Restoration Yard | Tuggy Tucks In

Each time I visit the Restoration Yard, situated in Dalkeith Country Park, I feel a sense of calm. It’s hard not to, whether you’re chilling in the Scottish sunshine in the Tuscan inspired courtyard, taking part in a yoga class in the Wellbeing Lab while watching a squirrel scurry up the hill, or relaxing with a coffee and gazing out over the stunning Orangerie.

I’m still surprised to learn of how many people haven’t discovered this little haven hidden in the trees just off one of the busiest roads in central Scotland, you are immersed in nature and tranquility when you come here.

The 18th Century stables are owned by the Buccleuch family and underwent a massive transformation in 2016 to restore the old buildings to what you see today. The stable buildings house a coffee shop, a restaurant, a wellbeing lab for yoga and mindfulness pursuits, retail outlets that flow into one another full of items for your home, body, clothing, kitchen and food items like Arran cheeses and chilli jams.

I got a loyalty card recently which entitles you to lots of little discounts and fun finds. For example in the month of January you can receive a free taster class at the well-being lab (which I took advantage of this morning) followed by a loyalty card holder exclusive ‘detox’ breakfast. They also run special event evenings like steak nights and fashion shows. You can sign up for your loyalty card at any till point.

Their restaurant is a lovely wide open space with glass windows all around so you can have a view of the beautiful countryside and Fort Douglas, which is a fort inspired play park. I have had some lovely diverse meals in the restaurant including a prawn & pancetta creamy pasta, Cullen Skink with chunky chips for dunking, delicious vegetarian gnocchi and a vegan falafel burger that definitely rivals its meat alternative and this morning’s breakfast – Sautéed wild mushrooms on toasted sourdough with poached truffled duck eggs. Their glass tables are adorable with little trinkets and memorabilia from the Buccleuch family estates. My personal favourite is the sewing inspired table. I seem to sit at a different one every time I go, I love the uniqueness about it.

My flat white was perfect post yoga this morning, I took part in the morning yoga class at 8:45am but you can also do sunrise yoga at 7:30am with Alis who is a fab teacher, I went away feeling refreshed and restored after my yoga session with her.