Boath House in Auldearn reopens - with community spirit in mind
A popular Nairnshire venue has reopened its doors - with the new management team planning to turn it into a welcoming space for the whole community.
Renowned hotel and restaurant Boath House, in Auldearn, was taken over by Cabin Studio in 2022, before the company abruptly announced the closure of the business in January as it went into liquidation.
At the end of February, however, social media pages for the venue were reactivated as it was announced a new team was working on reopening including the property’s new owners, Steven and Lorna Mayne.
In a matter of weeks the building and gardens were prepared for a reopening that included a crafts and farmers market held on Saturday which attracted visitors from far and wide.
New general manager Chris Lewis, whose company previously supplied the kitchen at Boath House, said it was overwhelming to see the support behind their plans.
“When the news (of the closure) came out it was a shock to everyone,” he said.
“When Steve decided to buy this property, he wanted to build a family legacy. That's where our drive to make this family and community-driven came from.
“He took a company in to hold it and run it (peviously). It just didn't work out – it happens all the time. But this time he wanted to be more involved, so he's part of the management team.”
In a real drive to open the venture out to the local community the popular garden cafe is reopening while a new farm shop selling local produce is also being introduced.
The reopening of the hotel as a luxury destination and a fine dining restaurant are set to come in the near future – with the team adding that they are trying to honour as many of the previously arranged wedding bookings as they can after a number were cancelled under the previous management.
A very busy open day on Saturday saw the team get off to a great start anyway, with visitors having the opportunity to enjoy the splendid interiors of the stunning Georgian-style building and taste the new food offering for the first time.
Mr Lewis said: “We are a completely new company, but we felt there was a cloud, so as a management company we decided that we wanted people to know as quickly as possible that we intended this to be reborn as a place for everyone, and meet them, and to let them see what is all about.”
The new team also includes James Kevan and Melissa O’ Neill, who will look after marketing, as well as head chef Iain Nicholson and sous-chef Vivien Oravecz.
Apart from being involved as a supplier in the business before, Mr Lewis has a very personal connection to the venue - it is where he got married to his wife Lois, who is now the new assistant general manager.
He said he is delighted with having the opportunity to work at the venue.
“I pinch myself every day,” he said. “I drive in in the morning with a big smile on my face because it's just such a beautiful place.
“The feeling you get from being here and sitting in the gardens is just one of peace, and I think that's why we want it opened up for everyone, because it's just such a beautiful place to spend your time.”
