Business Details
Luxury Hotel & Fine Dining in Edinburghs Historic Heart
Established within historic buildings dating back to 1595, our business combines centuries of Scottish heritage with modern luxury to deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, we specialise in opulent accommodation and award-winning fine dining, creating immersive environments that transport guests to a bygone era. Our team curates meticulously designed suites, each with unique character, complemented by a legendary wine list and seasonal menus celebrating local produce.Recognised globally for romantic ambiance and gothic elegance, we maintain a commitment to sustainable practices while preserving the rich history of our medieval setting. With accolades from leading publications and decades of guest testimonials, we continue to refine our offerings to ensure every visit embodies the timeless sophistication our name represents.
Services
Fine Dining
Luxury Accommodation
Afternoon Tea
Two-Course Lunch
Gift Shop
Seasonal Menus
Private Dining
Wedding Services
Corporate Events
Gift Vouchers
Highlights and features
- We offer 500-year-old historic buildings with modern luxury amenities
- Our award-winning wine list complements seasonal Scottish cuisine
- Each suite features unique gothic-inspired design elements
- Recognised globally as Edinburgh's most romantic accommodation
- Sustainability practices integrated with heritage preservation
What people say
Award-winning service
Romantic ambiance
Luxurious stays
Historic charm
Seasonal menus
Services
Fine Dining
Our award-winning la carte restaurant serves meticulously crafted dishes using seasonal Scottish ingredients in an opulent setting. Guests enjoy classics like Tournedos Rossini alongside modern creations, all complemented by an exceptional wine list. The experience combines historic ambiance with contemporary culinary excellence.
Luxury Accommodation
Nine uniquely designed suites offer immersive stays in 16th-century buildings, featuring four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and gothic decor. Each room blends historical authenticity with modern comforts, providing romantic retreats with champagne service and bespoke amenities for discerning guests.
Afternoon Tea
Served daily in our atmospheric dining rooms, our afternoon tea features delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and premium teas. The experience combines traditional elements with seasonal twists, presented in a setting enhanced by candlelight and historic wood panelling.
Gift Shop
Our curated collection showcases luxury items reflecting Edinburgh's history and The Witchery's gothic aesthetic. From cashmere accessories to exclusive single malt whisky, each product embodies quality craftsmanship and timeless design for memorable gifting experiences.
Seasonal Menus
Menus evolve with Scotland's seasons, featuring autumnal game dishes, winter hearty classics, and spring produce. The culinary team creates innovative pairings with sommelier-selected wines, ensuring each visit offers new gastronomic discoveries within our historic setting.
People
James Thomson
Founder
James Thomson transformed historic Edinburgh buildings into The Witchery, combining his hospitality expertise with a passion for preserving Scottish heritage. His vision created a globally recognised destination blending gothic elegance with modern luxury.
Questions
Can I book for a group larger than six people?
We cannot accommodate reservations for more than six people at any time.
Are children permitted at The Witchery?
We do not accept children under the age of 10, including infants, to maintain our romantic atmosphere.
What historical significance does the building hold?
Our buildings date back to 1595 and are located at the site of historic witchcraft trials near Edinburgh Castle.
Does The Witchery follow sustainable practices?
We implement sustainability measures while preserving our historic setting, focusing on responsible sourcing and energy efficiency.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and contactless payments for both accommodation and dining services.
Are the buildings accessible for wheelchair users?
Due to our historic architecture and location on Castlehill's steep incline, full accessibility cannot be guaranteed.
Reviews (6)
Sajid Hussain
Dec 31, 2021
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The staff were fanntastic , very polite and courteous. Suzanna and Enriquo were more than accomodating. Great In Service. The Scallops as a starter was flavoursome and very well cooked. Really enjoyed them. The Cuisine was very simple in flavours. There was no WOW factor with the mains we had. Portion size was generous and filling.
Muhammad Adil
Dec 30, 2021
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Went for the afternoon tea, only liked half (or slightly less) of what was on the menu. Secret garden was a bit too dark, saw other diners using phone flash to read menus. Staff were very friendly, but food was far too bang average for the price point.
Tom Kuhn
Dec 22, 2021
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Booked for a 22:00 pm slot hoping to order just drinks and dessert
However you must order a main per person as a minimum. This is not at all clear on the mobile website when booking. I get that its a popular place to visit. But who has a full main at 22:00? Further it was relatively empty so not as if we were taking potential tables from waiting customers. This approach to customers buying minimum value reminded me of the way Shisha cafes forced you to buy a shisha between 2 people only. The difference being that this is supposed to be a fine dining experience.
Cant say much for the food
However you must order a main per person as a minimum. This is not at all clear on the mobile website when booking. I get that its a popular place to visit. But who has a full main at 22:00? Further it was relatively empty so not as if we were taking potential tables from waiting customers. This approach to customers buying minimum value reminded me of the way Shisha cafes forced you to buy a shisha between 2 people only. The difference being that this is supposed to be a fine dining experience.
Cant say much for the food
Gemma Robson
Dec 21, 2021
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Lovely location and interior really nice. We had afternoon tea and dont think the price tag was worth the quality of the food that was served. A service charge is already added on to your bill at 10% so dont be surprised when it comes to paying
Siobhan
Dec 21, 2021
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Decor interesting but atmosphere odd - whispering silence with weirdly chosen background music. Service fine, food very average for extortionate prices. I could not work out what made 3 scallops worth 26 and 2 slices of venison wellington with a small square of dauphinoise worth 40. Not recommended
Kieron Wray
Dec 17, 2021
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Service was great which brought this score up from 2. Food was 3 star tops , although nothing wrong (slightly bland starters fish on the firm side but not "bad") nothing really had the wow factor apart from the mushrooms in the side veg, they were lovely. Have had more wow food in a great pub for less money
