RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK
ROYAL SCOTS CLUB, 29-31 ABERCROMBY PLACE, EDINBURGH
Location
On an elegant Georgian street in Edinburgh’s upmarket New Town.
First Impression
Captivating. The Dining Room at the Royal Scots Club oozes period charm with a touches of modernity. Traditional and welcoming.
Service
Smart, sharp and professional but delivered with warmth and smiles.
Menu
The dinner menu, all about quality and dining in a way that best suits the customer, does not stand on ceremony. Diners are encouraged to “eat how you like”; go for a starter upgraded to a main course or, if the fancy takes you, two starters. Or just choose a starter and a dessert. It’s a relaxing way to sample the great fare on offer.
Taste
Scrumptious. I chose the traditional approach and ordered three courses – a starter, main and dessert. To begin, I went with smoked salmon mousse and pickled melon with Melba toast. The mousse was smooth and flavoursome with the pickled melon – a first for me – packing a very pleasant and piquant punch. For the main, I selected chargrilled Scottish lamb steak, with minted greens and French fries. The lamb was cooked to perfection, tender and tasty, and the greens lip-smacking good. The fries made for a surprisingly good combination and were too plentiful to finish. My sweet treat of choice to complete this delicious dinner was a toffee and pecan nut ice cream sundae.
Ambience
I’d anticipated stiff formality at this very special military club, set up in 1919 by Lord Henry Scott after the Great War to commemorate the 11,162 Royal Scots who died in the conflict. But, with its comfortable restaurant (and guest bedrooms) all available to non-members, I found a convivial and warm welcome – a home from home.
Value
Surprisingly good given the quality and the ambience. My bill, with wine by the glass, came in at just over £40.