Timberyard

In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the unsuspecting, neat entrance to Timberyard opens up to reveal a room of cathedral proportions. The feeling of being somewhere sacred isn’t hampered by the addition of incense clouds and classical music, and the wide-set wooden tables allow everyone enough room to enjoy their chosen offering in peace. The whole thing has been given a industrial edge with bare brickwork and metal detailing.

Despite having been in action for over a decade, this feels like a kitchen brigade riding high on an all-new injection of creativity. Dishes are wonderfully earthy, respecting the handful of ingredients each plate displays, with perfect cooking and a delicate touch.

Sharp pickles come with soft bread and salty butter before a show-stopping steamed bun. It’s covered in wild garlic purée and a healthy pile of Old Reekie cheese shavings to mellow out the pokey corners of everyone’s favourite spring allium. On the side there’s a broth too, apparently just wild garlic and stock, that’s frothed up for a properly delightful few mouthfuls that tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts.

The rest of the tasting menu weaves its way through vegetable, fish and meat courses and is served by the somewhat serious front of house team who explain every detail with a touching sense of pride.

One of the most exciting things is the non-alcoholic drinks pairing. Timberyard seems to be one of the early adopters of a format surely set to rocket from here on out. The bar team brings together complex, interesting serves like sea buckthorn and lemon verbena early on before ramping up to a preserved bramble and Douglas fir ferment further down the line. The results are bright and juicy, with an acidic tang, like a full-bodied red wine. It’s the perfect partner for its partridge match – a dish which came with a decent smoky hum from the grill and a bright chervil sauce.

The whole thing strikes that elusive balance between refined food and a relaxed feel. It’s Michelin starred dining without any of the stuffiness, a combination which adds the final gloss to this idiosyncratic Edinburgh destination.

Finding its home on Edinburgh’s Lady Lawson Street, Timberyard is a popular spot for both residents and visitors to the city. The restaurant is family-run and found in the atmospheric surrounds of a 19-century warehouse, which was originally built as a props and costume store.

Timberyard is rightfully proud of its enterprising approach to foraging, butchery, curing and growing much of its own produce. In fact, many of the plates served at Timberyard are beautifully adorned with herbs and flowers from Timberyard’s very own garden patch. Where there are gaps, the team source additional ingredients from artisan suppliers across Scotland, working with small-scale specialists to ensure they're using the very best of the country’s larder.

Those choosing to dine here can pick from various menus, including an eight-course dinner menu, a lunch menu and a five-course evening offering which allows you a choice of dishes. Well-balanced dishes you may come across on your visit could range from scallops with smoked roe and, seaweed through to crispy duck with sheep’s yoghurt and Tropea onion. When it comes to dessert, you might see the likes of ricotta, sorrel, flowering currant and fig leaf or cocoa husk, hazelnut, and chocolate concoctions.

Timberyard’s drinks list is stuffed with hidden gems, found within the restaurant's wide range of natural wines. If you’re not in the mood for vino, try out a beer from a small-batch producer instead or choose a tipple from Timberyard’s fun selection of cocktails, with combinations including pairings of quince, preserved lime and rum or hibiscus, blood orange and vodka. There’s also a stellar softs selection, as well as mocktails and a non-alcoholic pairing.

Those looking to add a touch of exclusivity to their dining experience can book out the Old Brick Shed for any private dining functions such as celebration dinners and birthdays, while the south-facing yard is much sought after for al fresco meals in the sunshine. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff and charmingly rustic interiors round things off nicely for a very pleasant dining experience.