Prepare to be transported to a place of indulgence, located in the grand setting of Prestonfield House, where Rhubarb wows from start to finish. Pure decadence is reflected in the rich fabrics, evocative fragrances and delightful service.
Prestonfield house is a five-star boutique hotel located in the Prestonfield area of the city of Edinburgh. About a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the Royal mile depending on traffic and nestled in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. Royalty have been known to stay here, and you will feel particularly special when offered the choice of four opulent drawing rooms in which to quaff pre-dinner drinks. As Tatler says it is 'Triple A Rated spoil me factor'!
The house was originally known as Priestfield and was once a monastery founded in 1150 by the Earl of Northumbria. Throughout the next few centuries, the estate changed hands many times until it was unfortunately burned to the ground by Protestant students in 1670. The family had the house re designed and built again by architect William Bruce and then renamed Prestonfield. The newly built estate stayed in the Dick family's possession for many generations and over the years they continued to modify and improve the estate, adding more rooms, paintings, and a grand new staircase. In the years to come the new generations of the family spent less and less time at Prestonfield and this resulted in the preservation of the decor and character of the house remaining intact for the present day visitors to enjoy....it really is a trip back in time. It was bought by the James Thompson grou (owners of the Fabulous Witchery and The Tower Restaurants) and has been done up to a fine standard with themed rooms, antler furniture and velvet and chandeliers galore.
Rhubarb ". I wondered where the the restaurant name had actually come from... Sir Alexander Dick , one of Prestonfields first owners was the first person to introduce Rhubarb seeds to the UK after a trip to China. The plant was first planted in Scotland at Prestonfield in the 18th century and still grows there today in the garden.
The a la carte menu is equally grand, with my favourite starter - scallops, cauliflower puree and iberco ham, and we tried the Duck Galantine - Foie gras and ham-stuffed, boned Gressingham duck, with prunes, salted lemon, pistachio and gingerbread.
Also local produce abounds with dishes showcasing tender slow-cooked lamb, smoked with rosemary and served with crisp sweetbreads, liver royale and buttermilk potato mousseline, or Roast loin of Strathspey red deer, black pudding crumble, red cabbage purée, Arran mustard and potato mousse. Crackling crusted loin of roe deer is perfectly cooked and complemented by a steak and liver pudding, Jerusalem artichoke puree and curious port-poached salsify.
This is a unique experience, perfect for a special occasion, but the sumptuous surroundings can also be sampled with a reasonably priced table d'hote menu for only £33. Even better a fantastic 3 course Sunday Dinner is only £16.95 think crab salad with micro herbs, Roast rib of beef and the works with a chocolate pudding and a very reasonable Ventoux on the House wine list at £24. Afternoon tea is also a great option at just £16.95 too in the decadent dining room or lounge a glass of fizz with it is a must!
The rooms are a bit expensive but they are absolutely beautiful and all bookings get a complimentary bottle and choclates so you will never want to leave! read more