September 20th 2024.
Nestled just a short drive away from the bustling city of Edinburgh, lies a hidden gem - The Bridge Inn. It's the perfect spot for a serene night away from the hustle and bustle of city life, as I discovered during my recent visit. Situated in Ratho, on the banks of the Union Canal, this charming inn is just a few miles southwest of Edinburgh. As the name suggests, it is located next to a picturesque bridge over the canal.
My partner and I arrived on a warm, late summer's evening and were greeted by the tranquil ambiance of the Inn. We decided to start our evening with a refreshing drink in the beer garden, taking in the stunning views of the canal. To our amusement, we were entertained by a scout leader trying to control a group of enthusiastic canoeists, with little success. It was a delightful start to our evening, and we were impressed by the warm and inviting atmosphere of the place.
It can be quite challenging to find a good pub with a nice beer garden in Scotland, but The Bridge Inn truly hits the mark. As we sipped our drinks and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, we couldn't help but notice the constant stream of activity on the canal. From walkers and joggers to cyclists and barges, it was a bustling hub of activity. We even spotted a few barges moored for the night, making it a perfect stopover spot for travelers.
We then made our way to the cozy public bar, where we struck up a conversation with a friendly group of people who had just arrived for the evening. Much to our surprise, they turned out to be a French Morgan Car Owners Club, and The Bridge Inn was their go-to stopover spot during their Scottish adventures. They raved about the food, wine, and rooms, and also mentioned the added bonus of a well-lit, spacious car park right next to the Inn.
The Bridge Inn is the kind of pub that you would want to be your local - great atmosphere, excellent service, and a fantastic selection of draught ales, wines, and whiskies. Apart from the French group, we also noticed a mix of locals, both young and old, and a few other visitors. We then headed to the new restaurant, Bridge 15, with a slight apprehension about the service, given the busy evening. However, our worries were quickly put to rest as we were greeted by a large team of polite, professional, and attentive staff.
It was refreshing to see all the waiting staff in smart uniforms, adding to the overall charming ambiance of the place. The Inn takes pride in sourcing and using locally produced Scottish ingredients, which is evident in their delicious menu. We started our meal with the Scottish scallops, served with a warm pea puree, pea and shallot salad, and topped with crispy bacon. My partner opted for the Buffalo Burrata, accompanied by roasted peaches, fresh basil, and roasted shallots, with a generous topping of Parma ham.
For our mains, I couldn't resist trying the smoked haddock mornay with creamy mash and a perfectly poached egg on top. My wife went for the duck breast, served with baby greens, crispy kale, and a cassis sauce. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Despite being quite full, we couldn't resist sharing an excellent selection of Scottish cheeses, served at just the right room temperature, with pickles and oatcakes.
As one would expect from a restaurant favored by the well-heeled Parisian club, the wine list was impressive, with an excellent selection of bottles chosen and sourced by someone who clearly knows their grapes. After a satisfying meal, we retired to our room, which was tastefully decorated with a charming country house vibe. We were pleased to find that the room was of good size, with beautiful views of the tranquil canal. The soundproofing was also excellent, providing a peaceful night's sleep.
The large, comfortable bed and the large wall-mounted TV with access to various channels were an added bonus. As our stay came to an end, we couldn't help but feel grateful for discovering this hidden gem so close to Edinburgh. The Bridge Inn is the perfect place to indulge in some great food, wine, and a peaceful night away. I highly recommend it, and you can read more reviews on their website. Don't forget to subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field for more travel inspiration.
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