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Dates of Interest 2011

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

2011 is set to be a busy year for us here at Loch Melfort Hotel with many events taking place in the hotel itself as well as in the surrounding area.

January
We re-opened on the 24th after our two week closure and are offering a two night stay with the second night B and B free (plus a complimentary bottle of wine for those staying in the first week of opening).

February
Valentine’s Day is on Monday 14th and from 1st – 18th we are offering a two night stay for £150 per person for DBB on the first night and B and B on the second night. There’s a bottle of bubbly and box of chocolates thrown in for those who stay on Valentine’s night.

March
March 12 sees the first of our 2011 mouthwatering gourmet nights with rates starting at £125 per person in a standard room with an extra night at £80 per person. 7 courses with wines to match and brilliant entertainment from Mike Cottam from Inverarity Wines.

April
Children stay free for Mother’s Day on 3 April and Mum receives free afternoon tea on arrival.

For Easter we have another of our fabulous three night deals where if you stay for two nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at £98 per person the third night DBB, with an £18.50 allowance to dine in our Chartroom Bistro, is only £25 each! An Easter egg hunt in the NTS Arduaine Garden next door takes place over the 4 days of Easter weekend which always delights the little ones, and on Easter Day itself, face painting and egg rolling amongst other activities.

May
The NTS Arduaine Garden is at its best in the Spring. The annual Spring Festival Weekend organised by the NTS takes place between the 6th-8th with guest speakers and specialist tours. 29 May is the BIG picnic with a garden of Eden church service in the Garden that weekend.

July
Another of our sumptuous Gourmet nights on the 2nd, and then from the 31st until the 6th August there is a 6 day Orienteering event taking place around the Oban area and we have reduced our rates to £62 B&B for those who are taking part. For more information on the event please visit the Scottish 6 Days website.

October
Gourmet night on the 8th.

November
The nearby town of Lochgilphead hosts a wonderful lantern parade on 5th November with lanterns made by the local children and then a spectacular bonfire and firework display. Along with that, the night before is our twice monthly Scottish Music night where we have our own bonfire too.

December
The last of our 2011 Gourmet nights is on the 3rd followed by Santa coming to Arduaine Garden on 17th to give out presents to all the good little children (and probably a few naughty ones too!).

Our usual three day Christmas Package starts on the 24th and our Hogmanay Package on the 30th, bringing back return guests time and time again.

For more information and to keep up to date on events in and around Loch Melfort, visit our Special Offers and Events pages. We hope to see you some point during the year!

A New Year, a New Start

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

After a very successful summer season which went on well into October, and then a busy Christmas and Hogmanay, it is now time to shut the doors on the hotel for two weeks for some general maintenance, decorating and a general deep clean of all areas which can’t be done with guests about. We might even find a day or so to have a well earned rest!

All six of our Cedar Wing ground floor dog-friendly rooms are having a makeover with new paint and soft furnishings to add to our ongoing refurbishment work. The Hotel will then re-open on Monday 24th January with a new offer for our opening week; stay for two nights, with one night Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for £98 per person and the second night Bed and Breakfast FREE! Added to that, we will also include a complimentary bottle of wine of your choice on arrival.

Enjoy a break and see if the first snowdrops are on their way out!

A Visit to Santa’s Grotto

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Santa’s Grotto at Arduaine Garden was a winter wonderland on Saturday and Sunday after a lovely sprinkling of snow over the garden.

"...And what would you like for Christmas?"

"...And what would you like for Christmas?"

Ben Potter and Hugh Ross found out they had been a little bit naughty this year but mostly very good, so Santa would be coming to deliver presents at their houses on Christmas Eve!

Ben and Hugh with their early Christmas gifts from Santa.

Ben and Hugh with their early Christmas gifts from Santa.

Beautiful Winter Weather at Loch Melfort

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

It’s all everyone’s talking about; ‘Will it be a white Christmas?’ and ‘How will everyone cope?’

Well here at Loch Melfort we plan to go ahead as normal, especially as we are always milder than most places with the warm Gulf Stream air. After the initial snowfall a couple of weeks ago, gritters in the Argyll area were up and running within hours, getting the roads clear with hardly any disturbance and we are sure they will be doing the same if not better if, in fact, we do get another heavy snowfall.

The media do seem to be making a bigger deal of the weather than the actual forecast, with the Met Office  forecasting snow “in places” with “sheltered parts of Western Scotland and Wales becoming drier during the (Christmas) week. The unsettled and wintry weather is expected to continue across the UK towards the Christmas weekend, remaining cold for most with a risk of further snowfall in places”.

With a winter wedding booked here on Saturday (watch this space for some beautiful photos) we are hoping the Met Office and not the media are correct!

If we are greeted with another dose of snow next week, then where better to be than in a hotel with a fully stocked bar and enough food to make sure you are well looked after for your whole stay. The views are spectacular outside but equally the roaring log fires and decorated hotel is just as lovely to look at, and who wouldn’t like a little bit of snow on Christmas Day?

Last Minute Christmas and Hogmanay Deals

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

This year why not let someone else cook the Christmas turkey and plan your Hogmanay party? The Festive season is hectic enough without ensuring your celebrations run smoothly and everyone has a good time.

Loch Melfort Hotel has both your Christmas and New Year celebrations taken care of with our special packages with special prices to match!

Last Minute Christmas Deal

Unwind with a welcome drink and a slice of Christmas cake in front of the lounge fire on Christmas Eve and listen to Alice and Amelia sing carols and play the Clarsach at 5pm. A sumptuous candlelit dinner will be served in the Asknish Bay Restaurant from 7pm – 9pm. Our local church has a midnight service with minced pies and mulled wine on return.

On Christmas Day a light breakfast will be served first thing and the local church service is available at 11am if you fancy venturing out. A mouthwatering 6 course Christmas Lunch will be served from 1pm – 4pm, giving you enough time before hand to open your presents and perhaps go for a wintery walk around Arduaine Garden and along the shoreline. A cheese and mince pie buffet will be brought through to the lounge at 8pm for you to grab a plate and relax in front of the fire or take back to your room for Christmas Day telly!

Christmas at Loch Melfort Hotel

Christmas at Loch Melfort Hotel

Boxing Day is a chance to relax and unwind and take advantage of all there is too see in the area, or perhaps you just want to relax by the fire and enjoy the finest views on the West Coast. As the third night is B&B, there is an option to then add a spectacular seafood buffet to your booking at £44 per head, including a fantastic array of locally caught langoustines, mussels, oysters, scallops and much more. Alternatively a relaxed meal in our Bistro is also available.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for £250pp and get Boxing Day B&B FREE!

To book, call us today on 01852 200 233.

This is a huge saving on our normal 3 night package of £375pp. Offer based on 2 sharing.

Special Twixmas Deals

Stay between Christmas and New Year (27th – 30th Dec) or 3rd – 10th January and enjoy our Twixmas break.

What better way to relax between the two occasions than a stay at Loch Melfort Hotel with the finest views on the West Coast and the Gulf Stream to keep you at least a little bit warmer!

We are running a two night break at either £95pp for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast on the first night with the second night DBB free, with an £18 allowance in our Bistro, or £69pp Bed and Breakfast on the first night and the second night free.

Booking is easy! Simply call us on 01852 200 233 today.

Hogmanay – Last Few Rooms Available

Roaring log fires and a well stocked bar – the perfect way to close the door on 2010 and begin 2011!

Arrive on 30 December to a fabulous gourmet candlelit dinner from 7pm – 9pm.

On New Year’s Eve, enjoy activities in the local area, including fine walks in Arduaine Garden next door, before dressing up (if you wish) for our magnificent seven course Hogmanay Banquet between 7pm and 9.30pm.

From 10pm there will be local Scottish entertainment, including a ceilidh in the Bistro and a piper will pipe in the New Year. Complimentary black bun and a ‘wee dram’ will be available to help celebrate the bells. Party to the wee hours or retire gracefully for a good night’s sleep.

Hogmanay at Loch Melfort Hotel

Hogmanay at Loch Melfort Hotel

On New Year’s Day blow the cobwebs away with a gentle stroll or brisk walk before our magnificent brunch served between 10.30am and 12pm.

The Chartroom II Bistro is open for Lunch or save yourself for our legendary seafood buffet served between 7pm and 9pm. Our resident jazz guitarist will accompany dinner that night.

3 night package now £375 per person for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast – that’s a last minute saving of £50.

To book, call us today on 01852 200 233.

Robson Green Swims Again

Friday, November 26th, 2010

There’s another chance to see Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure on Monday 29 November at 11.25pm on ITV. This exciting program sees Robson exploring Britain’s wildest waters as he braves the cold and the currents building up to his swim to Holy Isle in Northumberland. Of special interest to us here at Loch Melfort is his swim across the ferocious Corryvreckan Whirlpool, not far from the hotel which he and his camera crew used as a base for exploring the area and the swim itself.

Robson Green in Loch Melfort's Binocular Lounge.

Robson Green in Loch Melfort's Binocular Lounge.

Times and ITV channels may vary by region so check ITV’s TV Guide so you don’t miss it.

Romance in Oban

Friday, November 19th, 2010

McCaig’s Tower is a prominent figure for anyone who visits Oban, sitting high on the hill overlooking the bay. It is a popular attraction with visitors, not only for the breath taking panoramic views but also for the almost Roman feel to it.

In fact a guest from America last Saturday chose this as the location to ask his girlfriend the most important question he will ever ask, to be his wife. He chose this location not only for spectacular views but also due to the fact his, and soon to be her, surname is McCaig and he felt this gave them a special link to the site.

To make the event even more special, he had previously liaised with the Loch Melfort Hotel to arrange for a bagpiper to be waiting at the tower to play a specially chosen song. To see a video of this, visit the Loch Melfort Facebook page where there is a link to a video Mr McCaig sent to us, or watch it on our Youtube channel.

The happy couple then enjoyed a tour of the bay on a coastal connections trip before heading back to Loch Melfort Hotel to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly and a four course meal in our 2 AA Rosette dining room.

Perhaps they’ll return to Loch Melfort and hold the wedding here as well, or perhaps they’ll follow in the footsteps of Oban High School teachers Jim Maxwell and Margaret Milligan whose marriage was the first to be conducted in McCaig’s Tower and was reported in the Oban Times published 11 July 2003.

Smiles of Great Britain

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

A smile frames any world class experience. That is why the staff at Loch Melfort Hotel can all be found smiling on Smiles of Britain site to show how important they take their customer service roles and how a smile can go a long way in making your stay that little bit special.

As David McHattie, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Hospitality, explains:

“The role of the National Skills Academy for Hospitality is to seek out the very best training, development and education programmes in hospitality, to recognise and celebrate that excellence, and to lay down the gauntlet for the whole industry to follow their lead.

“As part of this process we want to shine a light on those in our sector who are leading the way in customer service. And, because excellent customer service invariably starts with a smile, we have launched the Smiles of Britain campaign.”

It’s a message which is reinforced by Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology at University College London:

“Smiling is not just a display of happiness, smiling also increases happiness. And when someone smiles at us, we tend to smile back, so a smile can be viewed as a ‘gift’ which has a positive physical and psychological impact on the receiver.”

Our staff here at Loch Melfort Hotel have great customer service and are always on hand to help or give a welcoming smile to all that pass through the hotel, in fact two of our staff have been picked as ‘Smile of the day’!

To see the smiling Loch Melfort staff visit our Facebook page.

A Wedding Reception in a Bedroom!

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Winnie and Jim wanted a private room with a view so we turned room 5 into a spectacular dining location for their wedding reception!

The happy couple Jim and Winnie.

The happy couple Jim and Winnie.

The fantastic sea view and table set for the wedding feast.

The fantastic sea view and table set for the wedding feast.

With a seafood buffet laid out at the back of the room and the table in the window, Winnie, Jim and their guests had plenty of room for mingling and raising a glass in the middle!

The newly weds and guests settle down for fine food and drinks.

The newly weds and guests settle down for fine food and drinks.

Loch Melfort's famous seafood buffet - plenty to go around!

Loch Melfort's famous seafood buffet - plenty to go around!

Seared Islay Scallops, Chilli and Herb Couscous with Curry Oil

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

To fully appreciate this delicious, vibrant dish, use hand-dived king scallops fresh from Scotland’s west coast.

Seared Islay Scallops with Chilli and Herb Couscous and Curry Oil

Seared Islay Scallops with Chilli and Herb Couscous and Curry Oil

Serves four

Ingredients:

12 Hand Dived King Scallops, medium Sized
50g Pre-cooked Couscous
1 large Shallot, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
½ small red Chilli, finely sliced
4 cried apricots, finely chopped
Small handful of sultanas
75ml vegetable or fish stock
15g Butter
1 tablespoon chopped herbs (e.g. dill, coriander, parsley, chive)
Salt and Pepper

Sweet Potato Puree:

½ small sweet potato roughly chopped
1 shallot roughly chopped
Pinch of chilli
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Enough vegetable stock to cover

Curry Oil:

1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ ground coriander
½ ground turmeric

Place all the curry oil ingredients in a pan over a very low heat (this can burn easily, so care is required) for ½ an hour. Remove from heat and allow to infuse for 3-4 hours. Strain through muslin or tea towel and place in a plastic bottle if available.

Place all the sweet potato puree in a pan, bring to the boil and simmer for an hour, making sure the liquid does not boil away. Top up with more water if required.

Strain off the liquid, but retain it. Place the sweet potato in a blender or food processor and blitz, adding some of the retained water. You want it to have the consistency of a thick soup. Strain through a fine sieve and adjust the seasoning if required.

Warm a pan over a medium heat, add a splash of olive oil, then the shallot, garlic and chilli. Sweat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the apricots and sultanas, then the vegetable or fish stock. When it boils, add the couscous, stir well then remove from the heat. Clingfilm the pan and allow to rest for 3 minutes. Fork the couscous to loosen it, then add the butter, mix well, then add the herbs and incorporate well. Check the flavour and add ground black pepper and salt if required.

Place a frying pan on a high heat. Once hot, add some vegetable oil or clarified butter and immediately add the scallops. Season with salt and pepper.

Allow the scallops to brown around the edges (do not move them around or shake pan). This should take approximately 1 minute. Carefully turn the scallops over, seasoning with salt and cook approximately 30 seconds more. Add a splash of lemon juice at the last minute, remove from the pan and drain on a tea towel or kitchen paper.

Place a ring of couscous on the plate, scallops on top, a swirl of potato puree on the side, and a drizzle of curry oil around the plate. Garnish with deep-fried sweet potato crisps dusted with cumin if preferred.