Michelin-Starred Dining Aboard Edinburgh’s Floating Hotel
Scotland's luxury floating hotel, Fingal, located in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith, will host a series of exclusive fine dining events featuring Michelin star chef Conor Toomey from 23rd to 25th August.
Conor Toomey, formerly of the Michelin-starred Condita restaurant in Edinburgh, will showcase his culinary expertise at Fingal’s award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, renowned for its two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and helmed by Executive Chef Mark Alston.
Fingal, more than a luxury five-star floating hotel, offers diners a unique experience reminiscent of a superyacht's glamour and the elegance of an old-world Art Deco ocean liner. This setting is the perfect backdrop for Chef Conor’s specially curated set dinner menu, which promises to delight with dishes such as tartlet of Fingal smoked salmon belly with taramasalata and dashi keta, and Scottish roe deer taco with nameko mushrooms and mustard seed.
The menu will also feature poached East Coast lobster with pickled kohlrabi and claw dumpling, served with rouille and bouillabaisse, as a starter. For the main course, guests can savour mead-brined Creedy Carver duck with laminated potato and smoked golden beetroot purée, as well as duck fat crumpet with confit leg, silverskin onion, and oxalis. Dessert will be a mille-feuille of caramelised apple with roasted hazelnut, kouign amann pastry, and crème fraîche ice cream.
Chef Conor, originally from South Africa, brings over 20 years of culinary experience, including senior roles at several Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK. Within six months of launching Edinburgh’s Condita in 2019, he earned his first Michelin star, making him one of only three South African chefs to achieve this honour at that time.
Expressing his excitement about the upcoming events, Chef Conor said, "I’m delighted to be working alongside Fingal’s excellent Galley Team to present these special three nights of dining experiences for both non-residents and the hotel’s overnight guests. We’ve carefully selected the finest quality Scottish produce to create a menu that is bursting with seasonal flavours and complements the classic setting of this world-class dining destination."
Mark Alston, Executive Chef for Fingal and her sister ship, The Royal Yacht Britannia, added, "Conor is a highly respected chef in Edinburgh, the rest of Scotland and beyond, so it’s a real pleasure to invite him aboard Fingal for this unique fine dining experience. Our restaurant guests will get the chance to appreciate the Michelin star quality of Conor’s cooking in the relaxed setting of our award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. With all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance, Fingal provides a classic setting for diners to enjoy some truly memorable culinary events with Conor and our Galley Team this August."
Since its opening in 2019, Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board tender, has been developed and managed by the award-winning team of The Royal Yacht Britannia. The ship boasts 22 luxury guest cabins, each named after Stevenson lighthouses, and is known for its nautical-themed luxury accommodation and dining.
Fingal’s double-height Ballroom and Bridge offer dedicated spaces for private events, corporate celebrations, and weddings. Conveniently located opposite the Port of Leith tram stop, Fingal provides direct transport links to Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
Earlier this year, Fingal was recognised as one of the best hotels in the world by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024, ranking No.1 in the UK for luxury hotels and among the best small and boutique hotels globally. Additionally, Fingal was awarded 'AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24', praised for its exceptional interior design, attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service, and fine dining experience.
Chef Conor’s set dinner menu will be available from 6pm to 8.30pm on 23rd, 24th and 25th August, priced from £95 per person, with an optional paired wine menu. Advanced reservations are essential. To book, call Fingal on 0131 357 5000, visit the website www.fingal.co.uk, or email reservations@fingal.co.uk.