Iconic eatery cradled in Castle Hill

Word to the wise: For romance, opt for the Secret Garden. The enclosed historic courtyard with its painted ceiling and French windows is just magical.

Tipple of choice: They're known for the truly extensive wine list of over 500 bottles.

You would be forgiven for questioning this restaurant's calibre; situated as it is at the entrance to the castle, it hardly needs to entice visitors in. Luckily, it doesn't take its prime position for granted, and instead the luxurious surroundings only become a very apt setting for the gourmet food.

This former medieval merchant's house is sumptuous to the extreme; the atmospheric dining room is draped in lavish tapestries with dark wood panels and antique furnishings, all in the dim candlelight.

The menu is pan-European with a Scottish leaning such as scallops wrapped in smoked Iberico pancetta, monkfish osso bucco and the fantastic Three Little Pigs - pork cutlet, roast belly and trotter stuffed with black pudding.