Just 20 minutes outside Glasgow, tucked deep in the serene Scottish landscape, sits Crossbasket Castle — a property that looks like it time-travelled straight out of a Fitzgerald novel. But don’t be fooled by the fairy-tale façade. This isn’t just another heritage stay. Thanks to a slick £20 million upgrade, Crossbasket now marries 17th-century grandeur with a sharp, modern edge — and at the centre of it all is Trocadero’s, a bold new restaurant-bar that’s flipping the script on fine dining in Scotland.
The vibe? Old-money elegance with new-world energy.
Checking In
As you roll up the drive, Crossbasket makes an entrance — all turrets, ivy, and perfectly manicured drama. Inside, it’s a full-blown Art Deco dreamscape. Gleaming brass, velvet everything, and lighting that hits different — it’s Roaring Twenties meets contemporary cool, without slipping into theme-park territory.
The rooms? Luxe without shouting. Velvet headboards, period features, all the tech you need and Penhaligon’s in the bathroom for a side of fragrance flex. This isn’t just a stay, it’s an aesthetic.
Trocadero’s: Where Dinner Becomes a Show
Crossbasket might be the crown, but Trocadero’s is the crown jewel — loud, lavish, and low-key unmissable. Spearheaded by Michel Roux Jr., the Michelin-starred don of refined plates, this new-school supper club is a whole experience.
Food-wise, it’s rich, indulgent, and seriously dialled-in. The sharing beef for two? Charred on the outside, melt-on-the-fork inside — big enough for a scene, tender enough to silence the table. And when the old-school pudding trolley glides over? The tiramisu is non-negotiable. Creamy, boozy, dangerously light — order it or regret it.
But the real twist? It’s not just a restaurant — it’s a show. The live performance setup is next level — easily one of the most advanced in the UK — with a rotation of both upcoming and established artists stepping up. Think Champagne-fuelled jazz nights one week, and neo-soul or ambient house the next. You’re not dining — you’re vibing.
Extras That Go the Extra Mile
Next morning? Bloody Mary station at breakfast. Self-serve. DIY salvation after a night spent living like it’s 1925. Crossbasket knows exactly what it’s doing.
There’s also the Taittinger Champagne Afternoon Tea — no tiered trays, just plated finesse in one of the castle’s jaw-dropping public rooms. Velvet seating, natural light for days, and a lineup of scones, sandwiches and patisserie-level sweets, best enjoyed with a chilled flute in hand. It’s laid-back luxe at its peak.
Final Word
Crossbasket Castle isn’t just a hotel — it’s a mood. It’s what happens when heritage meets ambition, where every inch — from the hand-carved furniture to the after-dark playlist — feels considered. Whether you’re here to decompress or go full Gatsby, it delivers.
Come for the velvet, stay for the tiramisu!
Crossbasket Castle, Stoneymeadow Rd, East Kilbride, Glasgow G72 9UE
Book your stay here: Crossbasketcastle.com
