Fingal is certainly one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks; a glamorous lodge vessel moored on the sting of Leith’s historic harbour, in Alexandra Dock. Inside, among the many golden period public areas and decadently embellished cabins, you’ll discover a 2-star AA Rosette awarded eating vacation spot with a distinction; The Lighthouse. TLE lately dined at The Lighthouse so learn on to find why this restaurant shouldn’t be missed!
A Beacon For Scotland
The title of the restaurant pays tribute to the ship’s former life; in-built 1963, it was initially a lighthouse tender, used to service lighthouses round Scotland’s coast, on behalf of the previous Northern Lighthouse Board. This was adopted by a interval in Cornwall, following her switch again to Scotland in 2014, when she was reworked right into a luxurious floating lodge and restaurant to the tune of £5 million, earlier than opening in 2019 to company.
A Peak Round The Ship
Previous to eating, we have been provided a tour across the ship, exploring the engine room and as much as the Bridge, each of which have been meticulously restored and provides an enchanting glimpse into Fingal’s former life.
In case you are in search of the last word non-public eating expertise the Lighthouse provides non-public eating up on the Bridge, which might accommodate as much as 10 company.
Rooms and Suites
While we have been there only for dinner, it’s value bearing on the rooms and suites of the lodge. Every is called after Stevenson lighthouses, the 23 luxurious cabins are impressed by Fingal’s wealthy maritime heritage and are an indulgent expertise like no different, your personal non-public sanctuary. Little particulars similar to headboards with map contours, Davy lamps and heavy brass faucets, make for a keep that may proceed to encourage, lengthy after you’ve left. The magnificent Skerryvore Suite, provides its personal separate sitting room, with the choice of eating within the suite, and its personal non-public deck.
Honouring Fingal’s Seafaring Previous
The Lighthouse’s inside enhances the ship’s Artwork Deco design, with a shimmering hammered copper impact ceiling and enormous home windows serving to to bounce the sunshine round. Sales space seating creates a sense of privateness, with porthole-style glass home windows topping every part. And do look out for the highest half of the unique funnel within the bar space. On a pleasant day, patrons can drink and dine on the ship’s deck, excellent for the five-course afternoon tea or some cocktails. The restaurant additionally serves a luxurious breakfast and refined dinners that commemorate elements from the northernmost elements of the British Isles.
Drinks With A Nautical Twist
Open to non-residents from midday to 10 pm, The Lighthouse Bar boasts an in depth wine listing, with a rigorously curated choice of Scottish, British and worldwide bottles. Matty Tomaszewski Head Barman & Sommelier is readily available that can assist you choose the right wine to accompany every course.
Picture by Helen Pugh Pictures
Cocktails
The drinks menu gives playful nods to Fingal’s heritage, with cocktails similar to Yard No. 140 (the title Fingal was given when she was first commissioned), a mix of Sea Wolf White Rum from the Strathearn Distillery in Perth, pineapple wine, aloe vera syrup, lime juice and peach bitters served in a julep cup.
There’s a nice choice of bespoke cocktails, and in order for you a traditional, simply allow them to know. We opted for a Vodka Martini and Margari to begin the night off which we loved on the sofas previous to transferring over to our desk.
Culinary Excellence From The Galley
Start your meal with Fingal’s scorching smoked salmon, served with cucumber, lemon, dill yoghurt labneh and pickled celery; the salmon is smoked on board. Mains embody the likes of hake fillet, harissa roast celeriac and roe deer. Order a aspect of roast Jersey Royal potatoes and butter that’s infused with freshly picked herbs from the ship’s personal quayside backyard. Then end with a lemon and Douglas fir posset, with rhubarb, pistachios, brioche crouton and burnt white chocolate, or a choice of artisan cheeses.
If you wish to be guided together with your wine – go for the matching wines, with every glass tailor-made to the course and dish you’re having.
Our Eating Expertise
Starters
Mains
Dessert
For the Summer season Months
For a really distinctive cocktail expertise ebook drinks on the deck with the vessel’s signature martini in hand providing a one-of-a-kind deal with.
Closing Ideas
Dinner aboard this floating fine-dining restaurant is a really unforgettable expertise, with flawless service, culinary excellence and panoramic views of the encompassing skyline, Shore and harbour space. Step onto Fingal for a number of hours at The Lighthouse and also you’ll really feel your cares float away.
The Lighthouse is included in our information to the perfect eating places in Edinburgh, and Fingal is included in our information to the perfect resorts in Edinburgh.
