Best Whisky Dining in Edinburgh
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society invites non-members to sample what has been described as some of the best dining in Edinburgh
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has a members-only dining room on Queen Street in Edinburgh, but for the first time non-members are now invited to dine every Thursday
The dining room of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at 28 Queen Street, one of the most elegant streets in Edinburgh's New Town, has till recently been open to the Society's members only. But each Thursday from now on, non-members can discover what they've been missing by getting a day pass and sampling the cuisine which has seen the restaurant listed as among Edinburgh's best by local eating Bible, The List.
The chef responsible for the restaurant's rave reviews is James Freeman. He is completely self-taught, and gained his interest in food from his grandmother, a professional chef. He's a believer in 'slow food', and using the best possible local ingredients which he serves up with a touch of French flair.
Whisky lovers will be in whisky heaven, as you'd expect. There's even a special whisky menu, where your main course choices might be from
- Chicken fillets marinated in whisky liqueur
- Breast of pigeon with pearl barley and whisky game sauce
- Seared salmon or veal with green peppercorns and a whisky dash
- Breast of duck with a soy, honey and whisky marinade
But you don't have to have a whisky influence in every course, as the regular menu contains such mouth-watering temptations as Truffled white asparagus risotto with parmesan coated duck egg. To see a sample menu, click here.
I haven't yet eaten there myself as the opening of its doors to non-members is brand new this month, but a friend who has dined there and knows his Edinburgh restaurants told me it's one of the best meals he's ever had in the city. Next time I'm in Edinburgh, I'm definitely going on a Thursday. Pears with whisky fudge sauce for dessert? Yes, please!
To book in advance (recommended) call + 0044 (0)131 220 2044.
The Dining Room is open
Mon-Sat lunchtimes 12noon-2.30pm
Mon-Sat pre -theatre 5-6.30pm
Wed-Sat a la carte from 7pm
To learn more about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, click here.
Read about Glasgow's cheap hotels by clicking here.
And read about Glasgow's Christmas lights by clicking here.
Read about Edinburgh's new Cocktail Trail by clicking here.
Read about the Edinburgh GhostFest by clicking here.
