The Craigie Hotel has an impressive history. First constructed in 1885 by George Washington Browne, 'Craigie House’, as it was then known, it was the property of eminent Scottish zoologist James Cossar Ewart, famous for his experiments involving zebras. Following his death in 1933, the house was converted to a hotel and remained that way until its refurbishment in 2017. Now pictures of Ewart with his zebras in the grounds of the Craigie can be found all around the modern hotel.
It’s not just the history that’s a draw. Known across Edinburgh and the Pentlands as a prime food and watering hole, the restaurant is open all day long to guests and non-guests alike. The focus of the menu is on good quality Scottish produce, with locally sourced ingredients and an evolving seasonal menu. Start with the most important meal of the day: Scottish breakfasts, pancakes, granola, eggs and French toast abound on this menu, which also has an excellent selection of teas and coffees.
Don’t fill up too much, as plenty of options await you on the lunch menu. Bar snacks, sandwiches and burgers and appetising options, as is the expansive list of dishes like pan seared salmon fillet, wild mushroom and asparagus risotto, and warm sesame beef salad. Dinner rolls around before you know it, and the menu features some old favourites from the lunch menu, alongside new options like roast rump of lamb and pancetta wrapped chicken breast stuffed with haggis.
Despite being only 11 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, The Craigie enjoys a quiet and picturesque location, right by the Pentland Hills regional park which features lakes, forts, castles and viewpoints. Why not make a day of it: opt for a hike in the beautiful Scottish woodland, followed by a meal and drink at the Craigie bar, which boasts a large and secluded beer garden and outside terrace, ideal for sipping some crisp cider during the summer months.