
MEET THE TEAM
Ewan Grant
General Manager
23 May 2025
From mixing cocktails in Edinburgh’s West End to leading some of the UK’s most celebrated restaurants and hotels, Ewan’s hospitality journey has taken him across the world and back home again. Now, as General Manager of Gleneagles Townhouse, he’s bringing his passion for people, places, and unforgettable experiences to our city sanctuary. We caught up with him to learn more.
Talk us through your career journey and how you ended up at Gleneagles Townhouse.
My first job was in the bar and lounge at the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End. Right away, I loved the buzz – meeting people from all over the world and learning to mix cocktails to suit our American guests’ tastes. Throughout university, I worked in various hotels, mostly behind the bar, before using those skills to fund my travels across Canada, New Zealand, South America and Australia after completing my finance degree.
When it was time to settle into a career, I was fortunate to join the opening team of Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry as a Trainee Manager – a new venture at the time. That’s where I realised hospitality was where I belonged, working my way up to Operations Manager. From there, I gained valuable experience in various leadership roles before becoming Food & Beverage Director at Cameron House, further cementing my passion for the industry.
Prior to joining Gleneagles Townhouse, I spent six years in the Cotswolds, first as General Manager of The Wild Rabbit, then leading the development and opening of three boutique gastropubs and more than 30 luxury holiday cottages. When the opportunity arose to return home to Edinburgh and join the Townhouse, it was simply too good to pass up.
Describe your job in three words.
Stimulating, varied and fun!
What’s the first thing you do when you walk through the doors each morning?
Make a beeline for the coffee machine, with a few “hellos” along the way! Then, I’ll catch up on the latest before the morning meeting.
What’s one thing guests would be surprised to learn about running a hotel and members’ club?
Probably that you never know who’s in the room! Some of the most inspiring conversations and unexpected connections come from the most understated guests – whether I’ve served them or simply stopped for a chat. Those brief exchanges often teach us more than anything else in the day.
If you could swap roles with anyone on the team for a day, who would it be and why?
Our Restaurant Manager, Robyn. I always loved running restaurants.


Favourite spot in the hotel that everyone should know about?
Definitely Lamplighters, our rooftop bar. It gives such a lovely perspective of the city, reaching out to the Forth. The team up there make some incredible cocktails too!
What’s your go-to order at The Spence?
I love the beef tartare and our seafood selection. If I’m splurging, Chateaubriand and a nice Bordeaux.
If you had to sum up the hotel’s vibe in a cocktail, what would it be?
Spicy margarita. A timeless classic with an unexpected twist.
What’s the most memorable guest moment you’ve had?
Honestly, there are too many to count! But receiving a handwritten note of thanks is always really special. It’s even better when a guest highlights a team member’s hospitality – it’s a pleasure to share that feedback and celebrate their efforts.
What’s one word that describes the team?
Genuine.
What’s your top tip for making the most of a stay at Gleneagles Townhouse?
Experience the Townhouse like a true member by exploring every floor. Kick things off with a workout or a cryotherapy session in The Strong Rooms, then make your way up through the levels, ending with a nightcap at Lamplighters. And if you’re looking for something extra special, our team can arrange bespoke experiences around the city – after all, Edinburgh is our Playground.