No better place on the planet

The Scotsman and the Balmoral are the best hotels in the World to enjoy Hogmanay argues Dominic Roskrow

Scotland has long laid claim to be the perfect place to enjoy Hogmanay. Edinburgh now makes a case as the Hogmanay capital of the world.

And if both those claims are true, then you could certainly make a bid for the hotels at either end of North Bridge as the perfect venues for New Year festivities.

Both The Scotsman and The Balmoral provide commanding views over Princes Street and up to the castle, and both overlook the very area where the party to end all parties is staged.

You have three options at both of them: one, use them as a base while you go out and mingle with the holiday crowds; two, wine and dine in the fine bars and restaurants that each has; or three, find a cosy vantage point indoors and watch the festivities in warmth and comfort.

Space is of course at a premium at this time of the year, but here is a brief guide as to what each is doing this year.

THE SCOTSMAN
The Vermillon Hogmanay dinner
A champagne reception with canapés, a five course gourmet dinner which includes squab pigeon and tortellini of haggis; tempura of oysters with seared scallop; and fillet of veal. Rounded off with dancing in the Brasserie until 2am.
Price: £135 per person.

The Brasserie Hogmanay dinner
A three or four course meal, access to great views of the fireworks and a disco until 2am. Food includes a choice of oak smoked salmon with Finnan haddock brandade, duck liver and fois gras parfait, and goat cheese tart, followed by loin of lamb, breast of guinea fowl or seared scal...

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• By : Dominic Roskrow
• In : Best of Scotland
• Issue : 11
• Page : 38
• Words : 394