An invitation to preview a Christmas menu is one that will always be received enthusiastically, especially when it’s at Kyloe.

We visited Kyloe during the summer to taste their Sunday BBQ and they have just won ‘Best Sunday Dinner in Scotland’, this is a restaurant very much on its game.

Let’s kill the suspense, the Christmas menu does not disappoint. Here’s the full menu;

Here are the dishes we tasted;

Toasted Goats Cheese, Lentil Salsa, Apple Vinegar Reduction – at first we were a bit unsure of the texture of this dish, but a couple more mouthfuls in and we were convinced. A nice variation on the usual vegetarian options you find on Christmas menus.

Braised Beef and Bacon, Yorkie, Crispy Parsley, Grain Mustard Sauce – Despite ordering beef for my main course I couldn’t resist this. I had a similar dish at Badger & Co recently and really enjoyed it. This version was as good as that one, and really, who can resist a Yorkshire pudding? I think many a diet has been derailed by a Yorkshire pudding, and now mine has too. No regrets though.

We both ordered the Mini Beef Wellington (pictured above) for our main course. I’m not sure whether to write to Kyloe regarding false advertising, this was no ‘Mini’ beef wellington, it will happily satisfy even the largest of appetites. There’s a whole fillet steak covered in mushroom duxelles which is wrapped in a pancake, which is finally covered in crisp pastry. This is a real treat worthy of a Christmas menu. Neither of us could finish it. The beef dripping potatoes were, as you can imagine, indulgent. The artichoke puree was inspired, who knew artichoke could be so tasty. A really great dish that makes the £28 for lunch/£38 for dinner price tag, great value.

Onto desserts then, often the course where many a good menu falls down.

Kyloe’s Eton Mess – Kyloe’s version of this classic riffed a little on a traditional cranachan with the added element of toasted oatmeal which offered a welcome bit of nuttiness to what was a very nice dessert.

Chocolate and Stem Ginger Tart with Blood Orange Sorbet – I have a bit of a thing for blood orange at the moment, and despite having reservations about the ginger element, decided to go for it anyway. I needn’t have worried, the ginger syrup was delicious and served on the side so you could add as much as you like. The blood orange sorbet was a lovely fresh contrast to the rich chocolate. Another great dessert.

We were very impressed with both the service and food at Kyloe and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their Christmas menu as a great option for work or family nights out during the festive season.

The Festive Menu is available 25th November – 24th December. Kyloe closes on Christmas Day for a well earned rest.