Having enjoyed a slice of history and three exceptional courses, the Lantern Room – at the recently opened Courtyard Hotel – has much to offer the dedicated foodie.
It was once home to engineer Robert Stevenson (1772 – 1850) whose claims to fame include: building incredible lighthouses such as Bell Rock, and being grandfather to much loved Edinburgh author Robert Louis Stevenson.
Today the creativity at Baxter’s Place continues thanks to chef David Watson, whose recent love of appearing on social media has his colleagues calling him “Hollywood Watson”. [ See the Lantern Room’s Facebook page ]
Mind you he has much to be proud of, the food is fabulous.
Our meal kicked off with a few selections from the small plates menu (which averages four quid). Actually no, it kicked off with the first of several mojitos, but that’s not important right now.
Anyway … very much spoiled for choice, we finally opted for the spicy chicken wings with lemon aioli, and the BBQ pulled pork spring rolls. Both excellent.
Next, came a second mojito followed by the main event, in my case: sage gnocchi with butternut squash, spiced aubergine caviar, sundried tomato & olive tapenade. Literally a medley of my favourite flavours, it looked like a work of art and tasted even better.
Though of course I didn’t just eat my own dinner, I also kindly helped Kerry (taking Isaac’s place this evening) with hers – braised beef brisket with coleslaw and mac & cheese.
Another excellent dish, but the real star was the mac & cheese. This creamy goodness some of us (yes, me) could happily eat by the truckload.
Then again, our meal was far from over …
Somehow there was still just enough room for a slice of glazed lemon tart with meringue & raspberry coulis.
Bursting with flavour, this classic dessert had me mouthing the word “wow” with every bite. In fact, I’ll go out on a limb here, and say it’s one of the best lemon tarts in town. #controversial
Perfect for a pre-theatre dinner (two courses for £18,dessert £4) or just general greed: the great service and excellent food will leave you extremely happy you came.
Reviewed March 2017
Derek & Kerry dined as guests of the Lantern Room.
The Lantern Room
1-3 Baxter’s Place, EH1 3AF
0131 526 3778