Scottish Romantic Hotel of Year 2005 for that honeymoon romance or romantic weekend break in the Highlands of Scotland

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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

Library Drawing Room

Billiard Whisky Room

Henry Bacon Room

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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 décor, 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."

Pool House Chefs

North by North West Dining Room

North by North West Dinner

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.

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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.

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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."

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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.greenstop.net.
www.green-business.co.uk
www.greentourism.org.uk
www.doingyourbit.org.uk

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BCE Award presented by The RT Hon Margaret Beckett MP

Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award

	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 brand new hotel guide that features 41 of the most stylish places to stay in the UK and Ireland. Mr & Mrs Smith narrowed down their selection from 1000 hotels and personally visited 150 before making their final decision. Described as 'Informed, witty and original' by Lucy Yeomans, Editor, Harpers & Queen and 'There is simply no other guide book like it' by Tiffanie Darke, Editor, The Sunday Times Style, Mr & Mrs Smith looks set to become the new hotel guide bible when you are looking for a stylish place to stay. Mr & Mrs Smith will be available in book shops nationwide or you can buy a copy or get further information by visiting their website
	www.mrandmrssmith.com
	We were fortunate enough to have been paid a visit by the proprietors of the lovely Leaside Manor in Newfoundland. This wonderful heritage inn offers exceptional accommodation in a magnificent location. Both Leaside and Pool House have close links with RMS Titanic - we, as relations of the captain and Leaside, being located nearest to where the vessel was lost.
	www.leaside.nf.ca
	For an advance preview of the magnificent scenery that this region has to offer, a visit to www.gordon-c-harrison.co.uk offers some of the most exceptional local landscape photography.
	www.gordon-c-harrison.co.uk
	We strongly recommended that you pay a visit to the following site, which is the definitive guide to this beautiful region. This will be invaluable in planning your itinerary to incorporate a wide variety of activities and places of interest within easy travelling distance of the hotel.
	www.highlandwelcome.co.uk
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Pool House, Highland, Poolewe, Ross-shire, Scotland. IV22 2LD
Tel: 01445 781272 Fax: 01445 781403

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