Top outdoor dining spots in Scotland

Cold Town House

What’s the vibe? Housed in a former church and spread over three floors, Cold Town House is home to a brewery, bar and restaurant, all starring Cold Town Beer. You can kick back and enjoy comfortable outdoor seating all year round – either sitting out in the outdoor space or taking in the ambience of the rooftop bar. Fluffy blankets, gondola booths and covered seating will keep you warm and dry on cooler days.

Why go? They brew their own craft beer, serve delicious Neapolitan pizzas and offer one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.

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Indigo Yard

What’s the vibe? Located in Edinburgh’s West End, Indigo Yard is a stylish, full of character setting in which to enjoy rustic food and drinks. Boasting a large outdoor courtyard, covered by large parasols, it unsurprisingly gets pretty busy particularly during the summer, so get here early if you want to guarantee yourself a table outside.

Why go? Perfect for boozy brunches, elegant mains and bar bites, as well as a superlative selection of beer, wine and cocktails.

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Other popular outdoor dining spaces in Edinburgh include: The Fishmarket, The Rose Street Garden

Platform

What’s the vibe? Platform is a vibrant event venue known for serving up food and drink under their signature railway arches on Argyle Street. But the lane behind has recently been revamped and

sun seekers can now head to Platform Lane, an outdoor oasis in the heart of the city, located just beside the famous food market.

Why go? It’s furnished with benches, stools, parasols, a pergola and has an added dose of magic with some fairy lights, making it not only fashionable but also oozing with warmth and charm – a perfect place to relax with friends.

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Other popular outdoor dining spaces in Glasow include: Brel on Ashton Lane, Saint Jude’s in the East End, and Singl-end Merchant City in Merchant City

Prime Steak and Seafood Restaurant

What’s the vibe? Situated along the Ness Walk, Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant specialises in quality, locally produced steaks and seafood offering a divine dining experience. The venue also boasts beautiful views of Inverness Castle. With ample outside space available, what better way to spend the evening than munching your way through a T-bone steak while watching the sun going down?

Why go? Perfectly cooked smoked venison, pan-fried haddock and fillet steaks will impress you at the first bite. To drink, order delicious scotch, plum wine or strawberry gin.

Book a table at Prime Steak and Seafood

Siberia

What’s the vibe? Located in the thriving heart of Aberdeen, on the historic Belmont Street and overlooking Union Terrace Gardens, Siberia is an award-winning industrial style venue and a firm favourite for al fresco dining in the warmer months. So much so that it even has a giant Chambord deck chair which, when accompanied by a colourful beverage, serves for an awesome Instagram photo.

Why go? For their katsu fries, BBQ wings, sourdough pizzas and innovative in-house cocktail menu, amongst other deliciousness.   

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The West House

What’s the vibe? Renowned for their dazzling colours and contemporary Italian styling – including a pushbike and ice cream barrel as well as blankets and patio heaters, The West House at Dundee’s West Port is a favourite with locals. Their central locale means they are a popular place to eat before visiting the Rep Theatre or the Dundee Contemporary Arts Cinema at the bottom of the road, and you’re only a stone’s throw away from V&A Dundee.

Why go? While they offer fantastic brunch classics, including a pizza and pasta menu to satisfy all tastes, it’s their Aperol Bar that everyone is loving and cocktails that they are best known for.

Book a table at The West House

Parklands

What’s the vibe? Dining at the Parklands is a food lover’s delight. Based in Perth’s city centre only a few minutes’ walk from the bus and rail stations, this extended Victorian town house overlooks the South Inch Park and makes a good base for exploring Perth and the surrounding area. In the summer months you can enjoy their bistro menu on the terrace in front of the hotel whilst admiring the views of the attractive garden and the surrounding parkland.

Why go? Try their baked goat cheese, rump of Perthshire lamb, or dessert made with locally picked strawberries.

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The Birds and Bees

What’s the vibe? Housed in a converted farm steading a stone’s throw from the historic Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, The Birds & Bees has won the hearts (and stomachs!) of locals and visitors alike. This award-winning restaurant has two large, award-winning and well-maintained beer gardens featuring a permanent BBQ area in the courtyard and Petanque pitch. It’s also retained many original features, metalwork and farm implements, offering a relaxed eating experience.

Why go? For their delicious range of dishes based on locally sourced seasonal ingredients, including daily seafood market specials as well as traditional brasserie favourites.

Book a tabe at the Birds and Bees