ROMANTIC BREAKS
The Witchery, Edinburgh Reviewed by Ross and Morag Bootland
from Roslin Following a distinctly unromantic honeymoon in Blackpool with two small children in tow, the new Mr and Mrs Bootland leaped at the opportunity to spend an evening at The Witchery by Edinburgh Castle. From the moment you step into the wee close
that serves as an entrance to the collection of ancient buildings that make up this unique hotel you know that something special is about to happen. We were shown through heavy wooden doors and up winding stone stairs to our suite – the Inner Sanctum. Positively jaw dropping in its eccentricity, this was the perfect setting for a good old fashioned bodice ripper. The antique four poster bed was draped with vermillion velvets and tapestry, in fact all of the decor and furnishings effectively whisk your imagination away to a time when a clandestine liaison in such a setting would be a strong possibility. It was with some reluctance that we tore ourselves away from the Inner Sanctum and headed down to dinner. The feeling soon abated as we sat in the candlelit Secret Garden restaurant and enjoyed a
FIELD FACTS
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faultless meal from a menu that made the most of Scotland’s ample larder. Breakfast the next day was delivered in a huge
hamper and we enjoyed delving in to fi nd the delicious treasures as we sat at the breakfast table in our suite overlooking the Royal Mile. In a world gone mad for minimalism and modernism, The Witchery is proof positive that romance is very far from dead. Prices from £325 per suite per night with breakfast
The Horseshoe, Eddleston, nr Peebles Reviewed by Helen Davidson and John
Blackwell from Livingston The Horseshoe, a restaurant with rooms, is around a 30 minute drive from Edinburgh. The chef, Alistair Craig recently moved here from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hampshire and has designed a menu using only the fi nest local produce. On arrival we were warmly welcomed and shown to our room. The Horseshoe’s eight individually designed rooms are in a converted school across the car park. It was delightful to fi nd fruit and cake as well as the usual tea and coffee making facilities. As a place to enjoy a romantic night away it certainly
Lake of Menteith Hotel, Port of Menteith Reviewed by Gordon and Eileen Black
from Dundee Back for our third visit to the Lake of Menteith Hotel and it just keeps getting better. We stayed in the lovely Lake Heritage Room, which
is actually a suite of three rooms: a large comfortable bedroom, a dressing room and a spacious bathroom. We particularly appreciated the complimentary Tunnocks caramel wafers and teacakes. Downstairs in the Port Bar we enjoyed an
afternoon cream tea beside the cosy log fi re – very romantic and just the thing for a wintry afternoon. The dining room has glorious views over the lake
in all weathers. The chef tries to use local produce as much as possible and this was proven when we were delighted to see that one of the dishes on the menu was trout taken from the lake. Special wine tasting events take place on most Friday evenings throughout the winter and these are very popular. The hotel also boasts a ‘malt vault’ where there is a wide range of malt whisky on offer. From its stunning location and wonderful views,
to the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, we certainly recommend this excellent hotel. Here’s to our next visit. Prices from £120 per room per night B&B
hits the spot! We had pre-dinner drinks and canapés by the fi re and then a beautiful candlelit dinner in the dining room. The food was delightful, with local smoked salmon and fi llet of Borders beef and lamb on the menu. The very friendly staff had the right balance of effi ciency, attentiveness and privacy to allow us to enjoy our meal without unnecessary interruptions. Post-dinner coffee and liqueurs were taken in the bar area by the log fi re. After an excellent breakfast next morning we headed for home and would not hesitate to recommend it for special occasions and anniversaries. Prices from £140 per room per night DBB
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1) Tinkerbell Cottage Tel: 0845 268 0760 www.
cottages4you.co.uk
2) Duisdale House Hotel Tel: 01471 833202
www.duisdale.com
3) Craggantoul Holiday Cottages Tel: 07977 485866
www.craggantoul.com
4) The Witchery Tel: 0131 225 5613
www.thewitchery.com
5) Lake of Menteith Hotel Tel: 01877 385258
www.lake-hotel.com
6) The Horseshoe Tel: 01721 730225
www.horseshoeinn.co.uk
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eld.co.uk or write to: Scottish Field Subscriber Reviews Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2DL For terms and conditions go to www. scottishfi
eld.co.uk and click on ‘hotel review’ on the left-hand menu.
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