Paul Tyrell sets out to transform five-star hotel into world-class foodie destination.
Fonab Castle has appointed a new Executive Chef to take the reins of the award-winning restaurant and bistro - and it’s a familiar face who knows the hotel and grounds inside out.
Paul Tyrrell, who was most recently Chef de Cuisine at Trump Turnberry, has returned to the Pitlochry hotel, where he’ll be leading both the three AA Rosette awarded Sandeman’s Restaurant and the 1892 on the Loch Bistro.
Paul rejoins the team at Fonab Castle with a wealth of experience, having worked at Trump Turnberry Hotel & Resort since 2023, and previously Head Chef at other prominent Scottish hotels such as Cairn Lodge Hotel and The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart.
He is well acquainted with Fonab Castle and its kitchen which is impressively housed within the ground floor of the castle’s tower, with spectacular views of the loch. Paul started at the hotel as a Senior Sous Chef in 2016, progressing to the role of Head Chef, two years later.
Fonab Castle’s new Executive Chef has many personal connections to the five-star hotel as his wife also previously worked in the hotel and his son was born during his tenure. He said: “It is a pleasure to be back at Fonab Castle, when the exciting opportunity arose, I quickly grabbed it with both hands as the hotel itself means so much to me and my family.
“My aim as Executive Chef is to transform this incredible hotel into a foodie haven for our hotel guests and those visiting the local area and turn this into one of the best culinary offerings in the country, building on the great standard already set here.
“Perthshire is the heartland of Scotland with stunning woodland, local farms and wild rivers so we are lucky to have so many locally sourced ingredients on our doorstep.
“I’m also looking forward to getting to know everyone and developing this team, helping individuals progress just like I did many years ago.”
Last year, the hotel also welcomed a new general manager, Joanna Whysall, a Crerar Hotels stalwart who has been with the company since 2012, who was previously at the helm of Balmoral Arms who lead the relaunch amid a significant investment of the inn, formerly known as The Deeside Inn.
Joanna Whysall, General Manager at Fonab Castle, said: “We are elated to welcome Paul back to the Fonab Castle kitchen to completely refresh our F&B offering and elevate it to something the area really hasn’t seen before.
“At Fonab Castle, we are proud to feature not one, but two, incredible restaurants including the three rosette fine dining restaurant, Sandeman’s, and with Paul now at the helm, we are excited to revitalise what’s on offer.
“Paul very much lives and breathes Scottish produce, similar to our current ethos, ensuring as much of the menu as possible comes from local suppliers in and around Pitlochry and beyond. I am excited to see the changes he will implement and look forward to working closely with him.”
Nestled in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Fonab Castle is a unique five-star hotel which takes inspiration from its historic past as well as its breathtaking surroundings.
For more information on Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, please visit https://www.crerarhotels.com/fonabcastle.
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