TARIFF 2010

GoodH

otelGuide

César Award:

Great Britain ‘Island Hotel of The Year 2009’

The

South West England Tourism Excellence Awards

2010 - 2011 . Silver .Small Hotel of the Year

‘Taste of the West’

Restaurant Winners in the South W

est

Excellence Awards 2013

Summer Diary 2014

STAR.CASTLE.HOTELI S L E S O F S C I L LY

A warm hello from all of us at the Star Castle for summer 2014.

With the main season almost on our doorstep we enclose details

of our summer treats for 2014, the popular activities packages

and details of the autumn, Christmas and New Year breaks.

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

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.

We are expecting the new EGNOS system to deliver significant

reliability improvements as it will allow flights in lower visibility

ceilings. Efforts are continuing to encourage government to

assist in further improvements to the overall transport delivery.

Sophie

Dear Guest

Tom

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.

Wine Weekend

The MermaidOne significant development is that James has taken onthe operation of the iconic Mermaid Inn, in partnershipwith his friend Nick George, who along with his family is avery well known Penwith publican and is an MCC cricketcolleague of James’. The ‘Merm’, as it is affectionatelyknown and as most of you will know, is St Mary’s premierpub and the social fulcrum of the islands.

Traditionally the haunt of pirates and smugglers it is firmly connected to the islands maritime past. Now the destination of choice for sailors and more legitimate boatmen, locals and visitors alike the pub has had a substantial winter makeover including redecorationthroughout, 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’ onGuernsey and is looking to set a new benchmark for gastropub grub on St Mary’s. The new menu is now up and running and we are all really pleased with the standards onoffer.

So you must pop in for a pint on your way back from boating or after dinner to lap up the islands social scene.

Lunches are available if you’re having a day on St Mary’sor come down for dinner if you fancy a more laid backchange to the Castle Haute cuisine. We look forward towelcoming you to the ‘Merm’ in 2014.

B A R & R E S T A U R A N T

T H E

mermaidI N N

Holy Vale WineryWe are now open to our guests and Island visitors at thevineyard 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 showinghis personal selections of best value quality wines fromaround the world. There are tours of the vineyard and winery, with a tasting room and shop. If you are out andabout in the beautiful and tranquil Holy Vale, it is a specialspot with inside and outside seating to enable you toenjoy the location to its full potential.

Featuring special food and wine matching tastings,which gives an extra dimension to the enjoyment ofthese 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 excitingnew project then please contact Robert direct - robertfrancis53@hotmail.co.uk

Holy Vale Vineyard

holyvaleW I N E R Y

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

We are offering free stays for children over the Summerholidays and savings on a host of activities for all thefamily to enjoy, including horse riding and snorkellingwith seals. A family of four can stay from £250 per nightin a spacious garden room, including daily breakfast.

The offer also includes unlimited free golf at the picturesque St Mary’s Golf Course, access to the nearbytennis court, use of the hotel’s indoor heated pool as wellas a family day out island-hopping aboard the Calypso IIwith Tim.

Summer is one of the best times to visit the islands andthe whole family can enjoy staying in the dramatic setting of a real sixteenth century star-shaped castle, thelittle ones can explore the pirate play park. The beachesof St Mary’s are pristine and perfect for little explorers toenjoy rock-pooling and other adventures. It’s also easy to hop across to the nearby car-free islands by boat,keeping an eye out for seals and other wildlife on the way.These Islands are so peaceful and laid back it feels likestepping back in time.

As always we will be offering you the chance to enjoy some

extra special rates during the weeks when we have the

occasional last minute availability throughout July & August,

including the weeks leading up to the school holidays.

We have a selection of garden rooms and castle rooms from

£639pp for four nights, to include dinner, bed and breakfast

with return flights from Lands End. It’s worth remembering

that even in the peak of the season you can still find a

hidden cove to enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic in complete

peace and tranquillity. Please give us a call and we can check

availability for you.

Castle Treats -Spring prices extended to Summer for you to enjoy a last minute getaway

Photography Holiday Monday 15th September

Chris Hall, island resident and professional photographer will

guide you to the best photo hot spots across the islands including

a full day at the world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens. Chris will

concentrate on photographing seascapes, portraits and ancient

ruins. The itinerary will include a selection of full and half day

tours and an evening photo shoot. Chris will hold a seminar and

demonstrate the latest software available to edit your images.

Four nights from £759pp, based on two sharing a double / twin

garden room, dinner, bed and breakfast and flights from Lands End.

Gourmet Wine Weekend Thursday 16th October

Now a firm part of our annual events programme our autumn

Wine Weekend will include wine tasting, the gourmet wine dinner,

a boat trip to Tresco with entrance to the Abbey Gardens and a

walking tour of our newly opened vineyard and exhibition at Holy

Vale. Stay four nights from £669pp based on two sharing a castle

or a garden room. Complimentary upgrades for bookings made

before 1st September.

Autumn Getaway

With the sun sitting lower in the sky, autumn is a tremendous time

of year to visit the Islands and see the changing landscape of

golden colours. Scilly is a haven for bird watching enthusiasts and

those who appreciate the surrounding wildlife. Stay four nights

from 27th September – 1st November for £639pp to include

dinner, bed and breakfast and return flights from Lands End.

Early bird upgrade – book before the 1st September and enjoy a

complimentary upgrade to a castle or garden room with sea view

and veranda.

Winter Storm Watching 15th November – 1st March (excluding Christmas & New Year)

We cannot guarantee this will be as dramatic as it sounds but

can you think of anywhere better to be on a stormy winters

night than curled up in the comfort of a 16th Century castle

listening to the waves hitting the shore and the wind whistling

around the fort? Spend lazy days rambling around the garrison

or enjoy a coastal walk out towards Penninis, sweeping into Old

Town bay, before heading back to enjoy a creamy hot chocolate

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.

Forthcoming Offers and Special Events

. .

£80£80VOUCHER

STAR.CASTLE.HOTEL

. .

£80£80VOUCHER

STAR.CASTLE.HOTEL

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

Terms & Conditions *valid against accommodation only*valid 2015 only*Not redeemable for cash

£80* voucher - treat yourself

Terms & Conditions *valid against accommodation only*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 tohold civil wedding ceremonies in both the Castle DiningRoom and in the Conservatory.

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

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

Christmas comes as a four night package from 23rd December and New Year is four nights from 29th December, with prices for both from £649pp based on two sharing a castle or garden room with garden, dinner, lunch, afternoon tea and bed & breakfast including return flights from Lands End.

It’s such a special time here on Scilly, we would love toshare it with you.

Christmas and New Year at the Castle

Enchanting, peaceful and traditional is the best way todescribe Christmas and New Year at the Castle.

The setting is, of course, delightful, as is the festive fayre served throughout your stay. Delicious lunches,sumptuous dinners served with the finest wines, all prepared and served without you having to lift a finger.

Take a boat trip over to Tresco, join in the Christmas quiz,wake up to a surprise from Santa on Christmas morning,

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

Pedn-y-keOur family home in Mullion, Cornwall 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)