RESTAURANT
At The Free Company, everything begins on the farm. We grow and raise food using organic, no-dig, regenerative practices. These put soil health, biodiversity, and true sustainability first. Our approach was recognised with winning the Sustainability Award at the National Restaurant Awards 2025.
From snacks by the fire to a laid-back lunch or a full feast, each plate tells the story of the farm. However you choose to dine, we look forward to welcoming you.
Looking to join us for our upcoming special events and collaborations?
About the restaurant
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We offer a seasonal à la carte menu that evolves daily based on what’s fresh and available from the farm.
While we’re unable to provide exact menus in advance, we’re happy to accommodate all dietary requirements. Please let us know about any preferences or restrictions when making your reservation.
Click the links below to view our sample menus. These are provided as examples only, as our offerings change daily.
Children are welcome, and we provide a children’s menu at a reduced price.
A cakeage charge of £6 per person applies if you wish to bring your own celebration cake. As dessert is already included as part of our restaurant offering, this charge helps cover the service, plating, storage, and handling of externally supplied cakes.
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Opening Hours:
Thursday: 17:00 – Last sitting at 20:45
Friday: 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – Last sitting at 20:45
Saturday: 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – Last sitting at 20:45
Sunday: 12:00 – Last sitting at 18:00
Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Please note that we occasionally host private events throughout the year. To avoid disappointment, call or WhatsApp us at 07350 396948 to confirm we’re open before walking in.
You can also keep an eye on our Instagram for updates on openings and availability.
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We operate a licensed bar that accepts both card and cash payments. Our carefully curated menu is designed to complement our food perfectly. We exclusively offer a selection of natural and organic wines, local beers, seasonal cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Please note that BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) is not permitted.
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We are located just outside Balerno, with easy access from the City of Edinburgh. Click here to view our location on Google Maps.
TAXIS & UBER
Please note that while you may be able to get an Uber here, they do not operate pickups this far out. We have a great relationship with Edinburgh City Cabs and recommend using their services instead. You can pre-book online, via their app, or by phone.
BUS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
From the centre of Edinburgh, the number 44 Lothian Bus to Balerno is your best option (route map here; select 44 from the dropdown on the left). The nearest stop, Crosswood Crescent, is a 20–25 minute walk along a quiet country road.
For dinner services, we offer a free shuttle from the bus stop between 17:00–18:00. Please note that this shuttle is operated by a member of our service team and not a designated valet. Therefore, for shuttles back down to the bus stop, there is the likelihood that you may need to wait until a service team member is available.
Please pre-book this service by making a note on your reservation. Pre-booking is essential for us to be able to provide this service.
Unfortunately, we can’t offer the shuttle at lunchtime or on Sundays, so please plan for the short walk.
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For bookings of more than eight people, please email restaurant@the-free-company.com
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We offer private dining for groups of up to 35 people in our cosy, characterful spaces — ideal for celebrations and special gatherings while the restaurant is open.
Menus start at £70 per person, including a seasonal three-course set menu, smoked sourdough, and our whipped honey butter. You can choose between a formal plated menu or a relaxed, sharing-style feast. Extras such as oysters on arrival, a cheeseboard to finish, or other seasonal touches are available to make it just right.
Drinks packages are also available, featuring carefully selected wines, beers, spirits, and our house-made soft and fermented drinks.
Private dining is generally available Thursday–Saturday, depending on our events schedule. A £500-£900 deposit (based on party size) secures your booking, deducted from the final bill. Please note: cancellations within 10 days of the event will incur a fee of £25 per head, and final numbers and dietary requirements must be confirmed 10 days in advance.
Lunch and dinner seatings are available in line with our restaurant opening hours. For groups of more than 35 or for events outside our usual hours, please get in touch — we’d love to discuss options.
For all enquiries, contact us at enquiries@the-free-company.com
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If the date or time you prefer is fully booked, you can sign up for the waitlist on our booking page. If a table becomes available, you will receive a notification confirming your booking.
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Due to our rural location, it can be difficult to fill tables at short notice. For this reason, cancellations or no-shows within 48 hours of your booking will result in a charge of £25 per person to the card used to secure the reservation.
We will hold your table for 15 minutes after your reservation time. After this, the booking will be treated as a no-show. As we have multiple sittings per table, we may not be able to extend your reservation if you arrive late.
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We offer gift vouchers for our restaurant. To purchase one, click here.
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If you have any questions or issues, please send us an email at restaurant@the-free-company.com
