The perfect place for a pie and pint after a long walk in the hills? I’m inn
Nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills, the Flotterstone is outdoors with a capital O.
Hang around for long enough and you’ll spot all the major tribes. There’s the legendary Mamils, the climbers and the dog walkers (including, on this occasion, yours truly).
The friendly staf f at this traditional pub don’t bat an eye at the sight of rain-soaked, mudcovered visitors coming through the doors of their cosy bar in search of a place to take the weight off their feet and refuel.
But it’s not just customers wearing walking boots or cycling shorts that flock to this pretty, family-run, dog-friendly country inn.
A restaurant tucked away f rom the main bar and a funct ion room make the Flot terstone a ggreat venue for ever y thing from small weddings to birthdays. O n my most recent trip there, my friend and I made the brave decision not to let the dampness in the air stop us sitting in the beer garden at the back.
There’s no denying that it had turned to a gentle drizzle by the time the waiter brought us out our lunch and attempted to persuade us that we might prefer to eat indoors.
But there was something so calming about the beautiful setting of the inn, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, that made us stay out.
We were spoiled for choice when it came to choosing what to eat. If we had visited on a Friday night, we would have been given the “Flotterstone Friday Steak and Grill Night” menu – with two steaks and a drink starting at £ 30.
We were impressed by the vegetarian dishes on offer and my lunch guest went for a tasty plate of vegetable enchiladas topped with guacamole, salsa and sour cream, served with salad garnish and French fries. I opted for the equally satisfying “Flotterstone Favourite” steak and ale pie, served with chips and side cup of vegetables.
There was no room for any of the tempting desserts, which are made fresh every day.
So we’ll have to come back. A good place to relax and unwind.