The Cottage at Royal Terrace opens as a seasonal restaurant in a Playfair building near Calton Hill

One of Edinburgh's most unusual dining rooms opened its doors on 1 May. The Cottage at Royal Terrace sits inside Royal Terrace Gardens on London Road, in a building designed by William Playfair and standing since 1836.

The cottage was originally built as a home for the gardener of Royal Terrace Gardens. Peter Adshead, whose career spans Michelin-starred restaurants and some of Edinburgh's five-star hotels, has taken on the role of director and describes himself as the building's latest custodian.

The restaurant is built around the seasons. Guests arrive through a working kitchen garden, passing herbs and produce that will turn up in their meal. Menus are shaped by that garden and by local foragers and suppliers of fish, meat and produce. Named suppliers include ethical meat producer The Free Company, Phantassie Organic Produce for organic fruit and vegetables, and George Mewes for cheese.

Peter becomes the latest in a long line of custodians for the building, helping to continue its story within Edinburgh's historic landscape. For him, the garden is the starting point for everything that comes out of the kitchen, and finishing touches are picked from the restaurant's own kitchen garden.

Peter has curated the wine list from two independent merchants, de Burgh Wine Merchants and Alliance Wine, with a focus on quality, accessibility and a changing selection of natural and biodynamic wines.

Inside, diners can choose individual tables or a communal dining room, where guests gather around a shared table. Peter has described The Cottage as a unique and special place and a symbol of calm within the bustle of the city, promising a warm welcome, interesting wines and food that celebrates the best of Scotland's larder.

The location is handy for a night out. The Cottage is a few steps from Calton Hill and a short walk from the east end of Princes Street and the Edinburgh Playhouse, which makes it a natural choice for a pre-theatre supper or a celebration.

Reservations currently run from Thursday evening through Sunday, with lunch and dinner sittings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Its current menus focus on hyper-local and foraged ingredients alongside Scottish produce.

To see the latest menu and book a table, visit The Cottage Edinburgh website.