Gleneagles Hotel: Royal Encounters and Starry Surprises
Rachael, our Partnerships Manager, kicked off her hospitality career in the '80s at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. Dive in to discover some of the fascinating people she encountered along the way at this world-class destination.
HRH Prince Charles (HRH King Charles): A Royal Visit to Remember
Prince Charles graced Gleneagles with his presence, and the entire staff was on high alert. He was every bit the gentleman, with impeccable manners and a warm smile for everyone. The pressure was on to ensure everything was perfect—and somehow, we managed to pull it off without any royal mishaps!"
Golfing Legends: The Fairway to Friendship
Gleneagles was a haven for golf legends like Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, Bernhard Langer, and Tom Watson. These pros were as down-to-earth as they come, often mingling with the staff and sharing stories from the green. I even had the chance to watch them play a round or two—though my own golf skills left much to be desired! (I may have been known to sledge on the fairways in the winter at night)
Jancis Robinson: The Wine Guru and Her Pint-Sized Protégé
Jancis Robinson, the renowned wine guru, was a frequent guest at Gleneagles. One evening, while she hosted a wine tasting, I found myself babysitting her baby. While the other guests were busy swirling and sipping, I was equally busy keeping her little one entertained. Who knows, maybe I was nurturing the next great wine critic!
The Scottish Football Team: A Rookie’s Interrupted Big Moment
As a massive Liverpool fan, serving a table full of Scottish football legends, half of whom played for Liverpool, was like a dream come true. I had only been at Gleneagles for a week, and this was my chance to impress both the players and my colleagues. Just as I nervously approached the table, ready to deliver service worthy of Anfield itself, I was pulled away—to show the newest team member where to get her uniform. The irony? I was barely more than a newbie myself! While my heroes waited, I was on a uniform tour, leaving my chance to serve the legends of Liverpool as a ‘what could have been’ moment. I guess that was my own personal version of extra time… without the winning goal.
The Goodies: Comedy Legends and an Unexpected Laughter Break
One of my most surreal encounters at Gleneagles Hotel was with the legendary comedy trio, The Goodies. As a fan of their offbeat humour, I was thrilled when I got the chance to serve them. But it didn’t take long before I found myself caught in the middle of one of their impromptu comedy routines. There I was, trying to maintain my professional demeanour while they bantered back and forth, turning dinner service into a sketch worthy of their show. Let’s just say, I left that room with a tray full of empty cups and a heart full of laughter!
Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips: Royalty in the Saddle
Gleneagles has always had a reputation for attracting the crème de la crème, but when Princess Anne and her then-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, arrived to open the hotel’s new equestrian centre, it was a truly regal occasion. As an avid horse lover, Princess Anne was in her element, and Captain Mark Phillips, ever the gentleman, charmed everyone with his easy-going nature. I was tasked with making sure everything ran smoothly for the event, and despite the pressure, it was one of the most memorable days of my career. Watching them cut the ribbon, I realised that even in the presence of royalty, the horses were the real stars of the show!
Sir Jackie Stewart: Precision, Power, and Clay Pigeons
When Sir Jackie Stewart, the legendary Formula 1 driver, visited Gleneagles to open the clay pigeon shooting range, the hotel buzzed with excitement. Known for his precision on the track, Sir Jackie brought that same focus to the shooting range. As he took the first shot, everyone held their breath—needless to say, he hit the target with the same accuracy that earned him three world championships. I was fortunate enough to assist during the event, and his warmth and humour made the day even more special. It’s not every day you get to witness a legend in action, both on and off the track!
Ready for more star-studded tales? In "From Red Carpets to Room Service: My Star-Studded Encounters" Part Two, Rachael Newberry spills the beans on her dazzling encounters with Hollywood icons, royalty, and more. Discover the story behind Richard Gere's autograph, Madonna's diva moments, and a shower dilemma with Luciano Pavarotti. Plus, hear about Sir David Frost’s generous wine gifts, Art Garfunkel’s midnight wanderings, and a surprising proposal from an Arab prince. Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous and unexpected side of the hospitality world!