GoodThe HotelGuide César Award: Great Britain ‘Island Hotel of The Year 2009’ South West England Tourism Excellence Awards 2010 - 2011 . Silver . Small Hotel of the Year ‘Taste of the West’ Restaurant Winners in the South West Excellence Awards 2013 OTEL . H ISLES OF SCILLY ASTLE . C STAR 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 Scillonian 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. Holy Vale 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 Tresco Abbey Gardens. 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.