Outdoor Dining Roundup 2024

We’ve picked ten of the best al-Fresco dining destinations in Scotland and why you should visit this summer.

Please see a selection of high-res images here. 

  1. The Bridge Inn, Ratho

Why go…

  • Idyllic canalside setting
  • Perfect for a post-walk pie and pint along the towpath from Edinburgh

Nestled alongside the serene Union Canal, just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh, The Bridge Inn is set to welcome guests back for the spring and summer seasons after a recent makeover.

Its beer garden offers peaceful canal views, shaded by mature trees, making it the perfect spot for a well-deserved pint and pub lunch along the towpath from Edinburgh and watching life go by on the canal.

The drinks menu features local beers and refreshing cocktails infused with Edinburgh Gin. On Thursday – Sunday from 12 pm a pop-up converted container in the garden serves pizzas to hungry drinkers. Guests can also dine on the outdoor terrace from the la carte menu where favourites include the famous homemade pie or ham and Ratho eggs.

The Bridge Inn

27 Baird Rd, Ratho, Newbridge,

EH28 8RA

01313 331320

@bridgeinnratho

  1. Café Cùil, Isle of Skye 

Why go…

  • The magical mountain and coastal location
  • The on-site coffee roastery
  • Seafood caught by the owners’ pals
  • 12 minutes from the famous Fairy Pools

Café Cùil is a modern, Hebridean brunch spot located in Carbost on the Isle of Skye and founded by Skye local, Clare Coghill. The Café is nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains, with views over the glimmering Loch Harport, a sea loch that sits on the west coast of the island. 

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can watch as the wild and whimsical weather of Skye casts rainbows over the nearby village of Drynoch, and downpours across the loch. Or, when the sun is out, you’ll be lucky to snag one of Cafe Cuil’s six outdoor tables, with breathtaking views over the loch and to the Cuillin hills. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee by the on-site roastery, Caora Dhubh, and a modern breakfast of locally sourced, fresh, Isle of Skye produce.

Outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Café Cùil

Satran,Carbost,Isle of Skye,

IV47 8SU

01478 640575

@cafecuil

  1. Contini, Edinburgh

Why go… 

  • For people watching on Edinburgh’s grand George Street
  • It’s the closest you’ll get to the Piazza San Marco in Scotland
  • The lemons in the G&T come weekly from Amalfi

Family run Contini George Street, is the only restaurant in Scotland to be officially recognised as an ‘Authentic Italian Restaurant’ by Accademia della Cucina and has retained its reputation as one of the best places to dine in the city due to its commitment to authentic ingredients sourced weekly from Italy for two decades.

In the warmer months, Contini opens up its outdoor ‘Venus terrace’ for guests to sit outside and take in the sun whilst people watching on busy George Street. Diners can enjoy small plates lovingly made with produce sourced directly from the Italian markets and Contini’s own vegetable garden; whether it’s the sweet Amalfi lemons, their own family single estate olive oils (made on the family farm in Tuscany) or the Mozzarella di Bufala sourced exclusively for them from Caseificio di Luca Ponticorvo in Alvignano all are guaranteed to bring a taste of the Italian sunshine. From May, Contini will extend the seating area with the dog-friendly ‘Rocco terrace’. 

Contini George Street

103 George Street Edinburgh

EH2 3ES

03301 649385

@continibites

  1. The Steak Barn, Balgove Larder, St Andrews 

Why go… 

  • Close to St Andrews’ iconic West Sands beach
  • Wood fired BBQ 
  • Fully traceable beef

Balgove Larder, close to St Andrew’s iconic West Sands beach is famous for its range of meats – reared on the Strathtyrum farm, hung and cut in-house by a team of award-winning butchers. The Steak Barn menu includes a range of steak cuts, which are hung for at least 28 days and cooked to order on the massive wood-fired BBQ.  Burgers, sausages, vegetable and chickpea burgers, all made at Balgove Larder, are also available alongside classic sides like twice-fried chips and crispy beer-battered onion rings. 

The Steak Barn, which is housed in a repurposed sawmill with distinctive potato crate walls, is open weekly from Wednesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday to Sunday 12 pm-9 pm.

The Steak Barn,

A91, St Andrews,

KY16 9SF

01334 898145

@balgove

  1. Celentano’s, Glasgow

Why go…

  • For stunning views of the Cathedral and Necropolis
  • Bib gourmand al fresco food
  • The herb-scented garden

Celentano’s outdoor dining space offers the perfect afternoon suntrap. Located in Glasgow’s east end at Cathedral Square, the terraced garden allows guests to enjoy delicious Italian-inspired small dishes, seasonal cocktails, and a glass of biodynamic wine al-fresco while overlooking the city’s breath-taking Necropolis.

Celentano’s also uses this space to grow seasonal fruits and herbs, meaning that guests taking advantage of the space are seated amongst a selection of the ingredients that they’re enjoying in their dishes and cocktails.

The space offers six bench tables, nestled between greenery and blooming flowers, with awnings and heaters to keep guests cosy as the evenings draw in. Additional seating around the herb beds can be used for those just visiting for drinks only.

Celentano’s, by chef Dean Parker (ex-The Dairy) and his Glasgow-born wife Anna, is built on a passion for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand just six months after opening, Celentano’s offers clever, wholesome dishes and innovative serves made using the best seasonal ingredients.

The outdoor terrace is open every Saturday from 12:30-10 pm and Sunday from 12:30 – 4 pm and dining reservations can be made up to four weeks in advance.

Celentanos 

28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow,

G4 0XA

01415 523519

@celentanos_glasgow

  1. The Crusoe, Largo

Why go…

  • Birthplace of the real-life Robsinon Crusoe
  • Local suppliers on the menu, including fish landed on the pier 
  • Beautiful beach for walking
  • Dog friendly

The Crusoe is perched on the edge of Lower Largo pier, in Fife, overlooking the beach and was recently named one of Scotland’s most romantic hotels.

It is also, probably the only bar in Scotland to feature a footprint supposedly belonging to Alexander Selkirk, the real-life pirate and desert island adventurer who inspired Daniel Defoe to pen Robinson Crusoe in 1719. Take an amble along the beach to admire his statue, before tucking into fish and chips and a freshly poured pint in the sunshine, brewed in the neighbouring village. Chef Ritchie D’aeth collects the lobster, crab and mackerel that feature in the menu, direct from the pier and uses locally reared meat for the popular Sunday roast.

The new Levenmouth train line, launching this spring, makes The Crusoe easily accessible by train from the station at Leven for a day trip or book one of the sea view bedrooms for a relaxing overnight stay. 

The Crusoe,

2 Main Street, Lower Largo, Leven, Fife, 

KY8 6BT

01333 406775

@thecrusoelargo

  1. Maryculter House, Aberdeenshire

Why go…

  • The stunning riverbank setting 
  • The hotel’s fascinating Jacobean history 

Nestled on the banks of the River Dee, Maryculter House is one of Scotland’s oldest hotels, steeped in history and full of character. The outdoor terrace is flooded with sunlight all day long, meaning that guests can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast, light lunch or afternoon tea al-fresco in the picturesque Royal Deeside.

Please call when booking to enquire about al-fresco dining availability.

Maryculter House

North Deeside Rd, Aberdeen,

AB12 5GB

01224 732124

@maryculter.house

  1. Nick’s at Port of Menteith

Why go…

  • Idyllic flower-filled garden setting surrounded by meadows
  • Julia Nairn’s on-site interior and kitchen shop
  • Have a sneak peek at Nick’s iconic cook-school

Chef Nick Nairn has created a unique dining setting amongst the fruit trees, herbs and vegetables of the kitchen garden that serves his cook school and restaurant. Situated in the stunning Stirlingshire countryside on what was once the Nairn family farm near the shores of Lake of Menteith in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the restaurant’s garden offers the perfect sunshine spot for countryside al fresco dining amongst the vine trailed pergolas or under fairy lights on the terrace. Or if things get a bit too chilly, guests can enjoy a view of the picturesque garden from the restaurant’s glass-fronted dining room. 

Nick Nairn Cook School

Lochend Estate, Port of Menteith, Stirling,

FK8 3JZ

01877 389900

 @nicksatportofmenteith

  1. The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant, Edinburgh 

Why go…

  • A dining terrace in Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street Gardens
  • Views up to Edinburgh Castle
  • Take in Scotland’s finest art collection 

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the National Gallery offers picturesque views of Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens with a menu that offers classic dishes like fish and chips and cullen skink alongside seasonal favourites – dishes that reflect the best seasonal Scottish larder with the menu changing monthly.  

In one of the city’s most iconic settings overlooking East Princes Street Gardens, The Scotsman Building, Waverley Bridge and the Balmoral Hotel, the outdoor terrace is the ideal location to take in Edinburgh’s picturesque scenery. The terrace is open all year round and is best enjoyed from April to September.

Scottish National Gallery 

The Mound, Edinburgh,

EH2 2EL

01312 251550

@thescottishcafe

  1. The Prancing Stag, Glasgow 

Why go…

  • For its “secret” garden atmosphere
  • To escape the hustle and bustle of Glasgow city centre

The Prancing Stag is Glasgow’s best-kept dining secret. Behind a wall of ivy in the heart of the West End lies a family-run bijou dining room and outdoor terrace that focuses on delivering exceptional food and service to locals in the know. Chef Neil Keevill’s menu offers simple, yet refined Scottish cooking using the best local suppliers. During the warmer months, The Prancing Stag opens its outdoor covered terrace or  ‘Sitootery” –  for guests to enjoy a drink and bite to eat. The perfect setting to sip on a glass of wine from The Prancing Stag’s vast wine list and enjoy an I.J Mellis Cheese Board.

The Prancing Stag, 

1a Ashwood Gardens, Glasgow,

G13 1NX

01419 599666

@theprancingstag

Holyrood Distillery unveils a new bespoke bottle for Height of Arrows Gin

Edinburgh’s city centre based, Holyrood Distillery, has unveiled a fresh new look with a bespoke bottle for its multi-award winning Height of Arrows Gin. 

Height of Arrows Gin uses minimal ingredients to produce layers of texture, for a smooth yet full-bodied favour; inspired by whisky-thinking in its creation.With juniper as its singular botanical and enhanced with two modifiers – Isle of Skye Sea Salt and beeswax from Edinburgh Honey Co – the new bottle looks to reflect the adventure and ambition of the experimental distillery.

The new bottle takes inspiration from the city’s famous extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat which overlooks the distillery. ‘Height Of Arrows’ is the literal translation of ‘Àrd-Na-Said’, the Gaelic name for the iconic landmark. Standing at 251m, the Height of Arthur’s Seat was said to be the furthest distance an archer could fire an arrow – literally, aiming higher and breaking boundaries. 

Distillery Manager, Calum Rae, said: 

“Height of Arrows elevates gin to new levels, and we wanted to make sure that a bespoke bottle was also a reflection of that. 

“The sloping shoulders of the bottle are reminiscent of the peak of Arthur’s Seat, while its green hue is a nod to the resilient lichen that adorns its rocks. The bottle uses a tactile sea-glass effect to represent the texture of the spirit, and serves as a reminder of the unstoppable forces of both time and nature which are both synonymous with Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.”

Nestled at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Distillery was founded in 2019 and is dedicated to producing spirits that are truly worthy of Scotland’s capital city and its proud past as a centre of brewing and distilling. 

Following its release in 2022, Height of Arrows went on to be recognised with multiple awards including Gin of the Year by Whisky Exchange, New Product of the Year by Scottish Gin Awards, medals at the IWSC and ISC and Gold at the World Gin Awards.

In October 2023, the urban distillery launched its inaugural single malt, Arrival, one of the first single malt whiskies produced in Edinburgh in a century.

New bottle is on sale from Friday 10 May from https://holyrooddistillery.co.uk/shop/ and online retailers.

For further information on the full product range and newsletter subscription, visit https://holyrooddistillery.co.uk/

High-res images available here

Holyrood Distillery
19 St Leonard’s Lane,
Edinburgh
EH8 9SH

0131 285 8977 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Nikki Whyte on nikki@soundbitepr.co.uk

Abie Dobie on abie@soundbitepr.co.uk 

The Prancing Stag celebrates Spring with its first seasonal tasting menu

On Wednesday the 15th of May, The Prancing Stag, kicks off its series of seasonal tasting menus with a Spring inspired menu in partnership with Wine Importers Scotland.

The menu will feature six courses showcasing the best of modern Scottish cuisine, with a focus on celebrating the abundance of fresh produce sourced from local producers like John Vallance Seafood, Greenheart Growers, Ochil Foods and Campbell’s Prime meats. Each dish will be expertly paired with exquisite wines from renowned regions such as Italy, France, and Chile, as well as intriguing selections from Tasmania, Hungary, and Portugal.

Rory Cox, Owner of The Prancing Stag said, 

“We’re thrilled to team up with our incredible wine suppliers, Wine Importers Scotland, for a toast to Spring at our first seasonal tasting menu event. At The Prancing Stag, we particularly love curating our menu for Spring because of the abundance of fresh produce we get here in Scotland at this time of year. Our Head Chef Neil Keevil has curated a tasting menu that perfectly complements this season’s offering that will be paired with some amazing wine sourced from some of the best wine regions around the world.”

Menu

Canapés

Cucumber Cappuccino

Mackerel Tartare

Rabbit Rillette

Paired with Jansz Premium Cuvee, Tasmania

Charred Denhead Farm asparagus & crispy egg yolk

Paired with Pinot Blanc, Dunavar, Hungary

Chilled fillet of sole with vichyssoise

Paired with Bardolino Chiaretto Classico, Ca’Preella, Italy

Orkney crab cannelloni with heritage tomato consommé

Paired with Frascati Org, Italy

Rump of rose veal, wild garlic & snail risotto

Paired with Clairet de Bordeaux, Chateau Grand Tuillac, France

Nettle & Hebridean blue cheese rarebit

Paired with Graham’s 10yo Tawny, Portugal

Iced Leadketty strawberry parfait, strawberry soup, poached meringue

Paired with Late Harvest Viognier Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

The event will start at 7PM and is priced at  £75 per person. 

To secure your place; call 0141 959 9666 or book online here. 

About The Prancing Stag 

The Prancing Stag is a 36 cover neighbourhood restaurant that focuses on delivering exceptional food and service in the heart of Jordanhill in the West end of Glasgow. Led by Head Chef Neil Keevill, The Prancing Stag celebrates the best of modern Scottish fare by collaborating with local producers to offer a premium dining experience. As a family-owned establishment, The Prancing Stag prides itself on offering a relaxed and welcoming setting for guests.

Images here. 

Balgove Larder’s night markets return for its 10th year 

Balgove Larder has announced the vendor lineup for its milestone 10th annual Night Markets. The lineup for the monthly markets includes some of the best local traders from Fife and beyond and kicks off on the 7th of May.

The Night Markets, held within the distinctive Steak Barn with its walls crafted from wooden potato crates and a central wood-fired barbecue, offers a unique atmosphere for attendees to shop local, learn about food production, enjoy hands-on crafts and more. Alongside browsing vendor offerings, guests can enjoy a variety of street food from a changing lineup of food trucks, including The Wee Churros Corner, Stag Bites the Hogg, The Rolling Stove, and Wild Fire Pizza. Visitors can also enjoy street style food from the Steak Barn and the Eat Out hut. Additionally, they can treat themselves to a sweet experience with marshmallow toasting.

The Night Markets are free to attend and take place on the first Tuesday of the month from 5pm- 9pm between May and September.

The dates are:

–      7th of May

–      4th of June

–      2nd July

–      6th August

–      3rd September

Live music will accompany shoppers as they explore the finest local offerings. From Scottish sweets, award-winning honey and wine, artisanal preserves, baked treats, and handmade crafts, this is a showcase of the very best local produce. This year will see the return of the popular butchery and cookery demonstrations, as well as floral workshops at the Garden Shed and engaging talks and demonstrations led by local producers. Furthermore,  The farm shop at Balgove Larder will remain open giving guests the chance to try out various samples.

Some of the vendors joining Balgove this season are Angus-based chocolatiers, Chocolatia and Plump Gourmet Marshmallows; honey producers like Kin Bees, Scottish Bee Company and Webster Honey; and local favourites like Barnett’s Bakery, Growers garden and Wee Knob of Butter. Drink suppliers from the nearby Tayport Distillery and Perth based winery, Cairn o’ Mohr will also be joining.  Other highlights will include food and drink offerings from Scottish Honeyberries Growers,  Little Birdie Coffee Co and  Hungry Squirrel. Additionally, guests can shop creations from local makers like recycled woollen animals from Wooltide, greeting cards from illustrators at  Joy Nevada and   Little Paper Soul, luxury handmade soap from  Oir Soap and more.

Will Docker, founder of Balgove Larder said,

“This year marks a decade of our Night Markets and we’ve put together a programme of truly outstanding vendors. Balgove Larder is all about celebrating the very best of local produce and these events provide a special opportunity to meet and chat to the people behind these outstanding food and drink businesses. This year we’re enabling visitors to explore even more of what we do with new demonstrations and workshops.” 

Founded in 2010, Balgove Larder has become a destination for locals and visitors alike, who are able to shop for artisanal Scottish food and drink from Fife and beyond, including  seasonal produce direct from their own farms and award-winning meat prepared by their team of traditionally skilled butchers. By converting former farm buildings, Balgove Larder has developed The Farm Shop, The Steak Barn, The Butchery, The Garden Shed, The Homestore, The Café and Eat Out on the Strathtyrum Estate.

For more information on Balgove Larder call 01334 898145, email info@balgove.com or visit www.balgove.com.

Balgove Larder is open daily 9am to 5pm. The Steak Barn is open seasonally and does not take bookings.

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