North Middleton, Midlothian

Robert Wight savours a sumptous six-course medieval banquet...

Wow! What a dining experience! But you’d expect nothing less from head chef Derek Johnstone, a winner of Masterchef: The Professionals. He and his team arranged an exquisite six-course menu to celebrate the release of the Mary Queen of Scots movie. French and Scottish oysters were followed by a fine tart of woodland mushroom and tarragon, then roscoff onion Brittany cider soup – cheekily served in a massive hollowed-out half-onion! – before a melt-in-the-mouth tender slow-cooked shin of Black Angus beef, with bone marrow and sauce Albert, then a zingy pear, ginger and mead sorbet, with a quite exceptional milk and apple tart to finish. All was accompanied by the finest French wines. It was perfect – fully deserving of full marks. The castle is a private venue for hire. This banquet was a one-off but a number of similar dining experiences throughout the year can be booked by the public. 10/10

Again, faultless. Staff were attentive, friendly, very knowledgeable and passionate about their work. General manager Johanne leads a fantastic team. 10/10

Roaring fires, stunning table decorations, tapestries, artwork, suits of armour, incredible carved wood, exposed stonework, diners seated at a single long table, minstrels playing replica medieval instruments and a historian telling tales of Mary’s dramatic life – superbly atmospheric! 10/10

Not cheap at £160pp. But it includes all wine, welcome fizz and whisky cocktail. And it is six courses of the best food imaginable. All-in-all, decent value. 9/10

Wonderfully and sympathetically modernised but it is a 600-year-old castle. Some might not like the lack of lifts! 9/10