Emma Catch some sun this weekend with 12 spots to enjoy some al fresco fun
Brunswick Book Club, Edinburgh
Perched at the top of Leith Walk, Brunswick Book Club’s extensive summer terrace sees the sun all day long. Settle in for a long, lazy afternoon – just don’t forget the SPF.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Fingal Hotel, Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh
Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal is Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel and is a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist.
Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance, inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage. Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The galley team is continuing to enhance the dining experience for the ship’s guests following the expansion of its award-winning restaurant, which offers the finest-quality Scottish menus that are bursting with seasonal flavours.
In partnership with Moët & Chandon, Fingal’s new Moët Deck is a space to gather, to toast a special occasion or savour a quiet moment of luxury for a leisurely afternoon. Every day at 17.43 (the year Moët & Chandon was founded) listen for the bell ringing to signal a taste of ice-cold Champagne for those out on the Deck. Clinking glasses set the rhythm with expertly crafted cocktails perfectly paired with beautifully curated sharing boards, laden with artisan cheeses, Scottish fish and vegetarian antipasto.
Re-launched as a luxury hotel, restaurant and bar in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just a 10-minute walk away.
Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is open to non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails, offering an outdoor deck and a choice of private dining booths for small pre-booked groups.
Click here for our review visit.
West Deck, Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
The West Deck at the Old Course Hotel is made for al fresco evenings, with sunset views over the famous golf coast and out to the sea beyond, a canopy-covered terrace and a relaxed open-air atmosphere. Cosy pods come stocked with blankets for chillier nights, making it the perfect spot to settle in with cocktails, wine and some light bites.
Haar, St Andrews
At Haar in St Andrews, al fresco drinks meets fine Scottish seafood. Led by chef Dean Banks, the restaurant brings Scotland’s natural larder to life with an inventive tasting menu, and an extensive drinks menu that can all be enjoyed from a chic rooftop terrace before enjoying a special lunch or sunset dinner in the seaside town.
The Three Chimneys, Colbost, Isle of Skye
Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year 2025 is the latest national award for The Three Chimneys and its world-renowned restaurant with rooms, which is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Colbost, on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, with the dramatic backdrop of Skye’s Duirinish peninsula.
Since opening as a restaurant in 1985, The Three Chimneys has been a trailblazer on the island, inspiring visitors to travel from all over the world to satisfy their appetite for the island’s fresh, local produce. The multi-award-winning five-star AA restaurant is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as The Good Food Guide.
The Three Chimneys at Talisker, Loch Harport, Isle of Skye
The Three Chimneys at Talisker’s à la carte menu for summer 2025 includes an array of locally caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops and Skye-reared lamb.
A Taste of Summer – 23rd August 2025. A sensational tasting experience, showcasing the very best of what The Three Chimneys has to offer but served at The Three Chimneys at Talisker venue. This specially curated summer tasting menu celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients with the stunning backdrop of Talisker and Loch Harport. Times available from 6pm to 7.45pm. Menu priced at £120 per person.
The Three Chimneys at Talisker.
Click here to read our review.
Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh
Divino Enoteca brings a slice of Italy to Edinburgh’s Old Town, with a charming stone patio perfect for al fresco dining on colourful cushioned benches. The retractable roof opens to views of the historic city above, letting you soak up the sun over plates of refined Italian fare and a glass from their extensive wine list or self-serve enomatic wine machine – when the weather is right, you may forget you’re in Scotland and not on the Mediterranean coast.
The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll
The renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, offering breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull.
Firm favourites on the Pierhouse menu include the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters, harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine oysters hand-picked from Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel.
The restaurant has two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Dogs are welcome in the bar and on the lochside terrace.
Click here to read our review.
Duisdale restaurant, Isle of Skye
At Duisdale House Hotel on the Isle of Skye, outdoor dining is elevated by panoramic views of the Knoydart mountains beyond the bay, in a terrace overlooking the hotel’s gardens. The hotel’s two AA-rosette restaurant showcases the best of local produce with beautifully crafted, seasonal dishes reflecting the bounty of the isles, and an exceptional wine list.
Plockton Inn, Innes Street, Plockton, Wester Ross
Owned and operated by Highland Coast Hotels, the recently refurbished 80-cover Plockton Inn, restaurant and bar retains original period features, whilst taking contemporary design inspiration from its location, quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron.
New seasonal menus are brimming with fresh local produce – including the legendary Plockton Prawns (langoustines), which are landed daily just a stone’s throw from the restaurant.
The bar menu showcases a good selection of wines, beers and ciders, including local Plockton Ale. An eclectic cocktail list features the likes of West Coast Breeze, Craggy Toddy and Plockton Bloom, while a wide range of whiskies includes bottles from the nearby Isle of Raasay, Talisker and Torabhaig distilleries.
Pre-booking is advised.
Dogs are welcome in the lounge and bar areas.
Kylesku Hotel, Sutherland, North Coast 500
Kylesku Hotel, located amidst the wild, rugged landscape of Assynt in the far north-west of Scotland, is home to one of the most idyllic lochside dining experiences on the world-famous North Coast 500 driving route.
The Kylesku menu celebrates the very best of the Scottish Highland larder, with a mouthwatering selection that includes langoustines, crab, lobster, and hand-dived scallops which are landed on the pier in front of the hotel. Selected dishes can be served on the outside terrace.
Dogs are welcome in the lounge and bar areas, and on the lochside terrace.
Pre-booking is essential as space is limited.
The Waterside Hotel, Ardrossan Road, West Kilbride, Ayrshire
This hotel’s beachside location means it has panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, but it is only 40 minutes’ drive from Glasgow.
Dogs are welcome in selected areas of the restaurant at The Waterside. People can get social and share their photos on social media with the hashtag #SimpsInnsFurryFriends
