Scotland


<p>Whether you’re in the mood for a swoony castle stay, whisky by the sea, or farm-to-fork fine dining with a dash of Noma magic, Scotland&#8217;s 2025 scene is dishing out top-tier experiences with style, soul and serious foodie credentials. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hotels-nbsp">NEW HOTELS&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-w-edinburgh-st-james-quarter-edinburgh-nbsp"><a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ediwh-w-edinburgh/overview/?nst=paid&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YFY_GLE000BHOR_GLF000OCGE&amp;nst=paid&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21896264856&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADilnifVNcCzZLzWRL7jnV9kEiwdX&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkZ_FvvmsjgMVg5JQBh2NsC-GEAAYASAAEgItwvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W Edinburgh, </a>St James Quarter, Edinburgh&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/W-Edinburgh.jpg" alt="Exterior of W Edinburgh" class="wp-image-104" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/W-Edinburgh.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/W-Edinburgh-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/W-Edinburgh-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/W-Edinburgh-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Edinburgh’s sleek new superstar is housed in the city’s most Instagrammed building – the shimmering “ribbon” in St James Quarter. This five-star bolthole comes with 244 rooms, an 11th-floor speakeasy bar (João’s Place), and the AWAY Spa. Expect bold interiors, knockout skyline views, and DJs on tap.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Because this is the <em>&#8220;treat yourself&#8221;</em> city break that delivers. Whether you’re spa-hopping or cocktail-sipping on the rooftop, it’s glam, central, and unapologetically extra.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Book a table at SUSHISAMBA  <em>before</em> you arrive—tables at this glam rooftop spot are snapped up fast. And don’t skip João’s Place for live DJ nights with a view of the Forth.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crossbasket-castle-amp-trocadero-s-high-blantyre-nbsp"><a href="https://www.crossbasketcastle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crossbasket Castle &amp; Trocadero’s,</a> High Blantyre&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle.jpg" alt="exterior and drone shot of Crossbasket Castle" class="wp-image-105" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Crossbasket-Castle-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This grand estate just outside Glasgow has had a glossy £20m glow-up. Expect 40 new rooms, luxury lodges in the woods, a new spa—and the biggest draw? Trocadero’s, a flamboyant 1920s-inspired restaurant with live music, velvet booths and a menu designed by <em>Michel Roux Jr</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Old-school romance meets razzle-dazzle glamour. Ideal for couples who want both fairy-tale turrets and fabulous cocktails.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> For a Gatsby-style night, ask the concierge to book you into one of Trocadero’s “cabaret nights” with live jazz, Champagne pairings, and dancing under the chandeliers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mar-hall-woodland-lodges-renfrewshire-nr-galsgow-nbsp-nbsp"><a href="https://www.marhall.com/stay/lodges/woodland-lodges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Mar Hall Woodland Lodges, </strong></a><strong>Renfrewshire, nr Galsgow&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="994" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Mar-Hall.jpg" alt="Exterior and Drone shot of Mar Hall" class="wp-image-106" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Mar-Hall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Mar-Hall-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Mar-Hall-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Mar-Hall-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Already a go-to spa resort, this autumn, Mar Hall is adding 30 luxe forest lodges, each with hot tubs and woodland views. Designed for groups, families and couples, it’s all about privacy meets pampering.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> You get nature, spa access, AND prosecco in a hot tub under the stars. Who said family-friendly and fabulous couldn’t mix?&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Request one of the south-facing lodges for sunrise hot tub sessions with woodland views—especially magical in autumn when the leaves are turning gold.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-edinburgh-16-20-edinburgh-nbsp"><a href="https://edinburgh1620.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Edinburgh 16-20, </a>Edinburgh&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Opening late 2025, this is a boutique townhouse chic with a Scottish twist. With just 28 marble-clad rooms, Castle Rock views, and a snug whisky bar downstairs, this one is ideal for romantic stays in the city.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Because sometimes you want Edinburgh without the festival madness. This is a grown-up hideaway with A+ location credentials.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Ask for a front-facing suite on the top floor for uninterrupted Castle Rock views. The whisky bar downstairs also stocks rare single malts you won’t find elsewhere in town.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radisson-red-glasgow-nbsp"><a href="https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-red-glasgow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radisson RED, </a> Glasgow&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow.jpg" alt="Exterior of Raddison Red Glasgow hotel" class="wp-image-107" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Raddison-Red-Glasgow-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Given a revamp earlier this year, the<strong> </strong>bold design, live DJs, a rooftop bar, and city views make RED a prime pick for culture-loving city breakers. It’s steps from the Hydro and Glasgow Science Centre too.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> This place oozes modern Glasgow cool, from the murals on the walls to the local craft beer in the minibar.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Head to Red Sky Bar 30 minutes before sunset with a cocktail in hand—locals know this is one of the best views of the River Clyde golden hour.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ardbeg-house-islay-nbsp"><a href="https://www.ardbeg.com/visitus/ardbeghouse.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ardbeg House,</a> Islay&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Arberg-House.jpg" alt="exterior of Arberg House" class="wp-image-108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Arberg-House.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Arberg-House-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Arberg-House-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Arberg-House-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Owned by LVMH (yes, that one), this stylish coastal hideaway is set in Ardbeg, the heart of whisky country. Expect moody interiors, a fine-dining restaurant, and curated drams in the whisky bar.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Ideal for couples, creatives and peat-heads. The sunsets alone are worth the trip.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> The private whisky tastings are by appointment only, so book well ahead and ask for a “cask room” pairing for the full connoisseur experience.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-restaurants-nbsp"><strong>NEW RESTAURANTS</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaton-house-amp-ondine-oyster-amp-grill-st-andrews-nbsp"><a href="https://www.seatonhouse.com/dine/ondine-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seaton House &amp; Ondine Oyster &amp; Grill,</a> St Andrews&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Seaton-House.jpg" alt="Interior of Seaton House" class="wp-image-110" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Seaton-House.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Seaton-House-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Seaton-House-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Seaton-House-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A beautifully restored landmark, now home to Ondine Oyster &amp; Grill from acclaimed Edinburgh chef Roy Brett. Expect serious seafood theatre &#8211; think shucking, shelling, and slurping under original artwork and moody lighting.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Because <em>seafood with a view</em> &gt; everything. And because Brett’s oysters are genuinely legendary.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Nab a seat at the oyster bar for a front-row view of the chefs in action &#8211; Roy Brett is known to come chat if he’s on site.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moss-stockbridge-edinburgh-nbsp"><a href="https://www.mossedn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moss, </a>Stockbridge (Edinburgh)&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh.jpg" alt="Moss interior Edinburgh" class="wp-image-111" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Moss-Edinburgh-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Noma alumnus Henry Dobson brings his Scandi-Asian fusion to this 26-seat, ultra-intimate dining room. Menus change seasonally and are inspired by his own Angus farm.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Yes, it’s fine dining but it’s also soulful and stripped back. Ideal for date nights or smug solo feasts.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> There’s no printed menu because everything changes daily. Let the staff know your preferences ahead of time and they’ll tailor your experience. Ask to try the house-fermented plum sake.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barry-fish-leith-edinburgh"><a href="https://www.barryfish.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Barry Fish, </strong></a>Leith, Edinburgh</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Barry-Fish.jpg" alt="Interior of Barry Fish" class="wp-image-112" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Barry-Fish.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Barry-Fish-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Barry-Fish-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/07/Barry-Fish-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Seafood chef Barry Bryson’s permanent restaurant is unfussy, elegant and all about what’s fresh from the boat. Try the hake with brown butter or the market shellfish platters.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Because Leith = cool, and this is the freshest catch in town. It’s relaxed, refined, and a little bit addictive.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> The lunchtime set menu is one of the best-kept secrets in town &#8211; three knockout courses for a fraction of the à la carte.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-il-pastaio-by-otello-glasgow"><a href="https://www.ilpastaio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Il Pastaio by Otello,</strong></a> Glasgow</h3>



<p><strong>The lowdown:</strong> Otello Calvert&#8217;s pasta bar is back, and better than ever after reopening in Jan this year. Think squid ink linguine, pillowy ravioli, and Negronis flowing in a vibrant, buzzy room.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Because carbs are joy. And this is Glasgow’s new temple of Italian comfort food.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> The truffle tagliolini isn’t on the menu &#8211; it’s a not-so-secret “off-menu special” they’ll make if you ask nicely. Pair with a Barolo.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yianna-s-glasgow-website-coming-soon-nbsp"><strong>Yianna’s, Glasgow (website coming soon)</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Run by the family behind the much-loved Yiamas, this new Greek street-food hangout promises gyros, feta-loaded pies, and plenty of ouzo options—plus sit-in and takeaway.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Why we think you’ll love it:</strong> Student-budget-friendly, family-run, and bursting with sunshine flavours. It&#8217;s casual, fast, and unreasonably tasty.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Come hungry on a Friday—Yianna’s does a weekend-only <em>Greek-style feast box</em> that’s packed with meze, dips, and dessert for sharing. </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<div style="height:70px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/autumn-culture-guide-scotland/">The culture hit list: What to see, hear and book this autumn in Scotland</a></li>



<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/where-to-eat-autumn/">Eat, drink &amp; hunker down: Best autumn feasts and new openings</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/what-to-watch-on-tv-this-week-netflix-prime-bbc-sky-itv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Let’s talk TV! 7 unmissable new shows to watch this week</a></li>
</ul>


Hot new openings: Scotland’s coolest new hotels & restaurants for 2025

You may also like