Terrace Restaurant at West Lothian College
Award-winning training restaurant where student chefs deliver fine dining at exceptional prices in Livingston.
A multi-award-winning training restaurant operated by West Lothian College's hospitality students under expert supervision. Located in Livingston's city centre, the Terrace offers exceptional fine dining at remarkably affordable prices, with menus that change weekly to showcase student creativity. Open for lunch on Wednesdays and Mondays, and evening tasting menus on Thursdays, this unique venue combines professional culinary standards with an educational mission, delivering outstanding food quality and service.
A brief summary to Terrace Restaurant
- Almondvale Cres, Livingston, EH54 7EP, GB
- +441506427537
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-1 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-1 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-1 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance—reservations open eight weeks ahead and popular dates fill quickly. Deposits are non-refundable, so confirm your attendance plans before booking.
- Arrive early on the day of your reservation to allow time for parking on the college campus and to soak in the atmosphere before your seating time.
- Come with an open mind about the menu—weekly changes mean you cannot request specific dishes in advance, but this unpredictability is part of the restaurant's charm and educational mission.
- Bring a card for payment; the restaurant operates a cashless system only. Plan your budget accordingly—the value is exceptional, but budget constraints should be confirmed before booking.
- Consider visiting on a Thursday evening for the full six-course tasting experience, which showcases the breadth of student learning and offers the most comprehensive culinary journey.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Terrace Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Terrace Restaurant
A Training Ground for Culinary Excellence
The Terrace Restaurant operates as a working training facility for West Lothian College's professional cookery and hospitality students. Rather than being a conventional restaurant, it functions as a real-world learning environment where students plan, prepare, and serve dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs and hospitality professionals. This educational framework creates an atmosphere of genuine professionalism—students take their responsibilities seriously, knowing that every service contributes to their development as hospitality professionals. The result is a dining experience that combines the energy and dedication of emerging talent with the oversight and standards of seasoned industry experts.Exceptional Value and Changing Menus
What sets the Terrace apart is its commitment to affordability without compromising quality. Lunch services offer three courses for £15 or two courses for £12, while Thursday evening tasting menus feature six courses for £20 per person. These prices are remarkable for the calibre of food and presentation delivered. The menu changes weekly, a deliberate choice that ensures students gain experience across diverse cuisines and cooking techniques. This rotating approach means no two visits are identical, encouraging repeat visits and allowing diners to explore different culinary styles throughout the year. The variety also reflects the college's commitment to developing well-rounded hospitality professionals capable of adapting to different culinary traditions and guest preferences.Intimate Dining in a College Setting
Located within West Lothian College's central Livingston campus, the restaurant occupies a dedicated space that balances professionalism with accessibility. The intimate setting—with a limited number of covers per service—creates a refined dining atmosphere without pretension. The college's location in Scotland's central belt, positioned between Glasgow and Edinburgh, makes it convenient for diners from across the region. The restaurant's design and layout reflect its dual purpose: functional enough to serve as a teaching kitchen and dining room, yet polished enough to deliver the ambience expected of fine dining.Recognition and Consistent Excellence
The Terrace has earned significant accolades, including multiple years of recognition as the top-rated restaurant in West Lothian on major review platforms. This consistent recognition reflects not luck but sustained commitment to quality across every service. The restaurant's reputation has grown through word-of-mouth and online reviews, with diners consistently praising the professionalism of service, the creativity and execution of dishes, and the remarkable value proposition. The fact that a training restaurant achieves and maintains such high standards speaks to the calibre of instruction, the dedication of students, and the institutional commitment to excellence.Practical Dining Experience
Service operates on specific days and times: Wednesday and Monday lunches, and Thursday evenings with two seatings. Advance booking is essential and can be made up to eight weeks in advance through the college's online reservation system. A non-refundable deposit is required at booking—£5 per person for lunch, £10 per person for evening service. The restaurant operates on a cashless payment system, accepting card payments only. These structured arrangements reflect the educational nature of the venue; the college must coordinate student schedules, lesson plans, and service rotations, making predictability essential for both the institution and its guests.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hawes Pier, Queensferry
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The Queensferry Crossing
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Forth Rd Bridge
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Travelodge Edinburgh Park
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Lauriston Castle
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Culross Palace - The National Trust for Scotland
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Merchiston Tower
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Wild West
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Unmissable attractions to see
Livingston Designer Outlet
0.3 km
Scotland’s largest designer outlet with over 80 premium brands, dining, cinema, and year-round entertainment for a complete shopping adventure.
Almondvale Park
0.6 km
A vibrant urban park in Livingston with riverside views, adventure play, skatepark, and scenic trails for all ages and activities.
The Centre Livingston
0.8 km
Shop, dine, and play at The Centre Livingston, Scotland’s vibrant retail hub with over 150 stores and family-friendly amenities all year round.
Unique
0.9 km
The Centre, Livingston – A bright, family-friendly shopping haven with over 150 stores, eateries, and lively seasonal events in Scotland’s vibrant retail heart.
Almond Valley
1.4 km
Discover Scotland’s heritage and countryside charm at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, a lively farm and museum experience for all ages.
Eliburn Park
2.0 km
A vibrant 16.5-hectare park in Livingston blending woodlands, sports, fishing, and inclusive play for all ages.
Grand Central
2.3 km
A lively and welcoming events venue in Livingston’s Carmondean Centre, perfect for energetic nights out and community celebrations.
Door to Woodland
2.4 km
Explore the peaceful retreat of Door to Woodland in Livingston, a park where nature's beauty and tranquility come together for an unforgettable experience.
Black Bull Inn
3.0 km
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Linhouse Glen
3.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Linhouse Glen, a diverse Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve with heathland, woodland, and rich wildlife habitats.
Five Sisters Zoo
3.3 km
Explore over 160 species and enjoy family-friendly wildlife encounters at Five Sisters Zoo, West Calder’s premier animal sanctuary and adventure spot.
North Wood
3.8 km
Explore North Wood’s peaceful trails and rich wildlife just outside Broxburn, a natural haven blending history and nature near Livingston.
Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston
4.0 km
A vibrant garden centre in Livingston offering plants, family fun, dining, and expert gardening advice all year round.
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
5.3 km
A 220-acre woodland and riverside park near Broxburn offering scenic trails, family facilities, and year-round natural beauty.
Addiewell Bing Nature Reserve
5.5 km
Explore a reclaimed oil-shale bing transformed into a vibrant nature reserve teeming with woodland, wildflowers, and wildlife near West Calder.
Essential places to dine
Terrace Restaurant
0.0 km
Award-winning training restaurant where student chefs deliver fine dining at exceptional prices in Livingston.
Tony Macaroni
0.2 km
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Hot Flame World Banquet
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Chiquito
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The Livingston Inn
0.9 km
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The Paraffin Lamp
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Discover the cozy charm of The Paraffin Lamp Pub in Livingston – where great food meets an extensive drink selection.
Stones Bar and Grill
1.7 km
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Bankton House Bistro
1.9 km
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Ristorante La Campana & Cocktail Bar
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Saltire
2.4 km
A lively Livingston pub with flame-grilled food, live sports, and a relaxed beer garden – perfect for casual meals and drinks with friends.
La Vita Viva
2.9 km
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Fork & Field
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BAYLEAF (Indian) Restaurant Livingston
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Deer Park Beefeater
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Sabannga Thai Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Works
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Weird Fish Livingstone Store
0.4 km
Discover durable, stylish casual wear at Weird Fish Livingston, nestled in Scotland’s largest designer outlet with accessible shopping and great prices.
Superdry
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Discover premium British casualwear and sustainable style at Superdry Livingston in The Centre, Almondvale South.
Matalan
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Affordable family fashion and homewares in the heart of Livingston's retail district.
B&Q Livingston
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Your all-in-one home improvement store in Livingston, offering expert advice, extensive DIY supplies, and seasonal specials.
Menkind
0.8 km
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Pretty Little Boutique
0.8 km
Discover unique hats and jewelry with personalized service at Pretty Little Boutique in the heart of Livingston’s vibrant shopping centre.
Primark
0.9 km
Discover budget-friendly fashion and homeware across three floors at Primark Livingston, located in the heart of The Centre shopping complex.
Yours Clothing
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Discover stylish plus-size fashion at Yours Clothing Livingston, your go-to store for flattering women's apparel in sizes 10-36.
Whiteflower Mercantile Fancy Dress
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Craigshill Shopping Mall
2.4 km
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The Fashion Love Boutique
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First Shop
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Aye Do Gifts
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Your Factory Outlet
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Tower Bar
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The Mid Calder Inn (The Tapshop)
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Murray Bar
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Cawburn Sports Bar
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The Grapes
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Commercial Inn
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Central Inn
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The Railway Inn
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DreadnoughtRock Nightclub & Live Music Venue
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The Ballencrieff
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The Glenmavis Tavern
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New Royal Bar
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The Livery Lounge
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Twig Nightclub
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Hustlers Pool Hall
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XOXO
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City Nightclub
20.6 km
Experience Falkirk’s vibrant nightlife at City Nightclub, the town’s energetic weekend hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night fun.
PDT Please Don’t Tell
21.1 km
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LIFE
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Club Tropicana
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Lulu Bar and Nightclub
21.4 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
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Opal Lounge
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El Barrio Latino
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The Liquid Room
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Garibaldi's
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Shanghai Nightclub
22.0 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
