Some excerpts from the website of Pool House that might be useful
North by North West (
Dining Room) The North by North West
dining room (named after our geographical position) has one of the most unique settings in the Highlands. Situated just a few feet away from where the river meets the sea, few
restaurants can offer such a wonderful opportunity to observe seals, otters and a wide variety of birds whilst dining. During the summer months this
room is transformed during the evening by the vivid colours of the glorious sunsets for which the West Coast is justifiably famous. This striking blue gold
room has a nautical theme with its hand painted starry ceiling, zodiac fresco and seafaring charts. The main centrepiece, however, is the large compass embellished with gold leaf. Gilt is prevalent throughout the
room in the form of elaborate
mirrors and impressive rococo candlesticks. Head Chef John Moir has been at
Pool House for nearly 15 years during which time his skills and reputation have been recognised by many of the leading journalists and guides. His commitment to using the finest Scottish produce and local ingredients is reflected in his cooking which meets the highest national standards. New Sample
Dinner Menu. New Sample Wine List. Billiard Whisky
Room. North by North West The North by North West
Dining Room has been featured in Lady Claire Macdonald's new book Scottish Highland Hospitality as being one of her top 20 places to dine in the Highlands and Islands. She says The tables are beautiful, with white napery and flowers. And the food is, quite simply, delicious, with an extensive Menu and Wine List. To eat in such a setting as the
Pool House
dining room, with its lovely views and unique decor, is a real pleasure and the warmth of welcome the Harrison's exude is an example of hospitality at its best. Peter Irvine - Scotland the Best Awarded two ticks - Amongst the very best (of it's type) in the UK great dining with chef John Moir. Sunday Herald - Andrew Burnet John Moir's award-winning cooking is based mainly on
game, fish and seafood (some of which he catches himself) is varied, imaginative, superbly cooked and beautifully presented. The Obeserver Food at
Pool House is top class AA Britain's Best to Stay for Food Lovers Award winning hotel with a breathtaking riverside location at the head of Loch Ewe. The North by North West
dining room, with its fabulous loch view has been decorated in nautical style. And local fish, seafood and
game are to the fore in the imaginative menus.. Library Drawing
Room This traditional Victorian parlour with its beautiful marble fireplace is situated just a few feet from the water's edge and is filled with books, flowers, pictures and porcelain. There are binoculars to spot passing seals, otters and the wide variety of birds, which frequent the shoreline. From 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., elegant afternoon teas are served in the delightful ambience of the drawing
room with its perfect setting. Dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, tarts and cream scones, Coalport china and lace cloths create an atmosphere reminiscent of leisure time in a bygone era. Places are limited each day and to avoid disappointment a reservation is therefore essential. Billiard Whisky
Room The Rowallan
Room is named in memory of Lord Rowallan and his Highland Fieldcraft Training
Centre that was stationed in this house during the Second World War. The purpose of the
centre was to prepare army officers for service on the front line through rigorous training in hazardous terrain, during the depths of winter. Photographs of their activities and other wartime memorabilia line the walls. This
room houses a large collection of single malts including fine rare examples, together with a full-size, antique billiard table for guest's recreation. Like wines, the single malt whiskies of Scotland are grouped by region the 5 main ones being, Highland, Islands, Lowland, Speyside, and Islay. At
Pool House we endeavour to provide a selection of the very best malt whisky in terms of character, flavour and taste whilst carrying a range that reflects the 5 regions. All Malt Whisky at
Pool House is supplied by the world famous Scotch Whisky Merchants -Gordon Macphail based in Elgin. History of the Henry Bacon
Room On the 23rd February 1945, SS Henry Bacon, an American Liberty Ship departed from Murmansk, North Russia, carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of Convoy RA-64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The Henry Bacon shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit, which caused her to founder. The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and only several of the crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. The unselfish action of the crew in sacrificing their lives for the Norwegian civilians, constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. During 1942 - 1945, 73 American ships were lost on the Murmansk runs. This delightful
room situated just few feet from the sea is the ideal spot for a private
dinner party or informal boardroom style
meeting. Peter MacDonald, a guest, who lives in Japan wrote about the Henry Bacon
Room in an article published on the web site Rampantscotland under Great Places to stay- The
private dining room was a revelation. As the evening went on, and the wine flowed, I had a feeling I was in some kind of paradise. The combination of the food, the wine, the wonderful and close company and the sense of freedom was very special for all of us. Then the red sun took her bow. With a final burst of fire, she sank below the distant horizon, and we were left with the flickering candles and perfectly adjusted side lamps. I don't recall moving to the drawing
room and burning fire, so the transition must have been seamless..
Pool House and the Environment
Pool House is one of the UK's most environmentally friendly hotels and has received awards in recognition of this.
Pool House was one of the first hotels in Scotland to achieve a Gold Award from Visit Scotland's Green
Business Tourism Scheme with a 99% score. In December 2000 as winners of the North of Scotland Vibes Award (Vision in
Business for the Environment of Scotland), we were presented with a certificate in Edinburgh by Sam Galbraith, MSP Minister of Environment, Sport Culture. Finally in January 2002 we were presented with a BCE Premier Award (
Business Commitment to the Environment) in London by the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP Secretary of State for the Environment. The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett Secretary of State for the Environment praised
Pool House in her speech at the BCE Awards- Dealing with the growing volume of waste is not only about recycling. In fact more importantly it is about tackling the problem further up the waste hierarchy - eliminating or reducing waste at the outset and generally being far more efficient in our use of resources. To this end the Service Sector also needs to address its environmental impacts. The
Pool House Hotel does just that, providing a clear illustration of how a family owned
business can run in environmentally friendly ways. As I am sure they have found out, making better use of resources is good for the environment and good for
business. You may wish to take a look at links to other Green Sites
www.green-business.co.uk www.greentourism.org.uk www.doingyourbit.org.uk. BCE Award presented by The RT Hon Margaret Beckett MP. Links
Pool House is delighted to be a founder member of Chic Retreats, an exclusive collection of some of the world's most unique and stylish small hotels. Chic Retreats provides a one-stop, hassle-free, time-saving solution to discerning travellers wanting to seek out holiday gems of the world whilst reaping the benefits from booking direct.
www.chicretreats.com. We are delighted that
Pool House has been chosen to feature in Mr Mrs Smith, a...
For a full description of each
suite, click on the photo or the more details link. The
Suites (Click on a picture for more details). Nairana Grand Master
Suite - 77.00 sq metres. This sensational ground floor
suite (with its own entrance at the front of the building) is situated only 15 feet from the sea and is simply stunning. Taking its theme from the grand palaces of Rajasthan, it is fit for a Maharaja. Opportune Principal
Room 30 sq metres. This delightful
room (with its own entrance at the front of the building) is just 15 feet from the sea. and crammed with wonderful Indian antique artefacts and one of the most sensational
bathrooms in the house. Whimbrel Boat House in the grounds - 36 sq metres. The ultimate indulgent hideaway in the grounds, just perfect for a romantic tryst. This traditional wood clad building has a cathedral ceiling, old fashioned beams, solid oak flooring and mood lighting in the
bedroom. A large picture window makes the most of its wonderful setting on the sea shore and alongside the fast flowing river. This opulent
suite with its warm autumnal colours of green, terracotta and gold pays tribute to the great master-painters of the Renaissance era. The
bedroom features a working fireplace and a six-foot, king-size bed. The sitting
room enjoys river and sea views and has a feature fireplace and two comfy armchairs. The large period
bathroom has superb river and mountain views and a double-ended clawfoot
bath and Victorian style
shower above; it has a large basin, high level old- fashioned cistern
toilet and
bidet. Both
bedroom and sitting
room have French marquetry
furniture, embellished with gilt and marble. This
suite includes the original master
bedroom,
bathroom and sitting
room occupied by Osgood Mackenzie (creator of Inverewe
Garden) and his wife. It is decorated in lavish Victorian style - comprising a beautiful
bedroom with a queen-size (five- foot) antique, brass and
iron four-poster bed, together with many fine antiques and feature fireplace. The magnificent
bathroom has an extraordinary Victorian canopied
bath and
shower, approximately 130 years old, which stands over eight feet high and is hand-painted in rich shades of green and yellow. The remarkable example of period plumbing offers side
jet, spray and overhead
shower. This
suite offers a taste of the luxurious ambience and style of a first-class cabin on the Titanic. The
bedroom has seven-foot square four-poster bed (hand made in solid mahogany) with a feature corner fireplace. Just off the
bedroom is a separate dressing area. An original tile made for the smoking
room on RMS Titanic hangs on the wall and all lights in the
suite are copies of White Star Line originals, which create a very romantic ambience. The main feature of the period
bathroom is the rare canopied
bath glass
shower, with overhead and side spray
jets, dating from 1912 (the year of her fateful maiden voyage). An elegant French Empire style
suite, paying tribute to the auld alliance. The decor is enhanced by lovely antiques and striking soft furnishings in black and gold. The
bedroom has a queen-size (five-foot) Victorian brass bed looking out to sea. The sitting
room has views of the sea and river and has a French antique canopied day bed as well as two comfy armchairs and feature fireplace. The large period
bathroom with feature fireplace has a plunger
bath with overhead period
shower, his hers basins,
toilet and
bidet and views across the salmon
pool to the mountains beyond.