FINE DINING 21212, Edinburgh
Reviewed by Tim Siddons from Edinburgh The diffi culty I had writing this review was deciding where to start: the hotel or the restaurant? The fact is that since opening in 2009, 21212 has garnered one glittering review after another – not to mention the Michelin star for its chef/proprietor, Paul Kitching, a mere eight months after opening. Indeed the technical ability, innovation and sheer playfulness of Kitching’s food has made eating at 21212 not so much a dining experience but rather an event. And the show I got from the kitchen the night I was there – you can see the kitchen from the restaurant – was worthy of a standing ovation. The fi ve-course gourmet menu (£68) consists of a choice of two starters, one soup, two mains, cheese and two desserts (which is where the 21212 comes from). My food had all of Kitching’s hallmark precision, clever attention to detail and fun. Most of all, it was delicious, with the expertly- cooked elements complementing each other perfectly. Okay, so I started with the restaurant, but 21212 has a lot more to offer than just an exceptional dining experience. Indeed, Paul Kitching and his partner Katie have invested a cool £4.5 million in transforming the
FIELD FACTS
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Georgian townhouse on Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace back to its former glory. This has included renovating four of its rooms into stunningly appointed bedrooms – each decorated in a different theme and style, with a dedicated lounge area, en suite bathrooms (mine had a fabulous walk-in shower), plus a fl at screen television and internet access. Whilst the restaurant is open Tues-Sat, the hotel rooms are available seven days a week, and considering its location slap bang in the city centre 21212 is genuinely the ideal base to explore Edinburgh. Dinner is £68 and room rates start from £175
The Kilberry Inn, Tarbert The Torridon, Wester Ross
Reviewed by Michael and Fiona Audsley from Anstruther The Torridon won AA Hotel of the Year just a week before our stay, so our expectations were high. From the moment we arrived we were not disappointed. We were greeted as we got out of the car and ushered into a cosy reception area complete with real fi re. Our room was really well appointed with a four poster bed, roll top bath and magnifi cent views of Loch Torridon and the hotel’s own herd of highland cows. After the long drive we took a stroll around the gardens and decided to have a wee refresher in the Torridon Inn, a lovely pub in the grounds of the hotel. The menu looked great in this comfortable inn, but we had our 3 AA rosette dinner to look forward to and it didn’t disappoint. The meal was sublime. This really was one of the best meals we have ever eaten. The starter of Wester Ross cured salmon with Shieldaig crab was a revelation but really all of the food was fantastic. The whole evening was just so relaxed and enjoyable. After a very comfortable night we were more than ready for breakfast, it must be the highland air. Everything we chose was perfectly cooked. The Torridon offers a free activity every day for guests including archery, clay pigeon shooting and kayaking. Would we go back? Well it’s our 25th wedding anniversary next year and we’ve just found the perfect place to celebrate. Prices from £220 per room per night B&B. Dinner £55 per person.
Reviewed by Alister and Fiona Bennett from Oban Forgetting the map meant we had to knock on a remote door 30 miles or so along the single track road to check if we were indeed, on the right track. ‘Yes, just keep going, not that far – it’s by the phone box.’ Five minutes later we spotted the phone box and arrived at the wonderfully cosy looking Kilberry Inn. We were greeted by our welcoming host and shown to our wonderfully warm and spotlessly clean room, adjacent to the main building. The inn itself has the most welcoming interior and was pretty busy with diners, a good sign for an out-of-season Thursday night and considering its remoteness. The menu consists of a fi ne range of dishes, with some original twists that bring the most out of the excellent locally-sourced fresh ingredients, and this is complemented by an excellent wine list. The squid and crab cakes were followed by the lamb and pork belly, all cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. Dessert was followed by coffee enjoyed in front of the roaring fi re and a nightcap before bed. After a relaxed and delicious, well-cooked breakfast using the best Scottish produce we took the scenic alternative route on the way back. As we drove past wonderful deserted beaches and stunning views across to the Inner Hebrides we talked about what a special little place the Kilberry Inn is and when we might return. DBB from £195 per room per night
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1) The Caledonian Tel: 0131 222 8888 www.
thecaledonianedinburgh. com 2) Airds Hotel Tel: 01631 730236
www.airds-hotel.com 3) 21212 Tel: 0845 222 1212 www.21212restaurant.
co.uk 4) The Torridon Tel: 01445 700300
www.thetorridon.com 5) The Kilberry Inn Tel: 01880 770223
www.kilberryinn.com
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