If you’re looking for an intimate yet lively setting for your Christmas celebrations this year, Ardfern sits on the outskirts of Edinburgh offering the perfect blend of warmth, creativity and comfort. The creation of award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron and the team behind The Little Chartroom, this much-loved cafe, bar and bottle shop transforms into a festive haven throughout December, serving imaginative Scottish dishes alongside fine wines and cocktails.
Inside, Ardfern glows with seasonal charm. Wood-panelled walls, wooden floors and rows of wine bottles lining the bar create a cosy, twinkling backdrop for festive gatherings. The small, intimate space can be hired for private events, while groups of eight or more can enjoy the restaurant’s festive set menu. Larger parties and full-venue bookings can be made by contacting the team directly.
The festive menu showcases Roberta’s inventive twist on Christmas dining. It begins with snacks such as oysters, hash browns with sprout kimchi and partridge and black pudding sausage rolls with brown sauce. Mains offer a playful reimagining of the traditional turkey dinner, featuring turkey flatbread with cranberry hot sauce, castelfranco and gravy mayo, served with a selection of sharing sides for the table - think baby gem with smoked almond, chips with raclette sauce, bacon crumb and cornichons. To finish, guests can enjoy a Basque cheesecake infused with orange, a light yet indulgent finale to the meal.
With more than 100 wines to choose from, a range of creative cocktails and a menu rooted in the best local ingredients, Ardfern is a magical place to toast the season. Expect an evening of great food, relaxed luxury and festive good cheer - a truly special spot for Christmas dining in Edinburgh.