The kitchen at Edinburgh Castle is primarily served through its two main dining establishments: the Redcoat Café and The Tea Rooms. These establishments offer a range of delectable Scottish-inspired dishes, afternoon tea experiences, and more, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of visitors to this historic landmark.
Redcoat Café
The Redcoat Café is a popular dining option within Edinburgh Castle, offering a variety of soups, toasted deli sandwiches, and more. The café serves hot food from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, with “grab and go” options available throughout the day.
Opening Hours
The Redcoat Café is open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy a meal or refreshment during their castle exploration.
Menu
The Redcoat Café’s menu features a range of Scottish-inspired dishes, with a focus on using the best local produce. Visitors can expect to find a selection of soups, toasted deli sandwiches, and other hot food options, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
Accessibility
The Redcoat Café is officially recognized as “great for families,” having achieved the Family Cafe Standard. This means that the café offers high chairs and other amenities to cater to the needs of families visiting the castle.
Local Products
The Redcoat Café’s menu is designed to showcase the best of Scottish produce, supporting local suppliers and reducing food miles. This commitment to using local ingredients not only enhances the flavor of the dishes but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the castle’s culinary offerings.
The Tea Rooms
In addition to the Redcoat Café, Edinburgh Castle is also home to The Tea Rooms, which offer a more refined and indulgent dining experience. The Tea Rooms feature afternoon tea packages, including admission to the castle, and a menu that showcases sweet and savory delights created with Scottish ingredients.
Opening Hours
The Tea Rooms are open daily from 10:30 am to 4 pm, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea experience during their castle visit.
Menu
The Tea Rooms’ menu features a range of afternoon tea packages, each offering a selection of sweet and savory items crafted with care and attention to detail. Visitors can expect to find a variety of scones, cakes, sandwiches, and other delectable treats, all made with high-quality Scottish ingredients.
Accessibility
Like the Redcoat Café, The Tea Rooms also offer high chairs and baby-changing facilities, ensuring that families can enjoy the afternoon tea experience with ease.
Local Products
The Tea Rooms, much like the Redcoat Café, prioritize the use of local Scottish products in their menu, supporting local suppliers and reducing the castle’s environmental impact.
Accessibility Features
Both the Redcoat Café and The Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle have accessible facilities, including high chairs and baby-changing stations. The Redcoat Café has also been officially recognized as “great for families,” making it a welcoming and inclusive dining option for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Scottish Products Used
The menus at both the Redcoat Café and The Tea Rooms showcase a commitment to using the best Scottish produce available. By sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, the castle’s culinary team not only enhances the flavor of the dishes but also supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of their operations.
Reviews
While the Redcoat Café and The Tea Rooms are the primary dining options within Edinburgh Castle, there are other highly regarded dining establishments in the surrounding area. The Witchery, a nearby boutique hotel and restaurant, is particularly well-known for its fine dining and romantic atmosphere, offering visitors an additional culinary experience to explore during their castle visit.
Cost and Timings
Redcoat Café
- Snacks and drinks: £3.50 – £6.50
- Hot food: £6.50 – £7.50
The Tea Rooms
- Afternoon tea packages: Prices vary depending on the package, including admission to the castle
- Light lunch and afternoon tea menu: Prices not specified
Directory and Hours
- Redcoat Café: Open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm
- The Tea Rooms: Open daily from 10:30 am to 4 pm
- The Witchery: Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm (last reservation)
Rates and Value
The dining options at Edinburgh Castle offer a range of prices and experiences to suit different budgets and preferences. The Redcoat Café provides reasonably priced snacks and drinks, while the afternoon tea packages at The Tea Rooms are considered a must-see castle experience, with prices varying depending on the package. The Witchery, known for its fine dining and romantic atmosphere, is a nearby option for those seeking a more upscale culinary experience.
References
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/eat
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/media/1551/redcoat-cafe-col-menu.pdf
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/eat/redcoat-caf%C3%A9
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/eat/the-tea-rooms
- https://www.thewitchery.com