November 27th 2024.
As the holiday season approaches, whether you embrace it with open arms or try to resist its festive charm, there's no denying that Christmas is on its way. You can either fight against it, or you can join in on the fun with the mentality of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em". And let's be real, when you walk into Gleneagles Townhouse and see the beautiful display of Christmas trees adorned with golden deer and cute squirrels, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights, it's hard not to feel a warm and joyful glow in your heart.
I, for one, am here to fully immerse myself in the Christmas spirit at The Spence, where I'll be trying out their new festive menu. And I must say, I feel quite lucky to have snagged a seat by the cozy fire on this chilly evening in the city. To top it off, we were even greeted with a glass of Champagne to kick off our festive feast.
For starters, we indulged in some delectable Glen & Co oak smoked salmon, served with a dollop of sour cream and dill oil, as well as a cucumber cup filled with caviar. The salmon was incredibly flavorful with a hint of smokiness, and the creamy and fresh accompaniments balanced out its richness perfectly.
Next up, the main event – the turkey. Served in a round shape with a generous portion of stuffing, it was cooked to perfection. And of course, it wouldn't be a proper Christmas feast without some pigs in blankets, baby carrots, parsnips, and roast potatoes, all topped off with a rich and flavorful gravy. And on the side, a hearty portion of brussels sprouts sautéed with smoked pancetta and parmesan cheese. My only qualm was with the cranberry sauce, which was a tad too tart for my liking, but the gravy was definitely the clear winner in the battle of the sauces.
After a satisfying main course, it was time for dessert. However, I must admit, I was feeling a bit snug in my waistband and wished I could change into some stretchy pants like I do at home on Christmas Day. But alas, I soldiered on and was presented with a Townhouse Christmas Pudding, topped with a nutty crumb and flambeed tableside. It was a rich and boozy delight, packed with juicy fruits and served with a light brandy sauce. My companion's chocolate tart also received rave reviews for its crisp and buttery pastry crust and smooth and indulgent chocolate filling.
For those who aren't quite ready to fully indulge in all the Christmas flavors, there are other options on the menu such as a heritage beetroot, wild game terrine, or crab starter; venison, seabass, or pearl barley risotto mains; and clementine and calamansi chocolate ganache, custard tart, or a selection of seasonal cheeses for dessert. And don't forget to start and end your meal with some celeriac veloute and sourdough, and mini mince pies. And whatever you do, don't miss out on the glorious dessert trolley – it may not make your decision any easier, but it's definitely a sight to behold.
The Festive Menu at Gleneagles Townhouse is priced at £85 for four courses and is definitely worth every penny. For more information, visit their website at www.gleneagles.com/townhouse/festive or give them a call at 0800 917 4655. And make sure to stop by their location at No. 39 St Andrews Square in Edinburgh for a truly magical Christmas dining experience.
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