A dramatic and fun-filled evening was enjoyed by many (including me!) last week at the invitation-only ‘Traitors’ inspired themed night hosted at the stunning Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. The 17th century historic building makes a perfect setting for such an evening.
The frosty night air and softly lit winding driveway to the House created a mystical pre-empt to the surreptitious evening that loomed ahead.
A kilted friendly doorman welcomed me and showed me inside the grand entrance. The warmth of the house, atmospheric lighting, ornate décor, along with the chatter from other guests and diners immediately created an inviting ambience. The night was already off to a great start.
Hooded ‘Traitor’ style waiters and waitresses, each armed with a silver tray of fizz-filled champagne flutes, awaited our arrival upstairs in the Tapestry Room. This room was created by the craftsmen who worked on the Palace of Holyroodhouse back in 1687 and epitomises the grandeur and drama of Baroque style. A roaring log fire is befriended by a collection of antiques, ancestral portraits, ornate furniture and (as the room name suggests) Mortlake tapestries, which were originally designed to produce lighter, albeit more expensive, decoration for rooms than the previously favoured Elizabethan wood panelling. This exceptionality is a theme that runs throughout the entirety of Prestonfield House.
As guests mingled, champagne flowed and the delicious canapes savoured, the relaxed mood was abruptly interrupted by a dramatic entrance of three more hooded characters. Dahdahdah…..The ‘MacTraitors’ had arrived.
A performance ensued and the story of the MacTraitor Clan unfolded, with a twist of course, the Chief had been murdered! But which of the three remaining MacTraitor’s did it? Why and how?? It was up to us to find out. Meanwhile ,some of the guests had been given the famous Claudia shoulder tap and been assigned the role of a traitor for the evening.
As suspicions and ‘whodunnit’ theories bubbled away, we were invited to take our seats in Rhubarb Restaurant, where dinner was served. Rhubarb Restaurant is a fine dining destination restaurant known not only for its outstanding culinary offering but also for its enchanting and romantic setting. Walking into the dining room, I felt like I was in the magical dining room from Beauty and the Beast. Every tiny little detail sparked with finesse and grace – it was as if the care and consideration put into creating this special place had breathed life into it.
I found my seat with a place card and personalised menu. The bespoke candlewax stamp on the menu and etchings on the saucers are other finishing touches that demonstrate the level of detail that is given to the Prestonfield House experience.
Dinner comprised a three-course meal, with each course selected by owner, James Thomson O.B.E DL, who informed me they are three of his personal favourites. I can see why. They were all exquisite; beautifully presented, with a combination of distinct and perfectly nurtured flavours that left a welcomed impression on the palate, the premium quality of the ingredients really shone through and portions were bountiful too.
Throughout dinner those guests who were shoulder tapped and recruited as ‘Traitors’ were also asked to say a line or two from Traitors Series 1 without it being detected by the ‘Faithfuls’. We also had the opportunity to question each of the MacTraitors as they moved around the table with each course. It was fun and surprisingly thought-provoking too, I really embraced the role of investigator!
As dinner drew to a close, with suspicions peaking, guests were asked to commit to their final verdicts on the ‘who, why and how’ murder case and point out those they thought were the Traitors amongst the group. The suspense was intense!!
I’m not giving away the answer, however, I’m delighted to say my partner and I solved the crime! It wasn’t easy, but we did it and did so having lots of fun.
More drinks flowed, but sadly in true Cinderella style, I had to leave the fairytale-esque Prestonfield House before the party ended.
The evening was designed by The PC Agency and Maximillion Events to showcase Prestonfield House in all its glory and that it did. It was such a fun evening in a truly special place. If you’re visiting Edinburgh, I highly recommend staying at Prestonfield House, not as a MacTraitor, but for a relaxing and romantic escape.
Prestonfield House
Set within 20 acres of gardens and located next to the stunning Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield House is one of Edinburgh’s most exclusive 5-star hotels. Comprising 18 luxurious bedrooms and five romantic suites all of which are individually decorated with unique antique furniture and feature beds. Each of the hotel’s public rooms also boast individual character with an opulent and baroque-inspired design, expertly curated by owner, James Thomson OBE DL, one of Scotland’s most respected independent restaurateurs and hoteliers. Prestonfield House is also home to the exceptional Rhubarb Restaurant, a romantic and elegant fine-dining restaurant.
Read our hotel review of Prestonfield House
