Atholl, The

The Howard is a traditional Scottish Georgian town house hotel, in the heart of Edinburgh's classical New Town. It was acquired by The Town House Company in 1995, marking a further stage in the progress of this outstandingly elegant hotel, the preferred haven of discerning visitors who stay regularly in the town.

As might be expected the process of dining takes on a special quality. The cuisine is visibly Scottish traditional, although you can be served dinner in your room by your personal butler, should you so wish. Napery and tableware is a joy to see and use.

A changing menu can produce such dishes as a cream langoustine bisque with lemon Chantilly and black olive breadsticks, or a ham hock and roast sweet pepper terrine with provençal beans and rocket.

Main courses offer saddle of Borders lamb with braised shoulder and savoy cabbage, or a vegetarian dish of dolmades with grilled halloumi, confit vine tomatoes and warm minted yoghurt dressing. Seared fillet of Scottish Aberdeen Angus, with oxtail and foie gras bon bon and purple sprouting broccoli naturally features, all served with consummate skill and care.

A hot rhubarb crumble soufflé is accompanied by chilled sauce Anglaise, and for the true cheese men there is always a selection from the cheeses of that Edinburgh legend, Ian J Mellis, with homemade chutney and walnut bread.

Yet another of the pleasures of staying at The Howard is a leisurely contemplation of their outstanding wine list, producing a result the memories of which stay with you for an appreciable time. A selection of single malt whiskies invokes more than a few of Scotland's finest, providing a fitting end to many an enjoyable evening.