HOTEL of the week
WHERE AND WHY Sitting among the Georgian townhouses of Edinburgh’s New Town, the Bonham is quietly classy.
Dating from 1872, the buildings were originally occupied by wellto-do families and The Bonham kept an air of opulence when it opened in 1998, establishing itself as one of the city’s premier boutique hotels.
It is far enough away from the capital’s epicentre that you won’t be troubled by the castle’s daily One O’clock Gun being fired, yet it’s only a 10-minute march to Princes Street and a further hop and skip to the Royal Mile.
Recent refurbishment brought the interior up to date, maintaining an air of conservative cool. Public areas enjoy a gentle buzz during the day, then an intoxicating calm descends over the dining room and lounge in the evening.
Our spacious superior double room on the third floor had pleasant views over Drumsheugh Gardens and towards the city, while a beautiful chandelier added real grandeur. ON THE MENU With more chandeliers, plush velvet seats, wood panelled walls and chesterfield-style sofas, the dining room of
No. 35 at The Bonham maintains the hotel’s “period with a luxurious modern twist” vibe.
As well as a North Atlantic cod main course (£17) I also enjoyed a red pepper and goats cheese bites starter (£4), Innis and Gunn shallot tart tatin (£7) and Free Range Chicken Ballotine (£18).
The chocolate and salted caramel cheesecake dessert (£6.50) was “to die for”.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE The hotel’s Concierge Corner offers a bite-sized guide to what’s happening in the city which is awash with attractions, including the Castle, Arthur’s Seat (a must-do mini hill walk), National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith.
And that’s not to mention the nearby vast shopping options, if retail’s your thing.
WAKE UP CALL Double room from £149 bed and breakfast. thebonham.com