Meet the Duty Managers! - Miguel Franceschi

It's the turn of Miguel - another one of our new Duty Managers at The Dunstane and Skerries! Hello Miguel......

1. So far in your role you mainly cover the restaurant and bar. What do you like most about your role?

I enjoy the restaurant and working together with my team to ensure that guests have a memorable dining experience with us - whether they are residents or outside guests. I am enjoying the guest interaction more and more. I am especially excited about introducing new ideas into Skerries such as my cocktail menu which will be launching before Christmas.

2. What is your favourite dish on the menu at the moment?

I would have to say the Spelt Risotto - it is simple but full of flavour and a twist on the conventional Risotto dishes.


3. What is your favourite bedroom in the hotel?

In the main building I would have to choose room 120 our Luxury Blue room - I think it creates a very dramatic first impression for guests checking in to the hotel. In the Townhouse I love City 19 - our suite... it is so clean cut and contemporary - I wouldn't need to leave the room!

4. Do you prefer the Luxury Townhouse or the main building?

I personally prefer the main building for its character and that is where the Restaurant is! But the Townhouse has is benefits and I do like running functions over there - such as Christenings in the Stroma Lounge etc.

5. You are over here from Zimbabwe - that must be quite a change for you! How does working in the UK differ from your work in Zim?

It certainly is a change!I have however worked in the UK before so I found it easier to adapt to that you might imagine! Going back to Zimbabwe for that 1.5 years was quite challenging as I felt very unsettled due to the economic situation. I didn't feel that staying in Zim was right for me.

6. If you could make one change to the hotel so far what would it be?

The hotel itself is beautifully finished and furnished and I don't think it needs to be changed in anyway really. however I would like to change the menus more often so our residents get a better selection of dishes if they are staying for a few nights and a few more veggie options would be great.

7. If you could bring something over from your experience in Zim what would it be?

While working in Zim, Tapas and live music became a huge trend and it was a fantastic atmosphere - maybe in the future we could look at this!

8. Describe your perfect day in Edinburgh

It is rather difficult to describe the perfect day i have had since i moved here but if I had to narrow it down, I would star my morning with a coffee in one of the many coffee shops Edinburgh has to offer - Maybe the Elephant Cafe in town where JK Rowling started Harry Potter! The head out to the Pentlands for a walk and then a braai with friends to finish off the day - maybe lastly a movie at the Dominion Cinema.

Thanks Miguel! Nice to meet you!

The Dunstane - Mother's Day Lunch

The Dunstane - Mothering Sunday Lunch 30th March 2014

What do you have planned for your Mum this weekend? Here at Dunstane we love spoiling your Mums! Bring her along to The Skerries for lunch this Sunday and treat her to a scrumptious three course meal - HALF PRICE! We think our Mums are so special that we will give you a 50% discount on her meal. Choose from our Roast Topside of Orkney Beef, Isle of Aaran Smoked Salmon, Haggis Bon Bons or Pan - Fried Orkney Sea Bass. Book your table now and your Mum will eat with us half price!

MENU

Cream of Parsnip Soup

Isle of Arran Cold Smoked Salmon, Horseradish Cream and Homemade Walnut Bread

Haggis Bon Bons, Pickled Turnip and Sauce Soubise 

Homemade Gnocchi, Watercress Cream 

***

Roast Topside of Orkney Beef, Roast Potatoes, Spring Vegetables and Rosemary Gravy 

Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Creamed Leeks, Shallots and Wild Mushrooms

Corn Fed Chicken Breast, Crushed Peas, Tapenade and Tomato and Herb Dressing

Celeriac and Loch Arthur Cheddar Pithivier with Rocket Salad

***

Dark Chocolate Parfait, White Chocolate Cream and Raspberry Jus

Rhubarb, Ginger and Pear Cheesecake

Selection of Homemade Ice-creams

3 Course £21.95

Book now! Call 0131 3376169

reserve@thedunstane.co.uk

Quote Mother's Day Offer!

*One Mum per table of 4.

The Dunstane Meet the Operations Manager!

The Dunstane – Edinburgh’s Boutique Hotel



Our ‘Behind the Scenes with the Staff’ series kicks off with Meet the Operations Manager – Jamie Trousdale.

So Jamie…..you have been at The Dunstane Hotel for a little over 6 months now…..time for an up close and personal look at you and your role at Edinburgh’s Boutique Hotel!

What is the most challenging part of your week?

I absolutely love getting to know our guests during their stay. I like to find out all about their plans and experiences of Edinburgh’s Tourist attractions! Whether they enjoyed their trip to Edinburgh Castle, whether they bought fudge on the Royal Yacht Britannia and whether they saw the Panda’s at Edinburgh Zoo! Without a doubt, the hardest part is saying goodbye when it is time for them to leave!

What part of your new role as operations manager do you enjoy the most?

I love being able to welcome our guests personally to the hotel, and being back on the frontline helping every individual person. We are strongly guest focused at The Dunstane and it is really important to me to make sure that all of our guests are looked after in the best possible way by our dedicated staff.

What part of Sales & Revenue do you really miss?

There’s just so much to learn about it is a constantly changing and developing market. Edinburgh Hotels especially are really exciting to be involved with. I really miss the Social Media side of the job – I love interacting with our guests on Facebook, Twitter and Google + and I just love keeping them up to date with our daily shenanigans on Pintrest so they can see life at the Dunstane Hotel behind the scenes.

If you could change one thing at the Dunstane what would it be?

A swimming pool would be absolutely fantastic – but I don't think the boss will go for it!! We do have some great links with local spa facilities though so our guests can take advantage of great discounts and special packages.

What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh in your spare time?

I have lived in Edinburgh for almost 5 years and still don't get bored of walking along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The old buildings completely fascinate me and I could do it for hours! There’s so much to see up there – not just Edinburgh Castle (which obviously dominates) but there’s some real hidden gems. Whisky shops, amazing restaurants, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura……too many to name!

What's the strangest thing that's happened to you at Dunstane?

The Dunstane is almost 200 years old. Being alone in this amazing Victorian mansion house at Christmas is one the most terrifying experiences of my life! Many staff believe there are ghosts, I'm not so sure but I was shaking anyway!

What event are you looking forward to the most this year at Dunstane?

Our Easter Family Fun day is going to be amazing! We have organised bouncy castles, face painters, wine tastings – something for everyone really! There’s also a fab Easter Sunday Lunch in Skerries that shouldn’t be missed!

What's your favourite dish on the menu?

I am a simple country boy – so love the new Stane Menu! The steak baguette is to die for with Chef’s home made mayo and the best Orkney beef cuts to set it off – perfection!

Which is your favourite room at The Dunstane Hotel?

All of our luxury rooms are gorgeous. My favourite is actually one of the deluxe doubles. Room 108 sits at the top of the hotel and makes me feel a little like a king! I like that. All the rooms are personally and individually designed so you can never get bored! A whole new experience every time you come and stay with us. If you have a particular favourite room we will always try and make sure you get it!

To book your room at Dunstane call us on 0131 3376169 or email our friendly team – reserve@thedunstane.co.uk

We look forward to meeting you soon!

The Dunstane - Edinburgh City Break

The Dunstane - Edinburgh City Break

Escape to the stunning Dunstane for an amazing Edinburgh City Break

Renowned for their exciting hustle and bustle, array of attractions and immersing culture, city breaks offer a truly enticing escape. Certainly, Edinburgh’s enchanting beauty will make for an exciting escape where you will be able to discover the city’s rich history and tradition. Choose to stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and enjoy a truly fantastic stay at The Dunstane.

Explore dramatic Edinburgh and immerse yourself in a city escape which guests of all ages will enjoy. Indeed, with such an array of sights and exciting destinations awaiting in eager anticipation, choose to discover Edinburgh’s array of thrilling attractions and enjoy a city break in true style. Immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s fantastic shopping or explore the dramatic Edinburgh Castle and discover its array of enticing delights. Indeed, Edinburgh’s array of thrilling sights will ensure a truly excellent city break, catering to your every desire. Edinburgh’s fantastic array of attractions will ensure a truly unforgettable escape!

Following the day’s forays, choose to escape to one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and enjoy a stay of sheer exclusivity. Indeed, The Dunstane will facilitate in ensuring you enjoy a city break in true style. Choose to indulge yourself at our excellent Skerries Restaurant where you will be able to enjoy the finest local ingredients. Escape to our truly relaxing rooms and enjoy a stay of sheer exclusivity, ensuring a retreat to Edinburgh in truly unforgettable style.

With that being said, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to an escape to Edinburgh and discover an array of thrilling attractions for all to enjoy. Stay at one the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and indulge yourself at The Dunstane. Indeed, you will be treated to an array of enticing delights as you discover Edinburgh’s scenic beauty and immersing sights in sheer style! 

For more information contact The Dunstane on 0131 337 6169 and someone from our lovely team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Celebrate Hogmanay at The Dunstane Hotel Edinburgh

Are you ready to welcome in a New Year? At The Dunstane Hotel in Edinburgh, we have a fantastic Hogmanay package. We like to think that our hotel is different to other hotels thanks to our beautiful traditional Christmas tree, festive decorations, cosy atmosphere and cheery staff. You can enjoy your time relaxing at our Stane Bar, the perfect place to sample some of Scotland's fine Malt Whisky or if you are feeling active you can take a leisurely stroll along Princes Street and through the Winter Wonderland. For more Hogmanay celebration, our guests will all enjoy a fabulous Five Course Meal in Skerries Restaurant. Champagne and canapés will be served beforehand in the Stane Bar. Afterwards you may wish to reserve a ticket to the famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party, the fireworks are a must see and the entertainment at the street party will keep you buzzing through the bells and on into 2014! Book your Superior room at the Dunstane City Hotel and get your superior room for only £420.00 per person for our Hogmanay package!!

We spoil you for 3 days with the following:

• Luxury Accommodation 
• 3 Course meal on the 30th 
• 5 Course meal on 31st 
• Breakfast each morning 

Three day stay - from £350 per person. Should you wish to upgrade to a deluxe room, it is £475.00 per person. This includes all meals as stated above within the time frame you are staying with us, with accommodation in a standard double/twin room (based on two people sharing).

If you would like to book this amazing offer please click here  or call our reservations team on 0131 337 6169.