Dalhousie Castle, a 13th-century fortress near Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, is home to the two-AA Rosette Dungeon Restaurant. The restaurant offers an eight-course tasting menu priced at £120 per person and is open to adults only from Wednesday to Sunday, with dinner served between 6pm and 8.45pm.
Historic Setting and Culinary Excellence
The Dungeon Restaurant features a dramatic barrel-vaulted ceiling and shining suits of armour, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Head chef Iain Gourlay leads the kitchen, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients to craft a menu that blends classic Scottish dishes with traditional French cuisine. Fine wines complement the dining experience.
Previous menu items include roast loin of Tweed Valley venison, poached fillet of wild halibut, maple glazed breast of Creedy Carver duck, and sumac roasted cauliflower. Desserts have featured Manjari chocolate cherry mousse, dulce de leche tart, and strawberry and elderflower.
Guest Accommodations and Reviews
Dalhousie Castle operates as a luxury rural hotel with guest rooms and suites, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, flatscreen digital TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. The Castle Feature Room offers an authentic historic experience. On Google, the Dungeon Restaurant holds an average rating of 4.3 out of five based on 12 reviews.
One visitor shared: "This is the most joy I've experienced during a meal in a long time, every dish had a story and every bite was surprising. Mel genuinely took care of me during my meal, as if I was a sister that she hadn't seen in years, rather than someone she'd just met. Chef Iain and team have created something magical here." Another reviewer described the restaurant as "charming and exciting" with a "strong, unique vibe."
Dalhousie Castle is located about eight miles from Edinburgh and is claimed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, dating back to the 13th century. Over the years, it has welcomed various members of the Royal Family. More information is available on the Dalhousie Castle website.
