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.