Returning to Cadzow lands south of Glasgow with a tour group brings home the family story in all of us. Although the Cadzow’s had to give up their land in 1222 for supporting the wrong man, their name carried on to the estate of Hamilton, who were known as the Lairds of Cadzow. They retained the name for their castle in the wood – famous for hosting Mary Queen of Scots. (briefly for a night). The oldest Oak trees in Scotland nearby are named Cadzow Oaks and one of two herds of ancient White Park Cattle – called Cadzow Cattle reside below the imposing William Adam designed Chatelherault. This is the remaining hunting lodge of Hamilton Palace. Cadzow is my maiden name and my fathers family immigrated to Dunedin while others went to Australia, Canada and USA.
Glasgow is endowed with many highlights and I am thrilled to say the food shone through loud and clear on our visit this year. For the first time I chose a hotel in the centre of the city and the very swanky, modern Dakota ticked all the boxes for two nights. Not only with their beautifully appointed rooms and push button showers!!! but the impeccable high standards of service by the hotel staff created an atmosphere of complete relaxation.
The first night dinner was in the hotel and the food surpassed all my expectations . The kitchen provided a stylish menu that was not only creative but a visual feast to the eyes.
The following night 3 taxis dropped my group off at ‘Gannet’. An unpretencious neighbourhood restaurant with great reviews . It’s a big job researching restaurants and hotels, especially when you don’t have a chance to make a prior visit. I use the Daily Telegraph or Guardian Newspaper reviews for help.
The set menu at Gannet was outstanding and the chefs here serve regional, seasonal food with expert flare and deserve the best reviews. It was designed to impress and if this was a lesson in where Scottish food is going, then the food culture in Glasgow is very bright. I will certainly be returning next year.
No visit to Glasgow would be complete without being introduced to Charles Rennie MacIntosh. Along with his wife Margaret they led the Art Nouveu movement in the mid 1800’s from Glasgow and their architectural style and legacy can be seen in places like Hill House, House for an Art Lover and the Glasgow School of Art. (which tragically burnt down just before it was due to open last year after a long renovation)
Equally famous are the Willow tearooms operated and owned by a Miss Granston and decorated by Charles and Margaret . The two original tearooms were the hottest spots in town and today still serve high tea in a ritualistic style. It is surely an experience on the ‘must do’ list to enjoy tea with a 3 tiered cake stand of little goodies surrounded by MacIntosh’s Art Deco interiors.
