The Tower Restaurant

Specialties

Fine food and views too…

Scotland’s first and finest rooftop restaurant

Views of Edinburgh’s castle and the spectacular skyline of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Old Town feature on the menu of James Thomson’s rooftop Tower Restaurant above Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland. Fresh, locally sourced and impeccably cooked food, from an inventive menu, deft service and inspirational wines in a chic and glamorous rooftop setting are Tower trademarks. This is rooftop dining at its most spectacular — with brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner every day.

History

Established in 1998.

Edinburgh’s rooftop Tower Restaurant

Sites that appeal to Thomson’s unique style are rare and even rarer in a modern building. In 1998 Thomson saw an opportunity in the landmark new Museum of Scotland which was then under construction nearby. By 1998 both the Witchery and Secret Garden were providing hospitality to over 100,000 guests annually and were close to capacity, so the opportunity to create a new restaurant was welcome.

The landmark Museum of Scotland then under construction was entirely contemporary in style, but it took its inspiration from the Old Town that James had done much to regenerate. He impressed the Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland with his ambitious vision of providing world-​class food, wine and service within exceptional and unique venues and Thomson’s concept of a destination restaurant, rather than a café, was a museum first.

Opened on St Andrew’s Day 1998, the Tower has gathered awards, accolades and fans in large numbers ever since. The Towe

Meet the Business Owner

James Thomson OBE T.

Business Owner

James Thomson, Scotland’s best-​known restaurateur in now enjoying the fourth decade of his first restaurant, the renowned the Witchery by the Castle. Opened on Halloween 1979, the Witchery is probably now Scotland’s most famous restaurant and restaurant-​with-​rooms.

Over the decades the Witchery has become a favourite haunt for celebrities in the city, visitors to Edinburgh and its fiercely loyal local clientele. It has been joined by a growing collection of distinctive hotel and restaurant properties including the rooftop Tower Restaurant, opulent Rhubarb and the startlingly decadent five star hotel at Prestonfield.

All share the Thomson hallmarks of magical experiences — created with passion and delivered with style!

The restaurant he founded in a historic but near-​derelict basement in the Castlehill was a huge boost to a neglected area. The Witchery has since seen prestigious neighbours including the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh International Festival, the Scotc