One of Edinburgh’s Best Kept Dining Secrets
If you thought Edinburgh’s Queens Street branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was just for whisky drinkers and members then think again. It is also home to one of the Scottish capital’s best kept dining experiences in the form of The Dining Room. The aptly named restaurant is situated in what would have been the family dining room of this grand Georgian townhouse and it is an intimate, but relaxed space where on our visit couples and small groups were chatting over superb modern Scottish food.
An Unusual Aperitif
Although ordering whisky was by no means compulsory, we kicked off our dining experience with a sweeter malt that was recommended as a good aperitif. The result awakened my tastebuds with a refreshing and warming zing. The whisky also went well with the peppery crisps that were served alongside the more usual pre-dinner bread.
Fine Dining in a Grand Georgian Setting
The menu itself delivered a choice of fine mainly Scottish ingredients including lamb, chicken and Venison. I plumped for a starter of seared yellowfin Tuna. Not only did my tuna look the part on the plate, it was finely sliced, seared but still pink and not overwhelmed by sauce. I followed this with rump and sweetbread of grass fed veal, one of the menu’s more unusual dishes that reflects the creative talents of head chef James Freeman. My companion’s dessert perfectly captured the season, offering a mix of Scottish strawberries, pistachio cream and puff wafers, while I opted for the cheese plate. The cheese board at The Dining Room 28 Queen Street featured six world-class cheeses – Isle of Mull Cheddar, Cashel Blue, Clava Brie, Bonnet, Adrahan and Epoisses de Bourgogne.
Sample Unique Cask Strength Whiskies
With our appetites more than satisfied we then ventured up to the tasting room, where a knowledgeable member of staff brought four whiskies to our table and talked through the tasting notes of each. Again adding just the right quantity to water to these unique cask strength whiskies (which you can’t buy off the shelf) released a raft of different flavours and highlighted just how different one malt is from another, perhaps proving my husband’s assertion that there is at least one whisky for everyone (over the age of 18 and who drink alcohol of course!).
The Dining Room, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX . Tel: +44 (0)131-2202044.
www.smws.com
Insider Scotland Rating
For a Romantic Meal 8/10.
For Food 8/10.
For Business People 8/10.
InsiderScotland Rating 8/10
*This blog comes in association with The Dining Room at 28 Queen Street
