Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
James Thomson OBE: The story of our brands is really the story of Edinburgh itself, full of history, character and a little theatre. On Halloween night in 1979, I opened my first restaurant, The Witchery, when I was 20 years old. With a team of just three, we set out to create something rather magical. The Witchery is set within a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1595, right at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Over time, as demand grew so did our story and in 1989 we transformed a derelict school playground into The Secret Garden, a hidden restaurant tucked behind ancient stone walls. Soon afterwards we introduced five luxurious suites, creating one of Scotland’s very first 'restaurants with rooms'. Today, The Witchery is home to nine wonderfully theatrical suites and remains one of the most romantic and atmospheric places to stay in the city.
In 2003 another chapter began when I acquired Prestonfield House, becoming only the third owner in its 335-year history. Built in 1687 by Sir William Bruce on his completion of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Prestonfield has never been on the open market. After a multi-million-pound restoration, it reopened as a lavish and characterful alternative to the standard luxury hotels of the time. The hotel was met with great acclaim and earned AA Five Red Stars and AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland, and was described as “Scotland’s most sumptuous hotel.”
Both properties share the same spirit: places where history, imagination and hospitality come together to create something unforgettable.
What is your brand best known for?
The Witchery is celebrated for its gothic romance and theatrical flair. Tucked beside Edinburgh Castle, it feels like stepping into another world with candlelit chambers, antique oak panelling, velvet drapes and wonderfully indulgent Scottish cuisine. For many guests it has become part of the romance of visiting Edinburgh itself.
Prestonfield House offers a different kind of magic. It sits within a grand 17th-century mansion surrounded by 20 acres of private parkland. Defined by magnificent architecture, richly layered décor, and an atmosphere of indulgent escapism, it feels a world apart from the city, yet it's mere moments from the heart of the Edinburgh. Both places share a love of storytelling and a desire to surprise and delight guests at every turn.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
There have been many wonderful moments along the way. For Prestonfield House, achieving AA Five Red Stars was a particularly proud milestone and confirmed its place amongst the UK’s most exceptional luxury hotels. In October 2024, the hotel was awarded One Michelin Key in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Hotels, recognition of its unique character and guest experience.
For The Witchery being named AA Best Restaurant with Rooms in Scotland was another special moment. The concept of combining immersive dining with luxurious accommodation was still unusual when we first introduced it, so it was gratifying to see that vision recognised.
More recently, The Witchery was voted the #1 Most Romantic Hotel in the World for 2025, which felt rather fitting for a place that has hosted so many proposals, anniversaries and unforgettable celebrations.
And in 2024 we opened The Witchery Shop on Castlehill opposite the restaurant. Housed within a historic Georgian building, it offers beautifully curated pieces inspired by the rich world of The Witchery from antiques and textiles to whimsical treasures that guests can take home as a little piece of the magic.
Why do you love the brand?
What I love most is the sense of wonder it creates. Every detail – the candlelight, the antiques, the art and the gardens – helps to build a world that feels slightly removed from everyday life. Watching guests step through the doors and discover that atmosphere for the first time never gets old.
Hospitality is about creating memories, and it’s enormously rewarding to see people celebrating milestones, falling in love with Edinburgh, or simply enjoying a moment of escapism in these extraordinary settings.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
For us, British luxury is about character, heritage and a sense of place. Both Prestonfield House and The Witchery are housed within historic A-listed buildings, and preserving their architectural beauty has always been central to what we do. The interiors are filled with antiques, artworks and carefully chosen pieces, each contributing to a layered and richly atmospheric environment.
But true luxury is also about warmth and generosity of hospitality. Our aim has always been to combine historic surroundings with deeply personal service so that guests feel both indulged and completely at home. It’s a very British approach to luxury elegant, distinctive and quietly confident.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
Walpole represents the very best of British creativity, craftsmanship and heritage. Both Prestonfield House and The Witchery share those values, so becoming part of the Walpole community felt like a natural step. It’s inspiring to be among such remarkable brands and to celebrate the richness and diversity of British luxury together.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
The wonderful thing about Walpole is the sheer variety of exceptional brands within the community. Rather than choosing just one, we’re excited by the idea of exploring collaborations over time whether through special events, curated experiences or creative partnerships that bring together different aspects of British craftsmanship and culture. There are many possibilities, and that’s part of the fun.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
We are continually seeking to evolve with quiet intention, while preserving the sense of magic and escapism our guests have long cherished.
At Prestonfield House, the months ahead are devoted to the art of wellbeing and the pleasures of refined living. Each stay will be gently elevated, with thoughtful touches and considered enhancements that transform every moment into something restorative, indulgent, and utterly memorable.
Meanwhile, The Witchery Shop continues to flourish, unveiling a curated collection of artisanal treasures and objects imbued with the property’s signature drama and opulence each piece reflecting the rich, theatrical world that has long captivated our guests.
These are small new chapters in an ever-unfolding story, one that celebrates romance, wonder, and the timeless craft of hospitality at the heart of Edinburgh. Each visit invites you to linger in a world of enchantment, long after you depart.
thewitchery.com
prestonfield.com
