Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT

survey result

Summary

£82
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Set in 20 acres near Arthur’s Seat, this opulent boutique hotel is part of James Thomson’s portfolio (he also owns the Witchery) and “continues to deliver excellent ambience”. The food is dependable too – it’s not especially foodie, but did in September 2023, for example, win Boutique Hotelier’s Restaurant of the Year awards. The venue also wins nominations for a fine afternoon tea.

Summary

£76
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

In the same stable as Edinburgh’s famous Witchery, James Thomson’s lavishly decorated hotel sits in 20 acres near Arthur’s Seat and its rococo interior “never fails to please for a romantic occasion”. The food is not centre stage, but is consistently well-rated too, with menu options including an à la carte menu, three-course ‘fine dining’ option and afternoon tea.

Summary

£70
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“You are greeted by peacocks and a Highland cow” at this former private estate, where you “dine in a historic room” that’s been done up to the nines. “Staff are very relaxed for such a sublime interior” and the food’s pretty good too. The owner is James Thomson, who owns Edinburgh’s Witchery, and his lavish-verging-on-kitsch design DNA is evident in both venues.

Summary

£62
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

With its “rich and opulent” setting, this Georgian former private estate provides a “unique environment” for “high-end” meals that are a feast for the eyes as much as the tastebuds. James Thomson pioneered his borderline kitsch approach to hospitality at his gothic-themed Witchery.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Rhubarb, Prestonfield Hotel?

Owner's description

RHUBARB

THE MOST-RECENT OF JAMES THOMSON'S LATEST DESTINATION RESTAURANTS - AND THE MOST OPULENT TO DATE!

Rhubarb delivers all of the gourmet delights, magic, drama and romance you would expect from the creator of the Witchery by the Castle. Wickedly rich and dramatic this stylish and oh-so glamorous restaurant occupies grand Regency rooms at the heart of Prestonfield. Discover a gourmet retreat with a reputation as the capital's most memorable dining experience.

Expect exceptional cuisine with exceptional Scottish produce: much locally sourced from small artisan suppliers. Enjoy inspirational wines come from an award-winning cellar. Explore the adjacent historic rooms as places to enjoy a  drink before and after dining.

And the name? Prestonfield  was the first estate in Scotland to propagate rhubarb in the eighteen century. We still grow it, love it and it features on the menu whenever we can.

Lunch 12pm - 2pm and Sundays 12.30pm - 3pm

Dinner 6pm - 10pm every day

 

Reservations: 0131 225 1333 or just book your table online.

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Lunch £32.50 £45.00
Dinner   £70.00

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£19.50 £40.00 £15.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £34.00
Filter Coffee £3.95
Extras  
Service 10.00%

Restaurant details

Yes
Yes
14, 28, 50
No dress code
90
12+ at D, none after 7pm
Yes
Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT
Opening hours
Monday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Tuesday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Wednesday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Thursday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Friday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Saturday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm
Sunday12:30 pm‑4:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑10 pm

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times