Gleneagles Townhouse's Ewan Grant shares his Out of Office essentials

Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?

Ewan Grant: With hospitality being a twenty-four-hour industry, the lines can sometimes blur between business and leisure – especially as hotels are such social environments. However, having a clear plan for the week and a team that knows their roles means we always have a leader on the day. This does allow for some time 'offline'. When I really want to disconnect, I like to venture out to the West Coast of Scotland. Taking the ferry from Mallaig to Knoydart, a place that holds many special memories for my family, is a great way of disconnecting – quite literally. As Mallaig disappears over the horizon, there is no chance of a phone signal until the return journey.

What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?

I like to create clear punctuation between finishing work for the day and returning home. This decompression time allows for some 'wind-down' time and ensures that when I get home, the working day feels complete. This time may be spent meeting a friend for a drink or bite to eat, taking the scenic route home or heading to the gym to work off the exertions of the day.

What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?

Though not necessarily a clear break from work, I love dining out and trying new restaurants or cafés. Then, it’s normally time to work off the effects of dining out! Going for a run or hitting the gym always helps clear some cobwebs.

What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?

As I have recently started a new role, I have revisited The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins, partly by audiobook and partly by utilising the guides within the book itself. It's a thought-provoking book that helps you to plan during key career transitions. That said, I'll let the team answer whether it has had the desired effect! I am also a massive fan of Setting the Table by Meyer Danny and Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. In my opinion, every hospitality professional should have a physical or audio copy of these books.

After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?

I love spending time in Aberfeldy. My parents have a place there, so Perthshire has always been a special place for our family. The fresh air and rolling hills are the perfect backdrop for relaxation. It also has a great book shop and several good galleries where I can happily lose myself – if to the detriment of my wallet!

On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?

I tend to dedicate 30 to 60 minutes to scan any handovers or emails from the weekend. Then, I enjoy a Sunday roast with a glass of red!

Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?

I recently attended a good friend's wedding in Las Vegas, which was a great reason for the out of office to go on. Equally, I was glad to get back to work to start paying off the trip!

Your go-to out of office outfit: Anything but a suit and tie. Normally jeans, but trackies on the odd day indoors too. 

Your happy place anywhere in the world: I rarely visit the same place twice as I love exploring new cities. I recently visited Mexico and loved the vibrancy of the dining and bar scene in Mexico City. I visited two restaurants that have subsequently been awarded two Michelin stars each. I also ate insects (something of an eye-opener) and at local taquerias and mezcalerias (essentially Mezcal and Tequila bars) which were incredible. As for the the bars, it was no surprise to see Mexico City's bars feature so prominently in the recent World's 50 Best Bars list.

Your favourite bar or restaurant: My best dining experience was Frantzén in Stockholm. It was the most lavish lunch, lasting over seven hours! Closer to home, I love Ardfern in Edinburgh. It's the perfect neighbourhood restaurant that manages to avoid fads and fuss.

Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: Having been in the Cotswolds for the last six years, Cheltenham Races was always a bit of both, though the cultural elements tend to slide as the day progresses.

Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend and why: Time to Think and More Time to Think, both by Nancy Kline. They really bring home the importance of creating space and environments where you can think freely and without constraint.

A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Our wellness team and members are hounding me to join their Yin Yoga classes. We are very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and talented team underpinning our wellness offering.

A luxury that’s actually a necessity: An amazing bed and good pillows. The power of a good night's sleep cannot be taken for granted.

Best luxury under £25: Tunnock’s Teacakes. Having been down south for most of the past decade, I get incredibly excited when I see these. We make our own teacakes at the Townhouse to offer guests when they arrive, and they are even better! 

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