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PLACES TO EAT AROUND DALKEITH: Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh is the Midlothian town of Dalkeith. Away from the hustle of the city, Dalkeith and its surrounding areas offer some pretty cool places to eat with family or friends. Whether it’s a child-friendly restaurant you’re hunting down or a romantic eaterie, here’s our round-up of the best places to eat around Dalkeith. And why. 1. THE PAPERMILL BAR & RESTAURANT Best place to eat around Dalkeith…*with friends *with the kids *with dogs *LOVE the quirky decor Overlooking the beautiful River Esk in the tranquil conservation village of Lasswade, the Paper Mill is an all-day bar and restaurant within an historic former paper mill. Reclaimed materials, screenprinted artworks and found objects create its cool industrial design aesthetic. The staff are friendly and super helpful while the menu is extensive, with lighter bar food for those evening drinks with friends. The best bit is the spacious outdoor terrace leads down to the riverbank therefore making it summer perfection. The Paper Mill 2–4 Westmill Road, Lasswade EH18 1LX www.thepapermill-lasswade.co.uk 2.THE SUN INN Best place to eat around Dalkeith for… *great fish & chips *long lunches with friends *LOVE IT for a romantic night away This old coaching inn is a five-time AA Scottish Gastropub of the Year. It’s menus comprise a delicious offering of Euro-Scottish fusion and delight on every visit. Make a romantic night of it and stay in one of the six beautifully decorated bedrooms with The Sun’s Pamper Package. The Sun Inn, Lothianbridge, Dalkeith, EH22 4TR. www.thesuninnedinburgh.co.uk 3. THE KITCHEN AT RESTORATION YARD Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*a beautiful lunch with stunning views *family friendly *LOVE the kids menu Not quite in Edinburgh but worth the quick trip. With views to die for, plus superb shopping and a kids’ adventure park, The Kitchen at Restoration Yard, located at the heart of Dalkeith Country Park is your perfect city escape. The Kitchen’s space, which matches traditional stone and brick with contemporary glass and zinc, plays the perfect host to an authentic and modern menu. There is something for everyone. So lunch meat eaters will adore the classic steak burger, fish lovers can enjoy the delicious seared fillet of seabass and vegans will delight in the taste sensation that is the sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry. The breakfast and Afternoon Tea menus are also thoughtfully put-together to appeal to foodies of all ages. The Kitchen at Restoration Yard, Via The King’s Gate, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 1ST www.restorationyard.com 4. ITIHAAS Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*an authentic curry *friendly staff *LOVE the vegetarian choices This multi-award-winning Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant has a big reputation, which it lives up to. The food is always excellent as is the amazing hospitality making it a local favourite for good reason. Veggies and non veggies will adore the Murghi Chatt and the Chana Massallam. Itihaas. 17-19 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith EH22 1HD. www.itihaasrestaurant.com 5. THE CAMPAIGN ROOM BISTRO at CARBERRY TOWER MANSION HOUSE Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*family get-togethers *LOVE Eat Well Live Well menu selection This is simply excellent food, in a lovely atmosphere with an impressive feeling of history. There is a really good selection of Scottish and seasonally sourced food on each of its menus. Discover its fresh salmon tartare or the beautiful venison steak with its plentiful selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, tender and very tasty. Not driving? There’s a great cocktail list and the bar staff know their stuff. This unusual space with a lovely relaxed feel about it so lengthen your enjoyment with drinks in the garden after dinner. The Campaign Room Bistro, Carberry Tower Mansion House, Carberry Tower Estate, East Lothian EH21 8PY. www.carberrytower.com/dining/bistro

With a CV including stints at Gleneagles, Edinburgh’s The Caledonian Hotel and as Nick Nairn’s executive head chef, Colin Halliday arrives at Restoration Café with as much pedigree as the produce he cooks. We caught up with the new head chef at Restoration Café to discuss passion, produce and provenance… FIVE MINUTE INTERVIEW: COLIN HALLIDAY When and why did you first find yourself in a professional kitchen? I studied food and nutrition at high school and felt an unbelievable sense of achievement when I immersed myself in the cooking. I was always making soups, casseroles and Sunday roasts. Then, aged 15, I started as an apprentice chef at The Caledonian Hotel and I’ve been in the kitchen since. Which chefs have you found most inspiring in the time since? I’d have to say John Webber, who I worked with at the Nick Nairn Cook School. John has been awarded a Michelin star on two occasions in his career and has a depth of knowledge that’s second to none. When we were teaching, he would relay information to the customers about the produce they were going to be using and I would think, wow, I never knew that! I learnt a fantastic amount just listening and watching. Describe the creative process of bringing a Restoration Café menu together… I start with random scribbles, to be honest! Then I look at seasonality, current trends, customer feedback, social media, cost, balance of dishes and, of course, I take input from the team. How important is local produce in that process? Very. Using local ingredients adds a real sense of provenance to Restoration Café and shows customers we’re supporting local businesses. What are your dreams for Restoration Café? I’m passionate about making this a destination restaurant, one that offers the best dining experience and exceeds the expectations of our customers. That’s the level I want to achieve across all the eateries we have here, as well as our growing Restoration Yard events and wedding business. Do you find it easy to switch off from the kitchen when you’re at home? No, I’m forever scribbling down ideas, watching cookery on YouTube and reading Saveur and The Staff Canteen. I’m travelling to London this weekend and, even then, I’ll be spending a couple of hours in Borough Market. Are you a reserved diner or a ‘go for it with all three courses’ type when eating out in or around Edinburgh? I prefer savoury dishes and always go starter and main – though occasionally, I’ll have the cheese trolley. What are your musts for a successful dining experience? The company is the most important thing. The food has to be good, cooked well and seasoned correctly, and everything on the plate needs to be there for a reason. The ambiance has to be one in which we feel relaxed too, meaning the service needs to be friendly, attentive and not overbearing. Restoration Café serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea seven days a week, as well as offering special evening events and private dining options. For more information, visit restorationyard.com or search @restorationyard on Facebook and Instagram.