Review on Smiths at Gretna Green, Chainmail Restaurant
Alastair Houston's family have been in Gretna since 1866, and his new venture aims to brings a touch of boutique hotel chic to legendary Gretna Green. Smiths stands directly opposite the famous Old Blacksmith's Shop - the site of runaway weddings since 1754, and now an international tourist centre.
Inside, it is stylish, contemporary and open-plan with striking innovative design in contrast to the bucolic setting amid the farms of Gretna Estate. Many ingredients come from the local pastures and fields, and the kitchen offers an upbeat selection of dishes with a contemporary slant.
You might kick off with ravioli of West Coast langoustines and crab with buttered leeks and tomato concasse or pan-fried pigeon breast with hibiscus and port reduction, salted grapes and sakura mix, before game pie, rack of Highland lamb with slow-cooked shoulder confit and wilted pak choi or sea bream with baby artichoke risotto. Pasta, grills and sharing platters also feature, while desserts could run to sticky toffee pudding or Valrhona dark chocolate mousse with light coconut cream and rosé Champagne sorbet.
Smiths at Gretna Green, Chainmail Restaurant is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern Scottish / European
Chef
Phillip Woodcock
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 through until
Dinner: 9.30pm Mon-Sun
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express