Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin are to make
their debut in Scotland this summer with two new restaurants at
Edinburgh's Caledonian Hotel – which is being redeveloped as
Scotland's first Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel. We spoke to James
Glover, vice president, food and beverage, Europe, Hilton
Worldwide...
Who are Chris and Jeff Galvin?
They are Michelin-starred chefs who founded their own family-run
collection of French restaurants, Galvin Restaurants, in 2005. The
brothers have more than 50 years experience between, mostly at top
London establishments including The Ritz, The Savoy, Conran
Restraurants and Marco Pierre White’s Oak
Room. Chris and Jeff are well known for
their culinary expertise and respect for seasonal ingredients as
well as operating restaurants at the highest level.
How significant is this opening for
Edinburgh and Scotland?
The Caledonian is a legend in the
Scottish hospitality industry and Hilton Worldwide is investing
£24m in its redevelopment as Scotland's first Waldorf Astoria
Hotel, our luxury brand of iconic hotels. We're looking to extend
the brand into markets where we see significant growth potential in
the luxury sector, and Edinburgh is one of these. The opening of
two new Galvin restaurants later this summer will mark the hotel's
unveiling after a major program of restoration and upgrades. It's
been Chris and Jeff's ambition for some time to open a restaurant
in Scotland, so they see the chance to open two with Hilton
Worldwide as a unique opportunity!
What can diners
expect?
The two distinct restaurants, The Pompadour by
Galvin and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe, will showcase the very best of
both Scottish ingredients and talent. The Pompadour by Galvin has a
Heritage listed interior and will revive the glamour of the
legendary dining room as a luxurious French culinary experience.
Guests will enjoy Scottish fine dining and first-class service,
warmly welcomed with an apéritif maison at Pompadour's bespoke
cocktail bar, with views over Edinburgh Castle, and classic
Gueridon service during dinner. On the ground floor of the
hotel, with direct street access, Brasserie de Luxe will be styled
on a bustling Parisian brasserie, with a 'theatre of a crustacea'
showcased at its heart. With a large circular bar to dine at,
guests will be able to order the very best brasserie classics
including prix fixe menus as well as delicious, good value wines
and beers.
How will the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria
differ from other hotels?
Hotel magnate Conrad Hilton's original Waldorf
Astoria in New York attracted leaders of industry, illustrious
artists, and society’s elite with its unique blend of personalized
service, architectural grandeur and sophisticated style. The
Waldorf Astoria brand builds on this, offering extraordinary
service and singular experiences including personal concierges,
sumptuous spas and culinary excellence. We have our own Luxury
Manifesto and aspire to be true to the Waldorf Astoria's legacy as
“The greatest of them all.”
