THE ALLAN PARK

Housed within a grand Georgian building in the heart of Stirling, The Allan Park has long been a landmark and now, it’s a destination. In 2018, Stuart and Joanna Riddle gave this historic venue a bold new lease of life: a £1.2 million renovation that transformed the former hotel into a thriving, modern hub for food, drink and stylish stays.

A CITY SPACE WITH SOUL

The Allan Park offers 120 covers across thoughtfully restored interiors, eight elegant letting rooms, and a menu that blends tradition with a twist.

“When we first walked into the building, we could see its potential straight away,” says Joanna. “It just needed a little love and a lot of paint!”

The menu reflects Stuart’s training and passion for approachable, well-crafted dishes. “We’re not trying to be fancy for the sake of it,” he says. “We’re focused on food that’s honest, seasonal and beautifully prepared.”

FROM PLANS TO REALITY

The Riddles’ journey into hospitality began in 2013 with The Riverside in Dunblane. At the time, they were stepping away from corporate careers, driven by the belief they could do it better.

“We just wanted to be masters of our own destiny,” says Stuart. “And we knew if we focused on quality and care, people would come.”

Today, nearly one hundred team members work across their three restaurants in Stirling, Dunblane and Doune. “We never imagined it would grow this way,” Joanna admits. “But we’ve stayed true to our values. That’s what matters.”

A STIRLING SUCCESS

From morning coffees to celebratory dinners, The Allan Park is now a cornerstone of Stirling’s hospitality scene. Locals love it. Tourists seek it out. And the team is proud to have played a part in breathing new life into a beloved building.

“Ultimately, we just want people to leave feeling better than when they arrived,” says Stuart. “If we’ve done that, we’ve done our job.”