Norton House Hotel

Situated outside the city and tucked away up a long tree-lined drive, this elegant, extended Victorian mansion - now a stunning country-house hotel - is set in 55 acres of beautiful parkland, woods and manicured lawns. Original features blend delightfully with a relaxed, contemporary edge here. Ushers is the elegant fine-dining restaurant, an intimate, candlelit, 22-seat affair smartly decked out in soft creamy-latte coloured walls, subdued lighting, white linen and armchairs, while service is impeccable but with a relaxed charm. The kitchen's modern approach comes underpinned by a classical French theme, delivered via an appealing, sensibly compact carte. Skilled, precise cooking allows fine quality Scottish ingredients to shine with deceptive simplicity and clean, clear, balanced flavours. Take a starter of seared Loch Duart salmon served with tomato and wakame water, poached oysters, micro basil, baby leeks and parsley oil, and to follow, perhaps fillet of Aberdeen Angus teamed with onion ice cream, turnip fondant and a ravioli of shin. A prune and Armagnac soufflé with walnut cream and gorgonzola ice cream might catch the eye at dessert. A good cheese selection, first-class breads and interesting canapés hold up standards, and make a walk around the grounds almost mandatory. (The hotel's more relaxed Brasserie offers a contemporary menu and décor.)

M8 junct 2, off A8, 0.5m past Edinburgh Airport
Nearest station: South Gyle

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