www.lux-review.com Page 19 LUX 2022 Travel & Tourism Awards Cosy and comfortable are two adjectives that describe the accommodation provided by the restaurant and B&B, The Cross. From the delicious, aromatic food to the excellent customer service, it should come as no surprise that The Cross at Kingussie has become a secret escape in the Scottish Highlands. Indeed, recently taken over by Joe and Sarah Jouhal, the establishment is set to have a successful future ahead. The Cross at Kingussie Best Riverside Restaurant & B&B – Scottish Highlands Dec21003 Named ‘The Cross’ after the traditional name of the crossroads in the centre of Kingussie, the ‘restaurant with rooms’ has a rich and extensive history. Located on the site of what was once a Tweed Mill powered by the Burn in the late 1800s, The Cross is nestled amongst tranquil woodland. The babbling Burn provides a soothing soundtrack, punctuated only by birdsong and the chatter of red squirrels. Purchased in October 2021 by Joe and Sarah Jouhal, The Cross has fallen into expert hands. Indeed, Joe worked in Leeds as a chef in a Greek restaurant, and Sarah studied Hotel Management at the Institut Vatel in Bordeaux. Together the couple has spent over 35 years exploring the world, travelling to locations such as San Francisco and France, experiences which have shaped and inspired their venture into the world of hotel and restaurant management. Ambitious and passionate, the team hopes to infuse the establishment with a warm and convivial atmosphere, breathing a new lease of life into the magnificent location. The Cross believes that its team of dedicated staff is integral to the overall experience, and that they should be skilled, courteous, and attentive. Moreover, the recruitment policy is focussed on hiring locally and encompasses training, both in house and by distance learning, to ensure that the level of qualification appropriate to the role is attained. The Cross has opted to take this route as it wants people to understand and appreciate that the hospitality industry can be fun, rewarding and intellectually challenging. It offers a fair wage, good benefits, and the opportunity for staff to meet people from around the globe. Making your stay all the more special, The Cross is home to an extensive menu which is prepared by the Head Chef, David Skiggs, and his team. Regularly rotating, the menu is designed around Scotland’s seasonal produce, ensuring that each dish boasts mouth-watering flavours and is as fresh as possible. Dinner consists of a three-course meal, with several delectable choices for each course, and special dietary requirements can always be catered for, when booked in advance. The Cross also offers a Signature Tasting Menu with the option of wines, carefully chosen to match each course. The Cross has eight warm and homely rooms to choose from, each furnished with contemporary décor and gentle colours. They feature a flat screen TV with a built in DVD player, Scottish mineral water, and hospitality trays, and many overlook the Burn. In addition, all the rooms come equipped with an en-suite, with most now benefitting from a spacious walk-in shower. Two comfortable lounges are available, providing a perfect space for relaxation. Boasting a 4.5 rating across 150 reviews on TripAdvisor, it is abundantly clear that The Cross is popular with its guests. One guest described the establishment as a “hidden gem,” adding that people should “Put The Cross on your list of ‘must visit’ places especially if you are a foodie.” Additionally, in another five-star review, a guest proclaimed, “Very cosy and yet epicurean. Look forward to revisiting.” As such reviews state, The Cross, from the food to the customer service, supplies a premium experience at an affordable cost. Over the past few months, The Cross has been in the process of overhauling its kitchen and technical systems, which will optimise processes and enable the staff to be even more client focussed. Going forward, The Cross is setting its sights on the long term. Exploring self-sufficient energy processes, it is considering the addition of solar panels, heat pumps and possibly hydro generation, alongside charging points for electric vehicles. The future looks promising for The Cross at Kingussie, take the opportunity to visit when you are next in the Cairngorms. Contact: Joe Jouhal Company: The Cross at Kingussie Web Address: https://thecross.co.uk/
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