Drive thru cakeaway
The Scottish hospitality industry has undoubtedly been in turmoil over the summer lock-down months.
For many businesses it was sensible to remain closed and wait out the storm but for The
Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead, this wasn’t an option – they missed their customers too much.
They reimagined their business model and innovated new ways to ensure they could keep their ‘doors open’ while abiding by Covid-19 regulations.
So, the hotel opened a Drive Thru service as a way to keep serving amidst the pandemic. It has been so successful, however, that they’ve now made it a permanent feature.
They teased this secret project over social media, posting images of a shipping container. After many weird and wonderful guesses, such as a pop-up registry office, they revealed that they are transforming an old shipping crate into a permanent Drive Thru point.
At their Drive Thru, they offer ‘takeaway teas’ where customers can order an Afternoon Tea over the phone and simply Drive Thru to collect it.
With the future of the hospitality industry so uncertain and so many people not yet ready to sit in a restaurant, the hotel decided it would be a unique opportunity for customers to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea from the safety of their own homes.
The menu offers a selection of delicious home-made cakes, sandwiches, hot drinks and even the option to add a bottle of Prosecco.
Unlike traditional afternoon teas, however, you can collect your order and enjoy anywhere – on a picnic or surprise a friend. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic treat.
Hotel owner, Amanda Ramsay, added: "If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we are capable of adapting – we went from no experience of takeaway to having an amazing takeaway service operating six days week.
"We knew our customers missed a traditional afternoon tea so we thought why not offer it as a drive thru option? It’s a twist on the original but it means customers can enjoy a classic treat from the comfort of their own home."
The ‘takeaway tea’ is the perfect treat to celebrate a unique twist on a classic to brighten up your day!
The Stair Arms Hotel is an original coaching inn, commissioned in 1831 by Lord and Lady Stair of the Oxenfoord Estate.
For the last quarter of a century it has been run by the Ramsay family.
The Stair Arms Hotel A68 Pathhead EH37 5TX
Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm Telephone 01875 320277 Afternoon tea prices from £13.50 to £17.50