Haldanes

Occupying the lower ground floor of the four-star town house Albany Hotel, Haldanes is in fact an independent restaurant. An exterior wrought iron staircase takes you to a small lounge of burgundy leather sofas that leads to a traditional dining room. Here plush carpets and curtains, white linen, posies and the odd flash of tartan create a formal, relaxed setting.

The award-winning modern Scottish menu is well above what you might expect from a small hotel restaurant. Sample dishes include roast breast of Gressingham duck with buttered vegetable noodles and an orange and caraway seed reduction.

Very good liqueur ices. Service is informal and experienced.