‘Almost as famous as The Castle itself’ so the saying goes - if you mention The Witchery Restaurant in Edinburgh. Located in an historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, James Thomson's Witchery is the most atmospheric and spectacular dining destination in the city. My wife and I have eaten there on a number of occasions and have never left disappointed, we took friends with us this time and we wanted them to feel the same. This restaurant really does have the wow factor that so many establishments are missing. Originally built for an Edinburgh merchant in 1595 the grand opulence of this historic building on the Royal Mile greets you from the minute you walk through the narrow alley and down the candlelit stairs into a Gothic fairytale of The Secret Garden dining room.

The incredibly smart and friendly staff greet you warmly and then go about their business with a minimum of fuss. Menu’s appear, recommendations are made and you are left to soak up the atmosphere - and what an atmosphere! Lit entirely by candles with crisp white linen and exposed stonework with just a hint of the dark deeds that once took place on its very doorstep (witches were burned at the stake here).

But on to the real attraction - the food. Our starters consisted of; Haggis with the traditional accompaniments of ‘tatties and neeps’, a half-dozen fresh Scottish oysters and a smoked fish platter, the highlight of which being a piece of creamy, soft smoked Eel. By the emptiness of the plates you could tell that they were a success. The oysters were fresh and barely needed the accompaniments, delightfully light haggis and The Witchery’s own take on turnips and potato’s and all the fish had a beautiful smokiness about it that didn’t overpower the taste buds.

On to the main course.  My friend and I shared a fabulous Rib of Beef which was served elegantly on it’s own wooden platter with Portobello mushrooms and mashed potatoes. It was all laid out so prettily it was almost a shame to eat it. I can honestly say that we were both blown away, it was that good. Succulent beef that melted in the mouth with just the right amount of seasoning on a charred crust...superb. The ladies in our little group had an organic chicken with seasonal vegetables that they devoured with gusto. All of this was washed down with a very good bottle of crisp refreshing Chablis and a deeply dark and decadent Shiraz. Hats off to our server Jamie, who took in good spirits being compare to Gerard “300” Butler. He even uttered the immortal line...”Tonight we dine in Hell” (much to the girls’ delight and probably to shut me up). Thanks for humouring us Jamie.

Dessert followed and we chose Cambridge Cream with pomegranate sorbet and a cheese platter. Don’t be fooled by a Cambridge cream, it’s a Crème Brule as originally invented by the English. Done to perfection too, in a shallow ramekin with a sorbet that exploded with flavour. We chose a bottle of Black Elysium dessert wine to accompany the puddings and it was fabulous...like Christmas in a glass. All too soon our night came to an end as all good things must and we were heading into the wet Scottish night.

How do you finish a review about The Witchery? It’s not just about the food (as good as it is). The whole establishment just oozes class. The original restaurant reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club, all red leather and dark wood whilst The Secret Garden downstairs is pure theatre. Not only this, but they have a selection of suites to stay in if you’re feeling especially romantic. Treat yourself to an overnight stay with dinner and you’ll never want to leave. This is the magic of The Witchery; it casts a spell over you that will impel you to return time and time again.

For more information and for details how to book visit the website - http://www.thewitchery.com/

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