When an invitation floats into your inbox to come along and try out the new evening supper menu on board Fingal, there was no question about going. With the prospect of getting a sneak peak of the cabins and the other areas of the boat I was super excited to be heading along.
Fingal is a former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, which has been transformed into a beautiful floating hotel offering beautiful cabins, dining and entertaining space. Developed by The Royal Yacht Britannia, Fingal’s 23 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by her rich maritime heritage. Each of the corridors are lined with lighthouse images. There is a choice of cabins available, from a luxury cabin with access to the deck, a duplex cabin with comfortable living space or the stunning Skerryvore Suite with extensive outdoor space to relax and entertain.
Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s waterfront hotspot of Leith, guests will be ideally situated to access the best the city has to offer. Award-winning restaurants, bars, artisan boutiques and galleries are just a few minutes’ walk away. The Royal Yacht Britannia is also nearby.
The Lighthouse Bar offers a stylish yet relaxed setting for enjoying Fingal’s interpretation of a classic afternoon tea or a light supper celebrating the best of Scotland’s larder, from coast to port.
As I was driving on this visit to Fingal I was delighted to find that they have some mocktails on offer. It was obvious from when they were served that the attention to detail was outstanding. They have really gone out of their way to make sure that the presentation and flavours are equally as great as those on offer if I were having an alcoholic cocktail.
Everything on offer on the supper menu has been made on the boat as far as possible and where this isn’t possible they’ve worked hard to source the best ingredients as local as possible. This is evident in the starters where you can spot the ever so tasty East Coast Cured charcuterie down to cheese from I.J Mellis. Both firm favourites in our house!
On this visit I ordered for starters – East Coast Cured charcuterie, fermented vegetables, rosemary focaccia, for mains – Herb crusted lamb loin, boulangère potato, foraged mushrooms, Swiss chard and for dessert – Foraged elderflower cheesecake, lime and gooseberry compote. Each of the dishes served were delicious. The charcuterie starter was a lovely sized portion and with fresh focaccia finishing off the dish. The herb crusted lamb dish was simply devine. The only complaint was I could have easily eaten the dish over and over again. Lamb which just melts in your mouth with a lovely kick from the herb crust, what more could you ask for? The night was rounded off with one of the tastiest desserts I think I have ever tried. The elderflower cheesecake was well flavoured and smooth. The sharpness of the lime and gooseberries worked well with the cheesecake layer and it was all finished off with a buttery biscuit base.
I don’t think I’ve ever had such a delicious meal in such grand settings. The Lighthouse bar is like no place I’ve ever had dinner and you really do forget your sitting on a boat until you look out. One thing to remember is you don’t have to be staying on the boat to enjoy this beautiful setting. Open 7 days a week 6-10pm for evening dinner it’s definitely worth a visit for those special occasions or if you simply want to treat yourself to a beautiful cocktail make sure you give it a visit.
Fingal | Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX | Tel: 0131 357 5000 |
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