Welcome to Old Town Chambers, situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle and ideally placed for access to anything within the heart of the city. Grant Dickie paid a visit to find out just what was on offer.
A warm welcome awaited me as I stepped from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into Old Town Chambers. After checking in, I was kindly shown to my One Bed City View Suite – a service I was very glad for as it was a slight adventure to get there. Across an outer courtyard we entered a second building nestled among Edinburgh’s famous closes, and up to the floor I was staying on. With only two suites per floor in this part of the building there was a very quiet and private feeling.
Entering the suite I was met by two doors in a corridor leading to the bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom was bright and spacious, while the bedroom was cosy but still boasted a large wardrobe and dressing table. Along the corridor the suite opened out to reveal a large airy space serving as living and dining room complete with kitchenette, desk space and access to a private balcony. I now knew how I was going to be spending my evening!
One quick shower to freshen up later, I headed down to Luckenbooths, the on-site restaurant for dinner. I was sat at a table with a view across The Royal Mile, enjoying the lights filtering through St Giles Cathedral’s stained glass windows while watching people go about their evening.
To start, I opted for the Cullen Skink – a favourite of mine that I can never say no to, and something I can be pretty picky about if not done right. But, I can confirm, the Luckenbooths Cullen Skink was delicious. With a good balance of smoked fish to potato and a smoky flavour that neither overpowered or disappeared into the cream, we were off to a good start. I followed this up with the Ox Cheek Pie which was served with buttered seasonal greens. The pie was rich, warming and not shy on the portion size.
Before heading back to my room, I chose to enjoy an Espresso Martini in the restaurant instead of dessert as I was pleasantly full. Sipping the Espresso Martini (another thing I tell myself I am a connoisseur of) in the cosy wood panelled restaurant with the light buzz of other patrons was a nice end to dinner.
After, I retired to my suite to make the most of the facilities. With the curtains open offering me views towards Princes Street Gardens and the twinkling of the Christmas market, I opened my laptop at the desk to do a little planning for a writing project that has been rattling around my head for a while. Next it was time to kick back on the comfortable sofas with a cuppa and enjoy a little reading before turning in for the night.
The next morning, after a shower and getting organised for the day, I opted for one last trip to Luckenbooths for breakfast. Once again sat with a window view onto The Royal Mile to enjoy people watching, I chose the Nduja & Chorizo Hash Bowl. The dish was something a bit different to what I would usually order for breakfast, and I was glad I did. The mixture of veg and fried potatoes was given a kick from the chorizo, nduja and honey mustard dressing which also made the meal warming. The perfect choice for a winter morning.
I chose to enjoy what Luckenbooths had to offer during my stay, however with the kitchenette available in the room (fridge, oven, hob and microwave), you could cater to yourself for dinner and breakfast in your suite if you wished. And, if the Scottish weather allows it, you could enjoy your breakfast, or even just your morning coffee, on the balcony – sadly during my trip it did not.
A stay at Old Town Chambers had everything that I needed and more: spacious and comfortable suite to both work and relax in, restaurant offering delicious breakfast and dinner, comfortable communal areas and very welcoming and helpful staff (both in the hotel and restaurant).
For more information about Old Town Chambers or to book a getaway visit here.
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