The Copper Dog
The Copper Dog
The Craigellachie Hotel
Moray
What is it? The Craigellachie Hotel is a stylish Scottish house with 28 beds in the beautiful village of Craigellachie in the heart of Speyside, the world's only whisky valley. Built in 1893, on the confluence of the Fiddich and the Spey rivers, the hotel was bought over last year by Piers Adam who owns young royal set hangouts Mahiki and Whisky Mist in London, as well as co-owning The Punch Bowl with Guy Ritchie (he was one of Ritchie's best men at his wedding to Madonna). He apparently fell in love with the hotel after staying here three years ago, which is pretty easy to do. I spent my time in the newly refurbished Copper Dog, located at the basement level of the hotel and named after the cylinders distillery workers used to pilfer whisky from the barrels.
Interesting fact: The Craigellachie is located slap bang in the middle of the Speyside region. Even though the region is quite small (around 100 miles wide and 50 miles high) there are more than 50 distilleries in its catchment with the most famous being Macallan and Glenfiddich.
Verdict: The bar is well stocked with a great range of local whiskies, craft beers and a selection of real Scottish ales from Speyside Craft Brewery and Windswept Brewing Company among other local breweries.
Drinks: Good selection here. They are also reopening the iconic Quaich bar upstairs next year with one of Scotland's most extensive whisky collections.
Food: Where possible food has been sourced within a 40-mile radius from local hand-picked suppliers, I really enjoyed Royan's of Elgin Copper Dog sausage & rumble thumps with onion gravy for a reasonable £12.95
Price: They have kept the prices very reasonable here which is great. Pints from £3.30.
Alfresco: Lovely small area out the front, with great views.
Children: Kid-friendly and great for all the family.
Avoid if: The six-hour round trip is too much of a jaunt.
Perfect for: Booking a room and making the most of the hotel and the beautiful local area.
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