A truly incredible experience in the most cosy atmosphere ever: Restaurant The Gardener’s Cottage (11. October 2024)
When I had booked The Gardener’s Cottage, I hadn’t been aware that two days before I’d end up in their other premise, The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage, so, given the experience there was not entirely mind-blowing, I was wondering what to expect. Turns out, there was absolutely nothing to worry about, since The Gardener’s Cottage plays in its own league. I went for the “set lunch” (GBP 35.00), which started with “sourdough & butter”. And I must admit that the sourdough bread was actually absolutely great and the butter with pink pepper corn was great.
Next in line was the “ricotta, Isle of white tomatoes, shallots, lovage”, which looked simple, and I suppose it is, but the intensity of the flavours was just great. The tomatoes were rich, the shallots on top added quite a bit to the flavour profile, and the ricotta mousse, which served as the base was super flavourful.
Then, it was time for the dish of the year, the “roe deer loin, plum, BBQ summer carrots, port”, which was largely the same as the one I have had two nights ago, so, I was semi excited to try it, but I do admit the meat was superbly tender and rich in terms of taste. The burnt elements added an interesting flavour to the dish, but, again, I wasn’t too big a fan of the plum sauce, since it really somehow didn’t add anything to the dish.
Last but not least, it was time for the “financier, rhubarb, mint, raspberry, white chocolate”, which was an intensely sweet, but also delicious combination of ingredients. Personally, the sorbet was a bit too big in comparison to the rest, but it was still tasty.
The “fresh mint tea” (GBP 6.00) was perfect to keep yourself warm, because, as lovely as the Gardener’s Cottage is, it is a bit cold inside, since it is a former gardener’s house, so, obviously, not the best isolated place.
In the end, you get a “toffee with your bill”, which is quite nice and smooth to finish off the lunch.
What I absolutely enjoyed is the setup of the Gardener’s Cottage. You have a long table, and you’re seated at that table next to everyone else (obviously only if you’re not the first person to arrive), which makes it much more interactive.
Other than that, the staff is superbly friendly and professional. They are really attentive and make sure you feel welcome and enjoy your time here.
The place is absolutely lovely. I mean, it’s a tiny house where they host up to 20+ guests, and you can watch them in the kitchen how they prepare everything.
So, frankly, when you have the chance to have lunch (or even dinner) here, you absolutely should!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant The Gardener’s Cottage
Royal Terrace Gardens
London Rd 1
EH7 5DX Edinburgh (UK)
Tel.: +44 77 56 91 10 08
Homepage: http://www.thegardenerscottage.co
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
