As a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society you can enjoy the benefits of the Society when in the UK. Take the time to visit the Vaults, have tea at the London Rooms, or stay at the Edinburgh flats for the ultimate Scottish experience!
The Edinburgh Vaults
The Society was founded in 1983 and has its base in the oldest commercial building in Scotland at Leith, in the port of Edinburgh. Furnished as a traditional club, it has a Members' Room, Bar and Tasting Room. There are also Members' Rooms in London and Switzerland.
A welcoming atmosphere, not at all stuffy, with the ambience of a traditional club. Most members make for the bar (stocked with all our currently available malts, and other drinks besides!) and ask the barstaff for their recommendations.
The Bar
Our barstaff are very knowledgeable and can guide you through the list. You're not expected to know anything about whisky, but if you do, so much the better! Help yourself to a coffee, if it is that time of day, order a light lunch. Before long you will find yourself comparing tasting notes with other members: a common interest in malt whisky is the best possible introduction, and friends are quickly made in such surroundings.
The Edinburgh Members' Room
The Edinburgh Members' Room is welcoming, spacious and airy, with opulent Edwardian plasterwork, oil paintings on the walls (modern as well as traditional), a cabinet of whisky books and polished mahogany tables. Members chat, pore over newspapers (supplied each day) or nap in the leather armchairs in front of one of the two open fires.
The London Members' Room
Contemporary and elegant, the London Members' Room is quite different from the Edinburgh venue. However The Society's companionable atmosphere is unmistakable.
The Edinburgh Flats
A few steps away from the Members' Room in The Vaults are the Society's three flats. These are available to members at modest nightly rates.
They have a separate entrance from the Society itself and their own car park. The fridge is filled with breakfast things before you arrive and you are provided with your own keys so you can come and go as you choose. The flats are a great base from which to explore Edinburgh.
And if you would like to preorder a bottle of whisky to greet you on your arrival, just let the staff know when booking. Or if it is a special occasion celebrate with champagne, wine or flowers. For those of you who have been on the road for a while, there is even a modest laundry service.
FLAT 1 - 'ARDBEG' - SLEEPS 4
Double and twin rooms, bathroom, sitting room with dining area and open plan kitchen.
FLAT 2 - 'LINKWOOD' - SLEEPS 2
One double room, shower room, sitting room, dining area and open plan kitchen.
FLAT 3 - 'SPRINGBANK' - SLEEPS 4
Two double rooms, bathroom, sitting room, dining area and open plan kitchen.
Prices:
Ardbeg and Springbank: Mon-Thu: £123 / Fri-Sun: £153
Linkwood: Mon-Thu: £88 / Fri-Sun: £133
Prices are a flat rental rate per night (not a per person basis) and include fresh breakfast foods such as cereals, milk, fruit juice, eggs, bacon, tea and coffee, bread, butter and jam.
Please note: Full payment is required in advance to confirm a booking. Refunds, less £25 booking fee, are only available up to 21 days prior to your stay.
Email flats@smws.com or call the UK on +44 131 554 3451 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm UK time).
ACCOMMODATION FEEDBACK...
NSW member, Nigel Stewart, recently stayed at both the Society flats in Edinburgh, and Butt lodge on the Isle of Arran, which is owned by the Japanese branch of the Society and which may be used by our members by prior booking. He said that he was impressed by both facilities and here are his comments on Butt Lodge.
"We had a marvelous stay - the staff were exceedingly helpful and courteous and the facilities in the lodge were excellent. The location was ideal, being so close to the golf course but yet as remote as one may desire .We will definitely return one day .The friendly atmosphere in the lodge reminded me of our ski lodge in Thredbo , Australia."
Thank you, Nigel
February 2004
http://www.buttlodge.com
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