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Bewitched
at The Witchery
by Mary McCarney
Edinburgh’s most
romantic hotel/restaurant boasts a gothic history, prestigious
location and a celebrity guest list most proprietors would die
for. Impressed? The Witchery will leave you spellbound.
Located on the Royal Mile, in a sixteenth century building at
the gates of Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is probably the most
famous dining destination in Scotland's capital city. It has two
award-winning restaurants: The Secret Garden, entered from the
courtyard above via a stone staircase, and the magical Witchery
Restaurant, with its gilded antique screens, polished church candlesticks
and luxurious leather seating. The guest book features names such
as Pierce Brosnan, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones and Jack
Nicholson. Musical impresario Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber called it
"The prettiest restaurant ever!"
The Witchery has also been described as Scotland's most romantic
hotel, and Cosmopolitan recently named it one of the Seven Wonders
of the World. There are six opulent and indulgent suites, each
with its own unique character and atmosphere. Lavish, sumptuous,
gothic and very romantic, each suite has a tapestry-hung bed and
roll-top bath large enough for two!
 We
stayed in "The Guardroom", surrounded by original Scottish
regimental uniforms and relics. Our huge suite featured open fires,
a dramatic bathroom, cozy sitting areas and a galley kitchen.
The romantic bedroom was crammed with gorgeous antiques. Additional
luxuries included a Bose sound system, CD and DVD library, flowers
and complimentary Pol Roger champagne.
Next morning, breakfast was delivered in a wicker basket and served
in our room as we planned the day ahead. Admittedly, we were a
little reluctant to leave the luxury of our suite and venture
outside. But The Witchery is ideally located for visitors to Edinburgh
and the city is well worth exploring. It was  here,
on Castlehill, that witches were burned at the stake during the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and guided walking tours
of the city, including a lively ghost tour, depart nightly from
outside the restaurant.
Edinburgh Castle is just a few steps away and the Scottish Whiskey
Center is literally next-door.
From the comfort of our suite, overlooking the historic old-town
rooftops, it was easy to see why this 5-star hotel has been voted
one of the world's most wonderful places to stay. With its gothic
imagery and magical atmosphere, The Witchery certainly casts a
powerful spell. Enchanting!
More Details
- The Witchery by
the Castle is just 20 minutes taxi ride from Edinburgh Airport.
- Suites £225
per night, including breakfast.
- Restaurants open
daily for lunch and dinner -- reservations essential.
- Popular Edinburgh
wedding venues such as St Giles Church, The Gatehouse of Edinburgh
Castle and the City Registry Office are all near by. The Witchery
can cater for smaller wedding receptions of up to 60 guests.
For total
WOW factor, visit the website: www.thewitchery.com
The Witchery by the Castle
Castlehill
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
EH1 2NF
Scotland
Tel. +44 (0) 131 225 5613
Email: mail@thewitchery.com
 Mary
McCarney is a teacher and freelance writer from England. She writes
articles and book reviews for a range of newspapers and magazines.
She is also a contributing author of a new History study guide.
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