Livingston’s, Linlithgow

Cannot decide whether to go to Glasgow or Edinburgh for dinner? Well how about somewhere else inbetween? Livingston’s is ideally placed as it reclines just a short stroll down a historic lane from the railway line that connects both cities.

Two AA Rosettes

Forget any images of stodgy railway catering, this is serious dining at a restaurant that is well worth catching a train, or a plane for that matter, to get to. The secret here is based around experience and longevity. Ronald and Christine Livingston started their cosy restaurant off Linlithgow’s charming High Street in the early 1990s and they have not looked back since. Over the years they have won a Macallan ‘Out of Town Restaurant’ award, two AA rosettes and have also been listed in the Michelin Guide.

While the basic recipe for success remains the same Livingston’s as a venue has grown with the times. It is something of a two faced oasis. The original stone building is a cosy candlelit retreat where couples can hide away, while the newer patio has really opened things up to create a brighter, more modern, space. Take time to choose between them or just do what we did – book in for a return visit to check out the other half!

Fresh Scottish Produce

Fresh Scottish produce is the highlight on a menu that is solid when it needs to be and experimental in turns too with two male chefs in their 20s at the helm.

The stand out starter with our dinner was the seared scallops spiced with confit pork belly and chorizo, laced with puy lentils and coriander. It sounded too much, with the spice sure to overpower the delicate scallops, but the result was spectacular. Think scallops with pancetta and then a little kick to finish.

Decadent Mains

A decadent main is the roast fillet of beef, ours served properly rare. It came with a melt-in-the-mouth braised shin of beef and a red wine jus. The chefs were at it again with the cod, injecting it with spices and accompanying it with strong black squid ink risotto, but again they pulled it off.

Puddings are equally decadent and having indulged so far we could not stay away from the banoffee cheesecake, served with toffee puree and honeycomb ice cream. A more sparky option was the steamed ginger pudding, spiced with vanilla and pear chutney and ginger beer sorbet.

The wine list was well chosen and the service impressively unassuming. We went on a weeknight out of season, but business was steady and our fellow diners as content as us. Livingston’s may not quite be in Michelin star territory, but for excellent proper dining within a train ride of the nation’s two largest cities Central Scotland does not offer many better places to eat.

Livingston’s, 52 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AE. Tel +44(0)1506-846565. www.livingstons-restaurant.co.uk

InsiderScotland Rating [effortless-gm address=”52 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AE”]

For a Romantic Meal 8/10

For a Business Meal 7/10

For Families 6/10

For Real Gastronomes 7/10

InsiderScotland Rating 7/10