An Elevated All-Day Dining Delight At Gleneagles Townhouse The Spence

A former banking hall, this impressive and grand period space has been transformed into an incredible all-day restaurant and bar. The Spence is found on St Andrew Square, one of the most prestigious addresses in Edinburgh’s New Town, and forms part of the exclusive 33-bedroom Gleneagles Townhouse. It’s an offshoot of the famed Gleneagles Hotel Resort, some 44 miles away and brings the brand’s renowned timeless elegance and Scottish sensibilities to the Scottish capital. The Luxury Editor recently dined here, so read on to discover why you need to add this to your list of must visit restaurants in the city,

A Grade A-Listed home

Ennismore Design Studio was behind the transformation of what once served as the Bank of Scotland headquarters, with the Spence launching in 2022. Complementing the main hall’s existing glass-domed ceiling, Corinthian pillars, granite, wood panelling, and ornate cornicing, are palms, marble countertops, Tiffany-esque lamps, contemporary artworks curated by Sigrid Kirk and art deco-inspired furnishings. But despite an elaborate setting that’s evocative of a bygone era, the atmosphere here remains convivially relaxed with an upbeat buzz. Those planning a private event can book The Courtyard space adjacent to the main dining room.

But despite an elegant setting that’s evocative of a bygone era, the atmosphere here remains convivially relaxed with an upbeat buzz. Those planning a private event can book The Courtyard space adjacent to the main dining room.

Classic Yet Modern

Menus at The Spence are courtesy of Jonny Wright, the award-winning Scottish chef, who focuses on classic dishes with a modern twist — echoing the venue’s approach to its aesthetic style. Nature’s larder of course plays a pivotal role in constructing the seasonal fare that showcases Scotland’s rich bounty.

The day begins with a breakfast menu (your choice of healthy or hearty), and then an a la carte offering takes over for the remainder of the service. Sunday’s see a local roast with all the trimmings and a good vintage. Beyond the high-class wine list, there are many bespoke cocktails to sample. Try an Opening Bell Spritz, made with sangria, olive oil vodka, salted lemon, dry Vermouth and Creme d’Alsace.

What We ate

We were in to sample the Summer All day dining menu and this is what we tried out.

Cocktails

Starters

We started with the Grilled Cornbread, Spicy Raw Beef and Scallop Curdo.

Mains

For mains, we went for the Gigha Halibut and the Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle.

Dessert

For desserts we went for the Raspberry Chocolate Ganache and a selection of British Cheeses.

Sunday Bruch

The summer has also seen the launch of a new brunch concept with live-music event. Held from noon to 3pm throughout the last weekend of every month, the meal is no small affair, but rather a spectacular feast that’ll keep you going well into the week ahead. It begins with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa cocktail and snacks served at the table. Diners are then invited to choose from the unlimited buffet, laden with Scottish shellfish, fish and seafood, cured meats, Company Bakery breads, I.J Mellis cheeses, salads, fine roasted meats and gourmet vegetarian dishes. Do leave room for dessert – an entire room is dedicated to this course – with a doughnut station, a popcorn machine, a chocolate fountain, house-made patisserie and pick-and-mix sweeties for big and small kids alike.

Final Thoughts

The attention to detail at The Spence makes this an elevated all-day dining experience — napkins come embroidered with an “S”, the suppliers are hand-picked and the service is personal. It’s no wonder the venue recently picked up the gong for Best Hotel at the 2023 GQ Food & Drink Awards and that Gleneagles Town House is included in our guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh, while the restaurant is included in our guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh.