The House of Bruar — Local services in Great Britain

Having travelled the length and breadth of GB we are surprised that an outlet of this type still operates a dog ban. Every time we have passed on our frequent journeys to the Highlands it has been cold, wet and windy - but every if it wasn’t, we, like a large percentage of travellers, find it impractical to visit an outlet in the countryside when dogs are forbidden from entering. We can now shop in the company of our dogs at John Lewis and at all of the outlets in the Edinburgh St James Centre, go to posh restaurants like Rick Stein’s various establishments in Cornwall and even shop and eat at the Lands End Centre. We can stay in the finest hotels and our dogs can join us for breakfast and be brought steamed sausage by the chef. Those who are allergic, or don’t like dogs, can sit in the areas that are designated dog-free. These people are also very much in the minority. The very fact that this company persists with its archaic policy and refuses to adapt, means that they are alienating a huge swathe of the population with a large disposable income. It’s their loss and we will not stop again at this outlet as it does not meet our needs. We were given a voucher for HofB from a dear friend. One item chosen online didn’t fit and had to be returned. The postage costs what we had to pay outweighed the common sense of making the return. This needs to be addressed as we can purchase and return for free if items need to be exchanged or returned for any reason ie damaged. They have now sent me an expensive looking brochure by post. And then sent me a letter from their Chairman asking me to write to him with any suggestions. I won’t be sending any snail mail and this review is my feedback, although I don’t expect it to be responded to with any display of real customer care or willingness to adapt to the needs and preferences of a large target audience. Their website is also not smart phone friendly and is hard to navigate and order from. It appears that their favoured customer is the dog-free traveller from overseas or the mail order customer who likes to...

It’s December so shouldn’t that shout Christmas time to a retailer such as House Of Bruar?

I was so disappointed to find that my trip to House Of Bruar was not the same experience I had two years ago. There was absolutely no Christmas atmosphere. The Christmas decorations in the gifts’s department were hidden in a section that you had to be passing in order to realise it’s there. I’m not asking for repetitive Christmas music but could the company not pay out for a music license and play something in the background to liven up the atmosphere? Two years ago, when i last visited to buy Christmas presents, I felt there were more festive items in the food hall. The food hall seemed to be smaller and full of larger quantities of the same products rather than many varieties of different products. Also so many of the female staff in the food hall are so miserable? Alison at the till was so ‘not bothered’, I honestly think she needs to find herself a new job. Marion on the other hand, in the jewellery section was a nice, pleasant woman and so were many of the others in the gift department. It seems to be the food hall where the staff morale is at the lowest as they seem to be grudgingly serving the customers. Even in the restaurant area, the man who came out of the kitchen with a chef’s uniform on was so put out that he was called to answer a customer’s question about the food being served, he spoke abruptly and at one point even said “What?!!” to the customer’s query because he couldn’t understand. I was waiting to ask about buying a lobster at the counter but the ‘chef’ glanced at me and totally ignored me walking off picking his ear back to the kitchen. That was enough to put me off buying a lobster so I left.

The highlight of my visit was that it snowed as I was leaving and was served by a lovely man from Brazil in the outside refreshment kiosk.

I’m not sure I will be visiting again soon or buying my Christmas hampers from here which I have been doing for a few years. It’s a shame because I have had good experiences of visiting...

The House of Bruar is widely acknowledged as Scotland’s most prestigious independent store, and its regal stature at the gateway to the Highlands makes it clear to see why.

Situated on the A9, a short drive north of Pitlochry, The House of Bruar offers an extensive range of high quality products in both the Men’s and Ladies clothing halls. There is also a taste of luxury from gourmet produce, artisan treats and a fine selection of whisky and spirits in the Food Hall – which also homes the award winning in-store butchery and delicatessen.

Housing the largest collection of Cashmere in the UK, you will be spoilt for choice in the Knitwear hall – which carries a large variety of high quality natural fibres. The use of natural fibres extends further into their ample offerings of Tweed garments and accessories, reflecting the Scottish heritage within the brand.

The Country Living and Present Shop departments carry plenty of choice for decorating your home, or even the perfect gift. It’s the home of country style all under one roof. Take a stroll through the Art Gallery, where work is displayed from up and coming artists who have a firm interest in Scottish wildlife and scenery within their art.

Should you be looking for a spot of lunch during your visit, then don’t miss the Restaurant – which serves up a variety of meals including a full roast provided by the Butchery, delicious soups, sandwiches, enticing cakes and a selection of meals cooked to order. All of these can be enjoyed in the heated conservatory so you can take pleasure in sitting outdoors, whatever the weather.

The House of Bruar attracts visitors from all over to its captivating grounds and no trip to Scotland would be complete...