You Can Dine Inside One Of The King’s Favourite Castles

By Ellie Smith

5 months ago

Have dinner in King Charles' favourite Scottish retreat


Fancy dining like royalty? Now you can, thanks to a new private dining experience launched at a Scottish castle frequented by King Charles, the Castle of Mey.

The Castle of Mey Launches Private Dining Experience

The Castle of Mey in Cathness is the former home of the late Queen Mother Queen Elizabeth, visited by the King every August. Parts have been open to the public for a while, but now the castle is launching a new foodie offering, where groups of 12 can enjoy a bespoke three-course meal within its historic walls.

The experience will begin with a champagne tour of the castle before sitting down to a special meal created by a local chef – served at The King’s Table in the Dining Room, which is still used by His Majesty today. There’s also the option of a gin or whisky tasting in the Drawing Room, plus live music from a piper. 

‘For the first time members of the public can now book an exclusive dining experience at the Castle of Mey,’ states its website. There is no price listed, but The Times has reported that it costs £595pp – although this is thought to include accommodation for the night too. Guests can stay at the castle’s Granary Lodge, a Highland retreat offering views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney. 

The Queen Mother bought the castle in 1952, following the death of her husband King George VI. She gifted it to the Mey Trust in 1996, and it has been open to the public since her death in 2002. Charles has described the venue as ‘magical’, and has recently been giving its gardens – established by his grandmother – a makeover. Visitors are welcome from May to September each year.

All proceeds from tours and dining experiences go to The King’s Foundation, which looks after the property as well as offering education courses for students.

You can find out more at castleofmey.org.uk