigh (26) has a background in hospitality and is front of house while Craig (29) is in charge of the kitchen and has 13 years’experience in the industry, six as a head chef in Edinburgh.
The Tower is their first step into hotel ownership.
And Kayleigh said:“It was really quite daunting at first, but we quickly got to know the regulars in both the bar and the restaurant and they have made it easy for us.
“They appreciate that we are making significant changes and trying to put our own stamp on what was quite an established hotel in Crieff.
“To win the award is fantastic and proof positive that we are on the right path and our customers like what we are doing.”
The Tower’s revamped menu has already won plaudits in the form of a Taste Our Best award from national tourism agency, VisitScotland.
Kayleigh continued by saying the emphasis was firmly on being a part of the local community, something borne out by the fact the lounge has been refurbished with the help of a local company.
She added:“We’ve introduced a What’s On board so people can keep up to date with events in the area and also started a regular quiz night for people to get involved.
“We believe that working together is important and ultimately provides our customers with a better experience of Crieff.”
The Tower has also entered into business partnerships with Glenturret Distillery, Comrie Croft Farm Shop, Crieff Golf Club, and a couple of local bed and breakfast establishments.
In addition, the work of local artists is displayed on the walls.
Kayleigh concluded:“We are loving Crieff – it’s such a change from Edinburgh, but it’s a lovely part of the world and a great place to live and work.”