Moments from Edinburgh city centre is the tranquil Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. With 70 acres of manicured lawns and landscaped grounds, the garden strives to maintain biodiversity through the growing and preservation of over 17,000 species of plants and trees from around the world.

The Gateway Restaurant is an unusual space with room for 120 diners inside and a further 60 on its terrace with outstanding views over the garden. The David Douglas Room adjacent to the restaurant provides a stunning location for private lunches for up to 40 diners. Chef Ben Harrison is passionate about providing a varied range of quality, beautifully presented and freshly prepared dishes. Ben’s menus change regularly to reflect the seasonal availability of produce and locally sourced ingredients; the result is a range of tempting dishes, with flavours to excite all palates.

Open daily, the restaurant offers a range of traditional favourites, from a hearty full Scottish breakfast with all the trimmings and Loch Duart smoked salmon with free-range scrambled egg, to a broad range of healthier options and salads. In addition to the varied and mouthwatering selection of starters, main courses and desserts, the lunch menu offers sharing platters and a children’s menu. A sumptuous afternoon tea is available from 3pm daily – a delicious treat, perfect to while away a lazy afternoon.