All things to all people

Edinburgh's The Dome has something for everyone says Dominic Roskrow

The Dome is one of those magical places which balances decor, decadence and indulgence in equal amounts; the sort of place that no matter what age you are, whatever reason you find yourself in the centre of Edinburgh or what time of day it is, it beckons to you as you pass it by and you have to fight against the lure of the treats within.

It's a stylish enough building and has an impressive history, having been originally a physicians' hall and then the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland.

And while it's hard not to admire its stunning fittings, and its spacious, welcoming and relaxing rooms – a sort of cross between a theatre foyer and a stately home – it's the food and drink offering that really draws you here.

It's one of those places that changes atmospheres and clientele as the day goes by. Now with a breakfast offering to catch the morning crowd, it has five phases; breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and post-dinner.

The business customer is clearly contented here – there are private meeting rooms and conference rooms upstairs and the business sector is an integral part of the overall offering – but tourists, families and shoppers also take time out here. And you just know that on Saturday at brunch time it's going to be cluttered with shopping bags and buzzing with Edinburgh's weekend energy, whilst on Sunday the late rising Sunday paper and jazz crowd will turn it in to a cosy, worry-free zone where the time just drifts by.

All sound a bit old-worl...

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• By : Dominic Roskrow
• In : Best of Scotland
• Issue : 15
• Page : 67
• Words : 529