The Strathearn is Gleneagles hotel’s fine dining restaurant, playing second fiddle only to two Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie next door. The dining room is grand and sweeps through to an orangery where crisp white clothed tables sit under a painted floral ceiling, while the main space has a similarly old-world aesthetic with pastel blue banquettes and 1920s inspired petal-shaped glass light fittings.
With both candlelight and live music adding to the ambiance, snagging a table for two here would be sure to win you brownie points come date night. Alternatively, bring all your friends and ask for one of the front row seats that face the grand piano – these large, round tables set up to eight.
The menu is a three course affair – which costs £95 at dinner or £75 at lunch – and offers a good choice of fish, meat and vegetarian fare. While dishes chainge with the seasons, starters might present a classic cheese souffle, beef tartare with caviar and truffle or smoked salmon Royale. If you’re feeling really hungry you might like to indulge in a pre-cursory shellfish tower for the table, for a supplementary fee.
Mains offer classic proteins like duck, lamb and venison as well as lighter choices such as cod with lobster ravioli, courgette and black olive or a cauliflower dish served with tofu, carrot and macadamia nuts. Favourite from the famed trolly include a beef Wellington served tableside and a ‘roast of the day’.
Come dessert options include things such as a baked-to-order tarte tatin, a mille feuille filled with seasonal fruits and cream, or crepe Suzette.
The accompanying drinks list is extremely comprehensive, with hundreds of bottles held in the bins. If you have a reason to toast the evening, the dining room’s famous Champagne trolly should be able to help, while for pairings the sommeliers are always on hand to make suggestions.