The Crieff Hydro Hotel – project completed. Thomas Johnstone Ltd delivered a successful £5M dining refurbishment. The hotel’s dining spaces have been transformed into some of Scotland’s most exciting destinations. This marks a significant achievement in Crieff Hydro Hotel’s long history. As the principal contractor, TJL played a pivotal role in creating six distinct bar and restaurant venues catering to both loyal and new guests.

The sixth generation of the Leckie family drove this extensive overhaul. It has elevated Crieff Hydro to one of Scotland’s premier food and drink destinations. Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro, and his son Charlie Leckie, Associate Director, led the project.

Collaborating with Denholm Partnership Architects and 3 Design, TJL oversaw the complete fit-out of the entire project. Our team contributed invaluable expertise in ensuring the seamless integration of modern design elements with the hotel’s rich history.

Redefining Crieff Hydro’s Dining Experience

The newly reimagined dining spaces now include EAST, a vibrant Asian-inspired restaurant offering aromatic small plates. The Ballroom Bar, a stylish, relaxed venue with a bespoke oak-stained gantry and unique features crafted at TJL’s in-house manufactured joinery facility. In addition, it includes The Winter Garden, a Victorian glasshouse space reimagined for all-day dining. Finally, the Loggia provides a panoramic brunch destination with sweeping views over Strathearn Valley.

TJL’s work was critical to creating intimate and inviting spaces, with each venue maintaining its distinct personality and atmosphere. Central to this transformation is The Ballroom Bar, now the focal point of the entire floor. Formerly the original ballroom—with no bar at all—the space has been completely reimagined. It now has a striking central bar that the TJL Manufactured Joinery division crafted in-house. Moreover, the refurbishment also included the removal of the old skylight, installation of new flooring and wall finishes, and a full programme of painting and decorating.  We also carefully restored the grand original double doors leading into the Wintergarden. In addition, the room now accommodates more seating and banquet capacity.

A Lasting Legacy of Scottish Heritage and Modern Design

Throughout the new dining areas, elements of Crieff Hydro’s rich history were incorporated. These include artwork by Scottish artists and curios from the hotel’s archives, ensuring the spaces blend modern dining trends with a deep respect for tradition.

As the principal contractor, TJL delivered bespoke joinery, flooring, lighting, and bespoke cabinetry. The team’s precision craftsmanship helped create elegant, timeless spaces that reflect the vision of Crieff Hydro’s owners.

What the Client Had to Say

Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said:
“This is our single biggest project in decades and opens another significant chapter in Crieff Hydro’s 157-year history. For us, investment large and small, is always about creating something better for our guests and for our team here. This is no exception, but the scale of the transformation I believe will really put us on the map for food and drink in Scotland.”

Charlie Leckie, Associate Director, added:
“My brother Richard and I were very aware that refurbishing the restaurants and bars was a chance to bring them right up to date for our own generation.  Like many of our guests, we enjoy the variety of interesting places to eat and drink around Scotland or further afield. So, we’ve tried to take the best of all that but deliver it in a way that is uniquely Crieff Hydro and fits in with all the history and tradition we’re both so proud of.”

Crieff Hydro Hotel Completion

We’re thrilled to see the Crieff Hydro Hotel – project completed. The hotel now stands as a top dining destination in Scotland. As a result, the new spaces will attract both new guests and long-time visitors. This will ensure that Crieff Hydro remains a key part of Scotland’s hospitality landscape for years to come.

At Thomas Johnstone Ltd, we are proud to have been a key part of this landmark project, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and expertise throughout. This project showcases our ability to blend modern design with traditional heritage, creating spaces that will offer memorable experiences for generations to come.