South West Tourism Excellence Awards GoodThe Great Britain ‘Island Hotel of The Year 2009’ 2010 - 2011 Restaurant Winners in the SouthHotel West César Award: . ‘Taste ofSilver the West’ Guide Excellence Awards. 2013 Small Hotel of the Year STAR. CASTLE.HOTEL

TARIFF 2010 Summer Diary 2014 Dear Guest

A warm hello from all of us at the Star Castle for summer 2014. We are expecting the new EGNOS system to deliver significant With the main season almost on our doorstep we enclose details reliability improvements as it will allow flights in lower visibility of our summer treats for 2014, the popular activities packages ceilings. Efforts are continuing to encourage government to and details of the autumn, Christmas and New Year breaks. assist in further improvements to the overall transport delivery.

After finally enjoying a proper summer in 2013, we are delighted to see that the long range forecast for 2014 is predicting much of the same. Scillies survived the winter storms but did not escape them and the optimists among us feel that we have seen enough bad weather for one year, at least we have suf- fered it at the right time and predictions suggest we will see a re- turn to more defined seasons. Certainly the spring, so far, has been quite encouraging with a wonderful late April and early May, including the World Gig Championship, which again concluded without a hitch and in glorious conditions. The event was bigger again and cemented its place as the premier event in the Scillonian calendar.

James has now concluded his first year as a local councillor and is very involved in the transport committee and the public realm. There has been a lot of progress on the transport front with Lagan Tom Construction currently encamped on Scilly to deliver the full resurfacing of the East West runway at St Mary’s airport. At the same time they are undertaking significant resurfacing of St Mary’s roads, a long overdue tidy up! The only bad news is that we have had to postpone the hardening of Lands End runways to the coming Autumn as a result of the winter weather and some contractor related difficulties, but this should not affect our visitors during the summer as it didn’t last year. Crucially it is needed for the wet winter conditions.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company are settling in to their role as our, currently sole, transport provider and delivered a relatively seamless summer in 2013. They are continuing to put a huge effort into improving their service, reliability and facilities. Sophie Wine Weekend

At the hotel we have again completed another winter refurbishment schedule, with one of the most significant improvements being our new look reception area. We are very pleased with the result and it allows the staff to be a more welcoming presence on arrival and more available during your visit. The winery project is nearing completion and will be open for visitors this summer, more on that later! Billy Littlejohn, who has been with us at the Castle for over ten years, has taken over as Head Chef and is fully committed to continue developing the menu making the most of seasonal offerings available throughout the Islands.

On the family front everyone is well with Sophie rapidly approaching starting full time school and Tom nursery. They continue to be a constant source of amusement. Robert has taken up his new role as a director of the Island Business Partnership, which is responsible for destination marketing, transport issues and the general delivery of our destination product. Don’t worry he still has time for fishing and wine!

We hope this newsletter finds you well and we look forward to welcoming you in 2014.

Best Wishes, The Francis Family. The Mermaid THE One significant development is that James has taken on the operation of the iconic Mermaid Inn, in partnership mermaINN id with his friend Nick George, who along with his family is a very well known Penwith publican and is an MCC cricket colleague of James’. The ‘Merm’, as it is affectionately known and as most of you will know, is St Mary’s premier BAR & RESTAURANT pub and the social fulcrum of the islands.

Traditionally the haunt of pirates and smugglers it is Lunches are available if you’re having a day on St Mary’s firmly connected to the islands maritime past. Now the or come down for dinner if you fancy a more laid back destination of choice for sailors and more legitimate change to the Castle Haute cuisine. We look forward to boatmen, locals and visitors alike the pub has had a welcoming you to the ‘Merm’ in 2014. substantial winter makeover including redecoration throughout, renewed internal flooring, new toilet facilities, new signage and external refurbishment and a new kitchen.

New head chef Chris is known to James from his endeavours at the well renowned ‘Christies Bistro’ on Guernsey and is looking to set a new benchmark for gastro pub grub on St Mary’s. The new menu is now up and running and we are all really pleased with the standards on offer.

So you must pop in for a pint on your way back from boating or after dinner to lap up the islands social scene. Winery We are now open to our guests and Island visitors at the vineyard and winery at Holy Vale.

Although we are not yet able to offer our own wine, we are hopeful of a good harvest this year, Robert is showing his personal selections of best value quality wines from around the world. There are tours of the vineyard and holy vale winery, with a tasting room and shop. If you are out and WINERY about in the beautiful and tranquil Holy Vale, it is a special spot with inside and outside seating to enable you to enjoy the location to its full potential.

Featuring special food and wine matching tastings, which gives an extra dimension to the enjoyment of these special wines.

The winery is open from midday until 4.30pm daily. The wine selections are available to purchase at the winery or can be delivered to your home or business. Robert is looking forward to welcoming you personally to the vineyard very soon.

If you would like to find out more about this exciting new project then please contact Robert direct - [email protected]

Holy Vale Vineyard Kids stay FREE on summer breaks to the idyllic Isles of Scilly

We are offering free stays for children over the Summer Summer is one of the best times to visit the islands and holidays and savings on a host of activities for all the the whole family can enjoy staying in the dramatic family to enjoy, including horse riding and snorkelling setting of a real sixteenth century star-shaped castle, the with seals. A family of four can stay from £250 per night little ones can explore the pirate play park. The beaches in a spacious garden room, including daily breakfast. of St Mary’s are pristine and perfect for little explorers to enjoy rock-pooling and other adventures. It’s also easy The offer also includes unlimited free golf at the to hop across to the nearby car-free islands by boat, picturesque St Mary’s Golf Course, access to the nearby keeping an eye out for seals and other wildlife on the way. tennis court, use of the hotel’s indoor heated pool as well These Islands are so peaceful and laid back it feels like as a family day out island-hopping aboard the Calypso II stepping back in time. with Tim. Castle Treats -Spring prices extended to Summer for you to enjoy a last minute getaway

As always we will be offering you the chance to enjoy some with return flights from Lands End. It’s worth remembering extra special rates during the weeks when we have the that even in the peak of the season you can still find a occasional last minute availability throughout July & August, hidden cove to enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic in complete including the weeks leading up to the school holidays. peace and tranquillity. Please give us a call and we can check We have a selection of garden rooms and castle rooms from availability for you. £639pp for four nights, to include dinner, bed and breakfast Forthcoming Offers and Special Events Photography Holiday Autumn Getaway Monday 15th September With the sun sitting lower in the sky, autumn is a tremendous time Chris Hall, island resident and professional photographer will of year to visit the Islands and see the changing landscape of guide you to the best photo hot spots across the islands including golden colours. Scilly is a haven for bird watching enthusiasts and a full day at the world famous . Chris will those who appreciate the surrounding wildlife. Stay four nights concentrate on photographing seascapes, portraits and ancient from 27th September – 1st November for £639pp to include ruins. The itinerary will include a selection of full and half day dinner, bed and breakfast and return flights from Lands End. tours and an evening photo shoot. Chris will hold a seminar and Early bird upgrade – book before the 1st September and enjoy a demonstrate the latest software available to edit your images. complimentary upgrade to a castle or garden room with sea view Four nights from £759pp, based on two sharing a double / twin and veranda. garden room, dinner, bed and breakfast and flights from Lands End.

Winter Storm Watching Gourmet Wine Weekend 15th November – 1st March (excluding Christmas & New Year) Thursday 16th October We cannot guarantee this will be as dramatic as it sounds but Now a firm part of our annual events programme our autumn can you think of anywhere better to be on a stormy winters Wine Weekend will include wine tasting, the gourmet wine dinner, night than curled up in the comfort of a 16th Century castle a boat trip to Tresco with entrance to the Abbey Gardens and a listening to the waves hitting the shore and the wind whistling walking tour of our newly opened vineyard and exhibition at Holy around the fort? Spend lazy days rambling around the garrison Vale. Stay four nights from £669pp based on two sharing a castle or enjoy a coastal walk out towards Penninis, sweeping into Old or a garden room. Complimentary upgrades for bookings made Town bay, before heading back to enjoy a creamy hot chocolate before 1st September. in the cosy castle lounge. Enjoy bed and breakfast in a Castle or Garden room with sea view and veranda from £65 per person, per night. Our guests are invited to dine in the Mermaid pub a short 5 minute stroll of the hotel, where you will receive a 10% discount on all meals. & £80* voucher - treat yourself £80£80 VOUCHER

Terms & Conditions . STA R . CASTLE.HOTEL . *valid against accommodation only *valid 2015 only *Not redeemable for cash

& £80* voucher - one to pass on to a friend. £80£80 VOUCHER

Terms & Conditions . . . . *valid against accommodation only STA R CASTLE HOTEL *valid 2015 only *Not redeemable for cash

& Weddings at the Castle

A romantic fairytale location perfect for your special day… Specialising in intimate weddings the Castle is licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies in both the Castle Dining Room and in the Conservatory.

To find our more visit the weddings section of our website or call Zoe to discuss available dates for 2015.

Christmas and New Year gasp at the fireworks over the Garrison on New Year’s Eve – and leave all the pressures and stresses of an at the Castle increasingly commercial festive season far behind you.

Enchanting, peaceful and traditional is the best way to Christmas comes as a four night package from describe Christmas and New Year at the Castle. 23rd December and New Year is four nights from 29th December, with prices for both from £649pp The setting is, of course, delightful, as is the festive based on two sharing a castle or garden room with fayre served throughout your stay. Delicious lunches, garden, dinner, lunch, afternoon tea and bed & breakfast sumptuous dinners served with the finest wines, all including return flights from Lands End. prepared and served without you having to lift a finger. It’s such a special time here on Scilly, we would love to Take a boat trip over to Tresco, join in the Christmas quiz, share it with you. wake up to a surprise from Santa on Christmas morning, Pedn-y-ke Our family home in Mullion, is now available for holiday bookings.

'Pedn-y-ke' is situated in a stunning location overlooking Mounts Bay on the Lizard Peninsula. Please call for more information.

Contact Theresa Francis on 01720 422387 (10.00-18.00 daily) or 07792492633 (mobile)

Star Castle Hotel, St. Mary’s Isles of Scilly TR21 0JA Telephone 01720 422317 / 423342 . Facsimile 01720 422343 E-Mail [email protected] . www.star-castle.co.uk