February 2016 - Bite Magazine

Take
Me I’m
Free
www.bite-magazine.com
February 2016
Restaurant & Bar Reviews,
Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Listings
Written
by
locals!
Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and
Drinking in Edinburgh
La P'tite Folie or
"The Little Madness"
offers contemporary
French cuisine in the
heart of Edinburgh's
West End.
La P’tite Folie, 9 Randolph Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7TE
Tel: 0131 225 8678 Email: info@laptitefolie.co.uk
Open 12pm - 3pm / 6pm - 10pm (11pm Fri & Sat) / Closed Sun
Bistro Provence
Menu changes monthly
Lunch from £9.95 to £12.50, (1 course + coffee - 3 courses)
Dinner / A la Carte from £21.50 to £26.50 (2 & 3 courses)
Now also featuring produce for sale direct from
Provence such as Marseille soap, olive oil, saffron gin,
Provençal liqueurs & wines.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.
88 Commercial St, Leith, EH6 6LX 0131 344 4295
reservations@bistroprovence.co.uk • 1AA rosette
Also Menu Degustation • Awarded One Rosette • Recommended by the Michelin Guide 2015/6
Cooked up by
Amy Brewer
Mark Earl
Rachel Edwards
Lea Harris
Leila Kean
Nikki Welch
Sharon Wilson
James Wrobel
Subbing by
In this issue
04
07
08
11
Leila Kean
Front Cover
Thanks to Chef
Sophie Mitchell
12
13
14
17
18
20
21
22
24
25
26
27
28
Salt ‘n’ Sauce
Review Copper Blossom
Review The Walnut
Healthy Eating with Real Foods International Year
of Pulses at Real Foods and Beyond
Languedoc Notebook Languedoc Wine Tours
Wine Domaine Jones, La Gare Fitou
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Gives Unexpected
Culinary Combinations a Good Try
Review Café Marlayne
Out of Town Review Garvock House Hotel
Ethical Eating Far from Purrfect: Discovering
Ethical Pet Food
Beer Blue Sky Thinking
Pancake Day
Cocktails A Family Adventure
Food as Medicine, with CNM Reduce Alcohol
Cravings
Off the Trolley Valentine's Day
What’s in Season Lango Lust!
Listings
Publisher/Editor
Sharon Wilson I 01383 616126 I M 07780 763613
contact@bite-magazine.com I www.bite-magazine.com
Design I Donna Earl I bite.design@mac.com
© Bite Magazine 2015 – All items contained within
this publication are copyright to Bite Publishing and
cannot be taken or edited without the permission
from the copyright holder.
This magazine is printed on sustainable paper.
3
4
Salt ‘n’ Sauce
A sprinkling of what’s happening this month
on the Edinburgh eating & drinking scene
Scotland is still reeling form the news that
Black pudding has been designated a
superfood to rival avocado and seaweed.
Macsween of Edinburgh is witnessing a
surge in sales and they say versatility and
flavour is key. You can use black pudding to
makes a samosa, ‘dirty’ burger, scotch egg,
or for a spicy twist to pasta, salads or even
served ‘naked’ on an antipasti board. It also
boasts a high protein and iron content.
Exciting news from Bonny Vita the
company that sell truffles alongside
truffle and Italian products. They have
produced a new spirit 'Uska' that is
infused with White Alba and will launch
on Valentine’s Day. Owner of Bonny Vita
Francesco Loretucci described the drink
as a perfect fusion between the best of
Scotland and the best of Italy.
Great Grog's
Spring Beer
Fair will
take place on
Saturday 2nd
April 2016,
1-5pm and
tickets are on
sale now. The venue is St Peter's Church Hall 14
Lutton Place, Edinburgh (120 tickets in total). Up
to 100 beers to taste and up to a dozen craft
brewers! Tickets £10 call 0131 555 0222 or buy
online.
Following the departure of Head
Chef Stuart Muir from Harvey
Nichols Restaurant, Brasserie
and Bar late last year, the luxury
retailer has announced Robbie
Meldrum as his replacement. Robbie
brings over 15 years of culinary
experience and has worked in many
kitchens across the UK including a
two year residence at Harvey Nichols
London’s OXO Tower Restaurant.
He will extend the seafood bar and
introduce a new menu.
5
Los Cardos the popular
Mexican takeaway and a Bite
fave is expanding their kitchen
operation. This will allow them
to add new items to their current
menu. We are hungry already.
Grow Veg! for those of you plotting
(I’m here all week) to grow your
own food this year, one of the
perennial (stop it) problems is that
most of the Titchmarshy books
available are designed with English
weather in mind. Save yourself
some trouble and invest in this one
from Edinburgh based Birlinn books
(find online). They also publish the
Black Pudding Bible.
A full list of Scottish collection points has been
released for the annual World Marmalade
Awards, which take place from 19-21 March 2016.
Edinburgh entries can be dropped off up until 9th
February 2016 at Herbie of Edinburgh 66 Raeburn
Place. Further details including an entry form,
category criteria, submission details, entry fees and
other drop-off points can be found at
www.marmaladeawards.com
Cuckoo Bircher Muesli (www.cuckoofoods.
co.uk), a foodie start-up, have taken a modern twist
on traditional Bircher muesli with their satisfying,
on-the-go pots. From a range of five, there’s the
Great Taste Award-winning Apple & Cinnamon
Spice and Mango & Coconut, as well as Elderflower
& Cranberry, Choco Sour Cherry and Apricot &
Madagascan
Vanilla.
Available
widely and
on offer with
Waitrose for
£1.00 nationally
until the 31st
March 2016.
6
Magnum renowned globally for its luxurious
chocolate covered ice cream, is launching a new
premium Chocolate Easter Egg. The decadent, thick
Magnum chocolate egg is made using high-quality
Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa and features the
‘iconic crack’ of the rich signature Magnum chocolate.
Demijohn the popular
liqueur company based in
Victoria Street and online
have developed a unique
Grapefruitcello Liqueur 32%.
This would make a fabulous
present idea for vodka lovers or
anyone who enjoys mixing citrus
based cocktails for that matter – www.demijohn.co.uk
Competition – win some
rapeseed oil and dinner at
Harvey Nichols
Low in saturated
fat but high in
antioxidants and
Omega 3,6 & 9,
cold pressed
rapeseed oil is a
tasty, healthy and
versatile choice.
Bite has two
bottles of East Lothian’s Black & Gold oil, plus a £50
voucher to eat at Harvey Nichols, to give away. Simply
send your details to contact@bite-magazine.com
tweet @scotrapeseedoil and @BiteMagazine for extra
brownie points and we will enter you into the draw.
For more information and delicious recipes, visit
www.scotrapeseedoil.co.uk and
www.blackandgoldoil.co.uk
Closing date February 21st.
Dine with Stuart Muir are running
a 3 course Valentine's Day Menu,
£69.95 for two, comprising salmon,
sirloin steak, chocolate and two glasses
of prosecco. Book at DineEdinburgh.
co.uk or call 0131 218 18 18.
Congratulations to
Stewart Reid who wins
a Monin Cocktail Gift
Set from LoveTiki. Bite
asked what cocktail
you would make with
your cocktail set and we
received hundreds of
recipes ranging from the
retro to the modern. We
really liked the simple Scottish twist
though on a classic margarita from
the winning entry.
Scottish Margarita
3 parts Tequila – 150ml
1 part Cointreau – 50ml
1 part freshly squeezed Lime Juice
1 dash Stag’s Breath Liqueur
2 ice cubes
Put into cocktail shaker and shake
vigorously, pour into martini glass
and enjoy.
Copper Blossom
Review:
Elegant, whimsical, botanical
M
en entering Copper Blossom may be
required to tap into their feminine
side. If you are threatened by florals
it’s not the place for you. I was with my
female pals though and Copper Blossom has
done everything possible to make us feel right
at home.
Cocktails, Sauvignon and gin and tonic (‘light’
Fever Tree and Carroun please) were promptly
ordered along with haggis bon bons and
salmon and beetroot risotto (£14.45) times
three. No messing with menu indecision, it
would waste valuable talking time. Fish dishes
are as prominent on the menu as my middleaged spread and flowers are used as garnish
at every opportunity. A side of glazed carrots
with orange blossom anyone?
As L got the young Portuguese waiter’s inside
leg, Liz and me tucked into the bon bons.
Cracking crispy coating, softy spicy steaming
meat, neep purée nicely whipped and whisky
jus (£5.50); this top notch starter scran was
enjoyed by all.
Main course plates were decidedly pink
what with the fish and risotto and had the de
rigueur edible petals. Very tasty, not in a knock
7
your socks off high end way but just really
yummy, unpretentious satisfying plates of
food. Vegetable crisps added texture.
Desserts were declined but we did go for
more drinks – calvados for me, Sauvignon
for L and a Three Sheets to The Wind for
Liz, which comprised plantation rums,
Hennessy Cognac, Pierre Ferrand orange
curaçao and lemon (7.95). The latter
contained a huge ice rock and was a
delicious mix of spirits and citrus. I shall
definitely pop back for one as well as the
lush sounding calvados cocktail – calvados,
clarified apple and bitters (8.50).
Copper Blossom would be a great place to
take your mum, to visit solo or with friends.
Mr Bite would say he is in touch with his
feminine side but I think the lack of ale would
put him off. (S. Wilson)
Copper Blossom
– 107 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3ES
– 0131 297 2630
Opening hours
10am-1am everyday
8
Review:
The Walnut Cracked it
T
o say I had heard good things about The
Walnut would be an understatement.
Open a mere few weeks and already
approving noises were emanating from
respected corners. When I discovered the
chef had worked for some years at Mr Bite’s
favourite restaurant The Grain Store a visit
was promptly scheduled.
Located on Leith Walk it is as unassuming as
its neighbour Borelands the televison shop.
A bistro with BYOB and folk seemingly just
popping in for a bite of supper.
The menu changes according to which
ingredients are best on the day and so it
is logical to describe the dishes on a large
blackboard; far less fiddly than paper menus
and you can refer to the details of what you
are eating (e.g. types of chillis) throughout
your meal.
Remembering my starter however, is no
problem at all. Cider and pork rillettes with
pickled cucumber, red cabbage, oatcakes and
crunchy crostini; all evidently homemade.
Rillettes have full on fatty flavour, the
cucumber a perfect crunchy acidic foil,
oatcakes were a joy (note to self to start
making). Mr B had a bowl of mussels with large
bay leaves, wedges of lemon and a hint of
guajillo chilli. A very good broth was mopped
up with freshly-baked fluffy focaccia.
Main course proved a tricky choice with
so much temptation and of particular note
were the three seasonal vegetarian options. I
was close to opting for beet and gorgonzola
risotto but asked the waitress and she affirmed
my instinctive first choice ‘The Gurnard.’ It’s
an earthy meaty firm fish and not seen enough
on menus. The skin was crispy and salty and
it was served with cockles which added a
strong sea element to the plate. Seasonal
sprouting broccoli on a melange of sweet juicy
tomatoes contributed to scoring this dish ten
out of ten.
9
Mr Bite had chosen the duck confit in super
fast style and commented that ‘it was much
better than expected’. It had been slowly and
tenderly cooked with the result that meat
surrendered from the bone and fat dissolved
to a flavoursome sauce. Parmesan crust
added more umami, long slices of root and a
crunch of kale added colour and all was nicely
presented in simple homely earthenware.
Dessert decisions were deemed impossible all
three sounded good and so all three we had;
custard pie, chocolate tart with anjo chilli and
sticky toffee pudding (all £4). The chocolate
tart comprised a silky smooth and glossy
ganache and chilli adding subtle raisin-like
notes. Custard tart was beautifully cool and
creamy with a hint of lemon zest and liberal
sprinklings of nutmeg. Sticky toffee pudding
was well up to par. Such well-executed
stunningly simple but refined puddings are a
rarity.
It is worth
mentioning
also that each
cheese costs £2
– a genius idea
as I usually need a doggy bag when I order the
cheeseboard.
Chef Ben Waumsley has modesty that belies
his talent. I would guess he spends all day
in the kitchen baking, creating and being
inspired by delicious fresh ingredients. He also
evidently has a wealth of classic technique to
draw on and applies this to Scottish produce.
This neighbourhood bistro will be buzzing
all too soon and the only downside will be
getting a table. (S. Wilson)
The Walnut
– 9 Croall Place, Edinburgh EH7 4LT
– 0131 281 1236
Love your 5-a-day
Make it fresh
and organic
Delivered to your door
FREE delivery for online orders over £29*
www.realfoods.uk
Fresh
•
local
•
seasonal
•
value
Real Foods established 1963 • Shipping worldwide since 1975
Visit us at 37 Broughton Street or 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh
Shop from over 12,000 vegetarian, organic, Fairtrade
and special diet products in-store and online
*Free delivery applies to UK mainland only and excludes wholesale bulk items. Fresh fruit and vegetables are subject to seasonal availability.
Healthy Eating with Real Foods:
International Year of Pulses at
Real Foods and Beyond
2016 is the International Year of
Pulses. If you’re wondering why, then
look no further.
Are there any benefits to
using dried beans over precooked in a can?
What are pulses?
If you use dried beans you'll
get more of the nutrition and
sometimes canned beans can
contain additional salt which you
might want to avoid.
Simply put pulses are peas, beans and
lentils that have been harvested to be
dried and sold as food.
Why are pulses good for you?
• Pulses are a brilliant source of protein and
great for people following a vegetarian or
vegan diet.
• They are useful in lowering cholesterol and
pressure, and are known to help reduce
blood sugar spikes.
• Pulses are excellent sources of iron, folate,
starch, complex carbohydrates and soluble
fibre. Soluble fibre makes you feel more
full which may reduce your appetite, so
helpful if you’re watching your weight.
• People avoiding gluten or wheat can
happily eat all pulses.
Do you always have to soak dried
pulses before cooking?
To start off, we recommend you always wash
your pulses before cooking them and it is
worth noting that dried Kidney Beans must
be properly soaked and cooked in order to
be edible.
Lentils, Aduki, Blackeye and Mung Beans can
be cooked from scratch without soaking, but
all pulses may well still benefit from soaking
to reduce cooking time.
You'll also save money if you buy
dried beans. Dried and canned beans are
roughly similar in price when comparing net
weight, but given that most dried beans will
swell up to around 2.5 times their original size
it doesn’t take a genius to work out that if
you spend your money on dried beans, they
will go further.
At Real Foods the more dried goods you buy
– the bigger the discount, so if you're going
through a fair few tins of beans you should
consider buying our dried beans instead.
Having said that, it is useful to keep a few
tins of prepared beans in the cupboard for
those times when you want to turn around a
healthy higher protein meal in a hurry. Pulses
are also great for extending meals and you
can throw in a handful to casseroles, soups
and stews to provide extra nutrients and
stretch the meal further.
If you want to get your fingers on the pulses,
we’ve got dozens of different varieties to
choose from in-store, online or using your
mobile – www.realfoods.co.uk.
11
12
Languedoc Notebook:
Chers amis bonjour!
Languedoc Wine Tours
T
his is it; it has arrived! I am talking of
course about winter. Snow and minus
0 temperatures whilst only recently I
was picking mushrooms in Bedarieux. I even
managed to visit a couple of vineyards that I
am going to add to my April trip along with a
superb new seafood restaurant in Valras Plage.
The holidays are now over for me and also for
you I presume, so back to work, and there is
plenty to do here at La Garrigue.
A review of the menus revealed the new
à la Carte is doing well with the oysters,
rabbit, and vacherin being our best sellers.
The calendar of events is finalised and we
have a few rugby lunches programmed for
the 6 Nations. I am really looking forward to
see the Scottish team this year as they were
impressive at the World Cup last summer.
We are also going to bring some changes to
our wine list. Don’t panic! No ‘foreign’ wines
from Burgundy or Bordeaux we are just going
to offer more wines by the glass as well as
offering 125ml instead of 175ml as large is not
“trendy” anymore and most people ask for
smaller quantities especially at lunch time.
So La Garrigue will follow the government
guidelines for a “healthier Scotland”.
Bien sur, if you want to purchase two glasses
this won’t be a problem, actually a small glass
of white to start follow by a tiny glass of red...
my kind of lunch, when I am not working,
driving, or baby sitting.
If you are planning your holidays for 2016 what
about a trip to Languedoc?
Have a look at my new website,
www.languedocwinetours.co.uk
tempted, give me a call on 07760761170!
Jean-Michel Gauffre
runs La Garrigue
French Restaurant at
3 Jeffrey Street
www.languedocwinetours.co.uk
Wine:
Domaine Jones, La Gare Fitou
Naked Wines £14.99 Love is… a glass of wine
F
ebruary is a good ‘wine’ month, for
some it represents climbing off the
wagon after a dry January, for others
the wait for the January pay check means
that the wine piggy bank gets a rattle after
paying December’s credit card. So it’s a
great opportunity to crack open a bottle of
something decent and enjoy the last of the
dark nights before spring starts to officially
spring (despite the fact the daffodils have
already been trying to spring for weeks!).
Of course, February also signifies Valentine's
Day which for many means an overdose of
pink champagne, chocolates and, well, more
pink wine. But just because it’s got a heart in it,
it doesn’t have to be pink. In fact, wouldn’t a
blend be more significant for Valentine's Day?
When two (or more?!) grapes come together
to create something that is harmonious,
sensual and more than just a sum of the
parts? So this month’s wine of the month is
a blended, deep red that has nothing to do
with pink hearts and can be sipped, shared,
savoured or saved for a solitary moment.
Domaine Jones is a story full of the love of
wine, Katie Jones fell in love with the Southern
French way of life, food and wine. She fell
in love with a local Vigneron (winemaker)
and then fell in love with unloved vineyards
and making wine. Unlike more commercial
operations she buys vineyards because they
are old and beautiful and makes wines that she
wants to drink, which makes them incredibly
drinkable!
She makes a range of wines including our
selection, the Domaine Jones Le Gare Fitou.
Fitou is a little known rural French wine, it is a
blend of the fruity Grenache and spicy Syrah
to create something similar to a Cotes du
Rhone, which has been sunbathing to intensify
the delicious berry flavours. It’s a big wine, not
to be ignored, with a lot of with a lot of tannin
and alcohol wrapped up in a velvety, blanket.
It’s a wine to wash down that ‘diner à deux’ or
to welcome you home from a brisk weekend
walk. Drink it with roast lamb studded with
rosemary or venison steaks with a chocolate
sauce. (N. Welch)
Domaine Jones, La Gare Fitou,
Naked Wines £14.99
If your New Year’s Resolution
is upping your wine knowledge
download the WineTubeMap app on
iOS or android for free and explore
your wine zone!
13
14
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Gives Unexpected Culinary
Combinations a Good Try
E
dinburgh’s renowned rugby
hangout brings its new
‘Paired’ programme to
life with flavours inspired by the
Six Nations Rugby Tournament
whereby The Sheraton Grand
Hotel & Spa has created a
selection of six small plates,
matched with handpicked
premium wines and local craft
beers.
Paired Food & Drink Menu at
the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa,
Edinburgh
England
Whitby Scampi and homemade tartare sauce £7.50
– Paired with Curious Brew Lager, England £5.00
Scotland
Haggis bon bons with a Talisker Whisky Brose
£7.00 – Paired with Bitter & Twisted Golden Ale,
Scotland £5.00
France
Café au lait crème brûlée with fruit madeleines
£6.50 – Paired with Moet Chandon Brut Imperial
(NV) Champagne, France £12.00
Ireland
Boxty corned beef hash cakes with a Guinness
brown sauce £7.00 – Paired with Orpens Fresh
Pressed Cider, Ireland £5.00
Wales
The first of the 2016 Paired season
kicks off with a Six Nations rugby
themed programme launched by
Scottish rugby legend Jason White.
Black bomber Welsh rarebit on thyme bread with
tomato chutney £6.50 – Paired with Dirty Stop
Out Stout, Wales £6.00
The hotel’s Executive Chef Craig
Hart drew inspiration from the six
nations to create the following
mouthwatering menu.
Antipasti selection of sliced charcuterie, rosemary
gordal olives, aged parmesan and gorgonzola £9.00
– Paired with 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione,
Trambusti, Italy Wine £6.00
Italy
ENGLAND
SCOTLAND
FRANCE
IRELAND
WALES
ITALY
15
For more information please visit www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk/en/paired-sixnations. To book a
table in One Square Bar please call 0131 221 6422 or email info@OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk
One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR.
NOW OPEN IN
BRUNTSFIELD
INAA AWARD FOR BEST
BARBERS IN SCOTLAND
136 Bruntsfield Place
EH10 4ER
0131 229 5566
www.boombarbers.co.uk
CNM
COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
TRAINING SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONERS
Turn your passion for Nutrition into a career!
Become a Nutritional Therapist
through part-time study in Edinburgh with CNM,
the UK’s leading training provider in natural health
Find out more at one of our free-to-attend Open Evenings in
Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 2nd February, Tuesday 1st March,
6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Reserve your place for either event on line at:
www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505
Café Marlayne
Review:
Dinner à deux with gourmet
Mama
I
t’s been a few years since I last reviewed this
branch of Café Marlayne (its sister is located
on Thistle Street) and I was relieved to see the
solid standard of bistro fare was not only up to
scratch, but had evolved a little too.
The stark white walls of yore are warmer,
welcome in what is quite a cavernous place,
and the new decor (striped wallpaper, mixmatch furniture) are fairly symbolic of the
menu’s new direction. No longer ‘simply’
French in its remit, the menu has gone on a
mini-world tour and has arrived back with
fresh ideas and flavours.
To start, a basket of mixed breads dunked
in oil & vinegar, a bone-dry Breton cider for
mum and a bottle of Stewart Brewing Hefe
for me. My starter (£4.50) of caramelised figs &
oranges, fennel seed, rocket and creamy goats
cheese contrasting with the honeyed fruit was
a summery tour of the Med on a plate. Quite
welcome on a bleak January night. Mum went
for the charcuterie option (£5.90), featuring
sweetly salty Serrano ham, and drily savoury
venison salami. Built around the meats was
a wintery salad of earthy roasted red beets,
pumpkin seeds and leaves. Boldly-satisfying
flavours all round.
variation on the familiar steak & chips, the
garnish elements a little over enthusiastic
in their quantities plonked atop the steak.
The mature well-flavoured beef was cooked
medium as requested, but served under a
blanket of braised onions & sultanas making
the overall impression more of a stew than
steak frites. A home-made horseradish sauce
was well balanced between cream and tang.
Fries, crisp and golden were tasty however the
salt-baked walnuts mentioned on the menu
sadly didn’t make an appearance.
As befits a place that does a roaring trade
during the daytime as a cafe, the selection of
teas and coffees is superb. A cup of jasmine
green tea accompanied by a slice of their
ever-popular lemon polenta cake - zesty,
toasty and light - was a classy finish to an
altogether enjoyable meal. (L. Kean)
Mains were successful riffs on bistro
favourites. Pan-seared duck breast (£13.70) was
juicy, pink with an edge of fat just-so. Drizzled
atop was a rich jus of cherry beer, studded
with salty smoked bacon, served with sautéed
potatoes and soy and chili-spiked kale bringing
a bit of zing to the dish.
Leila Kean writes www.leilappetit.com
Mum’s rib-eye steak (£14.50) was a left-field
7 days 8am to 10pm
Café Marlayne
– 13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh EH1 3NH
– 0131 558 8244
– www.cafemarlayne.com
Opening hours
17
18
Garvock House Hotel
Out of Town Review:
Weekend relaxation
I
t’s always nice to get away from the bustle
of the city and to pamper yourself with a
weekend break – especially if the price is
reasonable and you don’t have far to travel.
Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline has
been well established and loved by locals for
some 25 years now. It is set in pretty well kept
gardens with views (snowy when we were
there) of both the Ochils and the Pentlands
The rooms are plush with free wifi, tea and
coffee, TV and big puffy pillows and duvets.
Pre-prandial drinks were a little disappointing
though. No Scottish beers and a limited
selection of both gins and wines by the glass.
Having said that the Chilean Sauvignon I chose
to pair with my starter was very good.
Food fared better. Starter for me was goats’
cheese, apple and celery terrine with beetroot
tapenade and crisps (£5.95) which erred on
the creamy and refined, well-dressed leaves
are always appreciated and the beets were
suitably fresh and earthy. I thought Mr Bite’s
starter was superb, Thai style king prawn
noodle broth had the depth of flavour that
comes from fish sauce, was just this side of
too fiery, and comforting, sweet and delicious
(£6.25). It was so good that I tried to recreate
it at home.
For main courses Mr Bite had herb crusted
saddle of lamb with mint pea veloute, garlic
pomme Anna, and a red wine jus (£17.95) and
for me roast haunch of venison with bacon
and red onion rosti, smoked shallots, roast
salsify and light chocolate sauce (£17.50). We
had requested the lamb medium rare and the
venison rare and both were spot on. I loved
the roots, smoky onion and savoury sauce; a
really good classic French plate of food. Mr B
awarded top marks for his main too – just the
right amount of fat on the lamb for flavour
and it is worth mentioning that everything was
perfectly seasoned.
Desserts were a little bit more pedestrian
although still very well executed. My dinky
peach crème brûlée was perfect but the white
chocolate cookies (£5.75) although homemade
and delicious were a little heavy for a pudding
accompaniment. Something more delicate was
needed and the hard unseasonal strawberry
should have been omitted altogether. Mr Bite
thought the treacle tart didn’t beat his mum’s
but I thought it was very good. (S. Wilson)
Garvock House Hotel
– Saint John's Drive, Dunfermline,
Fife KY12 7TU
– 01383 621067
– www.garvock.co.uk
19
20
Far from Purrfect:
Discovering Ethical Pet Food
Ethical Eating:
A
few years ago, I adopted my beautiful
cat Fudge. I became one of 12 million
pet-owning households in the UK
whilst she became one of an estimated
58 million pets. I love Fudge so much. She
remains aloof at all times. Except, of course,
at mealtimes. Is this pique in interest Fudge
“pawsing” for thought (sorry), wondering if her
meal was made ethically? Probably not.
But if I care about what I eat – provenance,
quality and ethics matter – and if I care about
Fudge, then what I feed her matters to me
too. So it’s time to stop buying big name
brands. Research by BUAV (British Union for
the Abolition of Vivisection) has shown that
the ‘big four’ pet food companies, including
Mars and Nestle, producers of Pedigree, IAMS,
Whiskas, Felix etc, carry out animal testing.
There’s a disgusting irony in supporting their
actions to feed my precious feline.
Beyond the manufacturer, there’s also
the issue of packaging. Convenient singleuse plasticised foil pouches are far from
environmentally friendly, so I’ll be switching
to tins. The raw materials of pet food offer a
small positive though, as the industry reduces
waste by using offal and other by-products
from the human food chain. However, often
the original animal has been intensively
farmed; in spite of its growth the pet food
industry hasn’t got enough leverage to
demand use of higher welfare animals. Their
volume would be insufficient, too.
So what are the alternatives? On a product
level, dried food is the more ethical choice.
It delivers more nutrients than the same
weight of wet food but typically consists of
60% water. Biscuits and kibble are also often
sold in bulk and in paper packaging, requiring
fewer materials but also ones that can easily
be recycled. Unfortunately, they’re usually still
made from battery farmed animals.
And whilst some pets can exist on vegan
diets – even dogs – cats must eat meat for
taurine, otherwise they go blind and may die.
So Fudge needs an ethical pet food, such
as organic Yarrah, Burns or Lily’s Kitchen,
which replaces unnecessary chemicals with
natural ingredients like seaweed and MSC
fish. These brands also offer grain-free food
for animals and owners with sensitivities and
are available in Earthy, Tesco and Waitrose.
Of course, less well-known, smaller pet foods
are more expensive than Felix et al, but not
prohibitively so.
Good news Fudge – you can be ethically aloof
too. (A. Brewer)
Beer:
Blue Sky Thinking
D
espite working in retail for a couple
of cheap, industrial lager she is flogging is
of decades, I have yet to master the
unobtrusive.
art of small talk: as such I simply
What’s interesting about the image is how
cannot be arsed chatting about the weather.
it deftly avoids the pitfalls associated with
If you’ve been into my establishment and
the genre: The model is modestly (if stylishly)
have tried to engage me with this as a
dressed, she may have the ghostly, unreal
conversational gambit, then I apologise if
sheen of photoshop, but she’s not an unholy
I have shot you down with a hard stare.
bundle of cleavage and legs. The beer isn’t
Besides, despite
promising you
the weather being
sex: neither is it
...by drinking this beer you
particularly noteworthy
promising fame,
lately, this part of the
can transport yourself
cool, or the
country has got away
to somewhere where the
respect of your
relatively unscathed and
peers.
weather is a little less shite; a
it seems bad form to
very
effective
message
in
the
Instead it’s
complain about a bit of
associating itself
middle of the Scottish winter
rain when people’s lives
with a very simple
and livelihoods are being
and one that other beer
fantasy: by drinking
devastated south of the
macrocorps are keen to exploit
this beer you can
border.
transport yourself
Still, it has been a dreich
to somewhere where the weather is a little
winter and whilst wrangling my children to
less shite; a very effective message in the
school through the constant rain, I found
middle of the Scottish winter and one that
myself, on more than one occasion utterly
other beer macrocorps are keen to exploit.
transfixed by a billboard that shined like
Whether its Aussie brands sending bright
a beacon amongst the industrial estates
young dims abseiling in China (for some
of Bonnington. It was a simple, colourful,
reason) or people supping “Spanish” pisswater
image and may have been the most brutally
while dangling off the side of luxury yachts.
effective piece of beer advertising I have
It’s a great message that manages to hit
ever seen.
home to both sexes, all ages & demographics
A young, well dressed woman stares out at
equally and without offence. Drink this beer
the public, her hair tucked beneath a large
and come with us to somewhere better,
sun hat, her gaze unremitting. She is framed
somewhere sunnier, somewhere perfect.
beneath a beautiful azure sky, which meets a
It’s transparently patronising bollocks, but
perfect indigo Mediterranean. There are no
sometimes even I could fall for it. (J.Wrobel)
extraneous details, no fuss: even the brand
21
22
Pancake Day!
H
ere are four delicious pancake
ideas created by chef
Sophie Michell as part
of a campaign with Chilean
blueberries to show people
how to create delicious
pancakes that are different
to the traditional lemon and
sugar ones associated with
Shrove Tuesday.
Spelt and vanilla blueberry
pancakes with Agave syrup
This is Sophie’s favourite type of pancake,
fluffy light and packed full of zingy flavour
and superfood goodness with the Chilean
blueberries. To make them even healthier she
has used spelt flour, which is easier to digest
than wheat flour and she has sweetened them
with a touch of lower GI agave syrup.
Blueberry buckwheat crêpes with
Greek yoghurt and blueberry lemon
compote
This recipe is gluten free and makes a delicious
dessert or a luxurious breakfast for
those with a sweet tooth. She has
used Chilean blueberries to add
flavour and stunning colour.
Blueberry feta hotcakes
with bacon and honey
This is a sweet savoury recipes
that is very moreish. The salty feta
and blueberries work really well
together and the crunchy bacon and
sweet honey take it to the next level.
This is an ideal breakfast / brunch dish.
Blueberry Blinis with whipped goats
cheese and Blueberry, black pepper
chutney
These blinis are great little nibbles to have
before dinner or as a snack. The blueberry
and black pepper chutney is a quick and tasty
recipe and the chutney can be used for all
sorts of dishes, baked hams, duck, pâtés and
many cheeses.
Find full recipes online at
www.bite-magazine.com
They look pretty too which is why we are featuring the crêpes on the front cover this
month. Here is the full recipe for this dish.
Blueberry buckwheat crêpes with Greek yoghurt and
blueberry lemon compote
Makes 8
250g Buckwheat flour
75ml sparkling water
100g Chilean blueberries
100ml milk
50g melted butter
3 eggs
Blueberry and lemon compote
250g Chilean Blueberries
50g caster sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
200g Greek Yoghurt to serve
• Purée the blueberries and sparkling water
together until fine.
• Whisk the eggs, milk and the melted butter
in a separate bowl.
• Place the buckwheat flour in a large bowl
and pour first the egg mix and then the
blueberry purée into the centre of the flour.
Whisk well to combine until smooth.
• Let the batter sit for 30 minutes whilst you
make the compote.
• Put the sugar, blueberries and lemon zest into a small saucepan and then place on a medium
heat. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 10 minutes.
Then when you are ready to go
• Heat up a frying pan to a medium to high heat, add a touch of oil and a tiny knob of butter,
then pour about four dessert spoonfuls of the mix into the centre and swirl around quickly to
cover the pan and produce a thin pancake.
• Flip and cook on the side for one more minute.
When ready fold the pancakes over into quarters, then place two on each plate and spoon over
some Greek Yoghurt and compote.
23
24
A Family Adventure
Cocktails:
Drinks with the Earls
A
nd so the Fogies and the Brood have
left. Six weeks of “entertaining” the
family finally comes to an end as Maw
and Paw pack their backs and head back to
New Zealand. Big Bro, Win and the Kids (three
of them) had departed the week before and
are already safely ensconced on the South
Island under the Long White Cloud. What
is normally very relaxed and chilled out for
D and me turned into a chaotic, noisy and
sometimes fractious time of the year.
Still there were some upsides. Realising
pantomime is not dead and can be as funny as
watching early Billy Connolly on the Parkinson
show. Spending time with friends and family
reminiscing about frightening Eighties hair
styles, cross dressing parties and the demise of
the Blue Blanket. And, most advantageously,
getting out and about around Edinburgh, with
everyone else fighting over who picks up the
bill. Somehow food and drink tastes all the
better when it comes free.
Which brings me on to the point of my
story (finally says an exasperated D). Certain
establishments in Edinburgh, perhaps more
famed for their food, can serve up some
wonderful drinks.
I was rather surprised to be served a sparkling
Negroni in the Kitchin. Whilst looking like
someone had poured Tizer into a fancy glass,
www
the combination of Carpano Antica, Campari
and champagne (in place of the gin) worked
a treat and will be an aperitif I will be making
myself. After Maw insisted on visiting Scran
& Scallie following our amazing trip to the
Kitchin, D was delighted with the Tam Yung
Martini, a slow burner of a cocktail, made with
Diplomatico Blanco rum, Koko Kanu coconut
rum, chili, lemongrass and lime. A few sips and
her taste buds were tingling!
Big Bro is less of a
cocktail man and
more of a beer
man (he does live
in NZ after all) so
I got him to take
me to El Cartel for
some tacos and
Mexican beer. He
certainly enjoyed a
couple of ales from
Day of the Dead,
but what really
blew him away was the selection of tequilas
and mezcals. The anejo from Don Fulano has
convinced him that tequila does not deserve
its fearsome reputation.
My one regret is I still can’t convince Maw
that good grappa, from any of our great Italian
eateries, doesn’t smell like s***e. Ah well, it
was still good to see all the family. (M. Earl)
com
barware cocktailware tableware
Food as Medicine, with CNM:
Reduce Alcohol Cravings
A
lcohol’s feel-good factor comes
from its effect on our brain’s
reward and motivation chemicals.
As nutrition is key to helping regulate
these chemical messengers, known as
neurotransmitters, plus our hormones,
the highly potent power of food can help
combat cravings for alcohol.
Eat regularly to help keep blood sugar
levels steady. Low blood sugars lead to
increases in stress hormones. Take small,
healthy snacks between meals if needed.
Feed your gut. Help regain some healthy bacteria
in your gut by adding some additional probiotics
to your diet. Natural sources include organic plain
live yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables like
sauerkraut. Foods such as leeks, garlic, onions, and
pulses can help feed the ‘good’ bacteria too.
Keep caffeine and nicotine intakes low, as these
increase stress hormone levels and disrupt the
balance of our neurotransmitters. Herbal teas and
diluted fruit juices are a great alternative.
Eat healthy carbohydrates at every
meal. Choose high fibre, slow releasing
carbohydrates, like whole grain rice, pulses,
root vegetables and whole fruits. Avoid
white bread or pasta, and processed foods.
Aim for 15-20g protein at each meal,
eg. from lentils, beans, oily fish, organic
chicken or eggs. Avoid high protein diets,
which create harder work for the liver and
kidneys.
Increase vegetable intake. Think beyond 5
per day and pile your plate high with veg.
Eat your greens. Cruciferous vegetables
in particular, like broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower and kale, support the
detoxification of stress hormones.
By Nutritional Therapist Adam Greer, for CNM
(College of Naturopathic Medicine).
You can find out more about training with CNM for a career in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy, by
attending one of CNM’s free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 2nd February and
Tuesday 1st March, 6.30pm-8.30pm. For details visit www.naturopathy-uk.com or call 01342 410 505.
25
Off the Trolley:
26
Valentine's Day
V
alentine’s is upon
us: the season
of chocolate,
roses, and in some cases,
chocolate roses. In spite of
the explosion of pink and
red, I’m not a bah humbug
about Valentine’s Day. And
while I do wish that it were
more about confessing
covert crushes than trying
to find another present
for a loved one so soon
after Christmas, I can get
down with the 14th. What
I can’t abide, though, is an
unimaginative bouquet and
a selection box. So whether you are loved
up or loving yourself this month, here are
three places to visit to raise your sweet
game. For the flowers, you’re on your own –
but please, please: avoid the pink carnations
from the petrol station.
For chocolate that’s as far from a tin of
Quality Street as you can get, try Coco of
Bruntsfield (also with a location on Broughton
St). Everything in here is just beautiful, but
for V-day why not try the Venus nipples, or
the cherry liqueurs? You can also buy cocoa
nibs, said to have aphrodisiac properties. And
get yourself an Aztec hot chocolate while
you shop: warm and spicy, it’s sure to get you
tingling.
If ice cream is the way to
your heart, a visit to Mary’s
Milk Bar in the Grassmarket is
a must. With frozen stuff that
would melt a heart of ice,
you can choose to indulge
on the spot, or sign up for
a gelato tasting evening
(complete with wine!). But
if you’d rather cuddle up
to something warm, their
hot chocolate and ice
cream combinations are hot
enough to warrant their own
buzzfeed article (google it!).
And for the final word in elegance, Patisserie
Madeleine in Stockbridge is the place to go.
Cream filled eclairs, colourful macarons, and
patisserie to make you weep, trust them to
provide the perfect end to a romantic night in.
But I confess, my heart isn’t entirely behind
my mouth on this. The most memorable
chocolate I ever got was Valentine’s Day
1997 when the boy I liked at school sent me
a ‘candygram’. That foil-wrapped chocolate
heart – accompanied by a pink carnation
– filled all my Valentine’s dreams. The best
presents really do come from the heart (but it
never hurts to satisfy your mouth as well).
(R. Edwards)
That foil-wrapped chocolate heart – accompanied by a pink
carnation – filled all my Valentine’s dreams
What’s in Season: Lango Lust!
Seafood saffron risotto
D
Ingredients
1 doz cooked langoustines
1 small shallot very finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
6oz/170g Arborio rice
Large glass white wine
Approx 2pints/ 1ltrs hot fish or
vegetable stock
Pinch of saffron threads soaked in warm
water for 30mins
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, optional
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
id you know that up to 90% of Scottish
langoustines are exported? No wonder our
island chefs are narked, finding it hard to
get hold of these tasty wee beasties. We, on the
mainland, fair a little better and things are getting
easier now that we can order them online.
There are several fish companies now supplying these
beauties, but they don't catch 'em. One enterprising
skipper does both. You may have seen him on
'Trawlermen' on his fishing boat, Amity II. I am of
course talking about Jimmy Buchan! His aptly named
Skipper's Choice supplies fresh, wild-caught seafood
either from his own haul or from other fisherman
he knows and trusts. With more than 40 years'
experience, Jimmy and his team select the contents
of every box and are more than happy to answer any
of your questions personally. I met this passionate
fisherman a couple of years ago when he was just
stepping out on this venture and was overwhelmed
by his passion for an industry that he has shed blood,
sweat and tears over. Like most of us, provenance
is key and let's face it, Jimmy knows where all his
seafood comes from.
With Valentine's Day on the horizon, what better
way to serve our wonderful seafood than in a saffron
risotto? It takes time, patience and good produce,
which is why I've partnered the langos with saffron
from BonnyVita!
http://skipperschoice.net • www.bonnyvita.co.uk
Lea writes http://OfftheEatenTrack.wordpress.com
and is @BakersBunny on Twitter and Instagram.
Radio presenter on 98.8CastleFM.
Method
• Peel all bar two langoustines; if arsed,
remove claw meat. Put to one side.
• Sauté shallot in half the butter until
soft, add all the rice; stir until every
grain is coated, don't brown.
• Add the wine and stir. Add a large
ladle of stock when wine has almost
evaporated.
• As rice soaks up liquid, add more
stock – ladle by ladle.
• Continue doing this until the rice
is firm to the bite - neither soft or
chalky, with a creamy texture.
• Add remaining butter, saffron and
langoustine meat. Purists look away,
add half the Parmesan. Season with
salt and pepper.
• Stir thoroughly, cover and leave to
stand for four minutes.
• Serve with extra cheese, draped with
remaining langoustines.
Feeds two romantics.
What else is in my basket?
Guinea fowl, partridge, hare, venison, goose, lobster, mussels, halibut, sea bass,
winkles, wild salmon, clams, cockles, rhubarb, cauliflower, swede, spring greens,
Jerusalem artichokes, kale, celeriac, parsnips, rhubarb, blood oranges.
27
Listings
28
Restaurants
Bistros and Brasseries
Apiary – New addition to the growing Newington
dining scene, Apiary is the bigger version of Three
Birds already creating a buzz about town. In an old
bank building, the space is large and airy with seating
for up to 60 in intimate booths or bigger groups.
Lunch, dinner, pre-theatre, weekend brunch and
even Tunnocks & coffee are the bill of fare, served
by knowledgeable, smiley staff...open Mon-Fri 12pm3pm/5.30pm-10pm, sat+sun 11am-4pm/5pm-10pm.
33 Newington Road, Edinburgh EH9 1QR
– 0131 668 4999 – www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk
Bijou – A local eatery for breakfast, lunch & dinner,
or maybe just a cheeky glass of wine. An ever
changing menu, available in 3 different sizes, bijou,
medium and main – you choose. Private Dining
available. Free wifi. Also story telling evenings and
wine tasting evenings paired with food. 2 Restalrig
Road Edinburgh, EH6 8BN – 0131 538 0664
– www.bijoubistro.co.uk
Bread Street Brasserie – Fresh. Seasonal.
Scottish. City Centre dining in our elegant,
welcoming brasserie. Open daily for lunch and
dinner. Lunch and pre-theatre menu £14 for 2
courses, £17 for 3 courses.
– 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF
– restaurant@DoubleTreeEdinburghCity.co.uk
– 0131 221 5558
The Edinburgh Larder Bistro – Inspired
by local ingredients, The Edinburgh Larder Bistro
serves the best of Scotland’s landscape on a plate.
Tucked away downstairs on the corner of Alva and
Queensferry Street the Bistro is a hidden gem with
cosy dining rooms that blend beautiful old and
modern décor. Proud to work closely with suppliers
who treat Scotland’s wild, natural resources with
honour they offer a uniquely Scottish experience
that doesn’t stop at the food. The menu also offers
a range of Scottish gin, malt whiskies, local beers
and artisan roasted coffees. Their bakery launched in
December 2013 and is open from 11am-5pm Tue-Sat
serving a beautiful range of cakes and artisan breads.
The bistro is open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday
& Monday) with lunch served between 12pm-2.30
and dinner from 5.30-10pm.
1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH
– 0131 225 4599 ­– www.edinburghlarder.co.uk
The Shore – Next to the famous Fishers restaurant
on The Shore sits this classic bistro from the same
owners with wood panelling, huge mirrors, open
fires and hearty satisfying food. The food is a
creative mix of classic British dishes with a modern
European twist. Set lunch Mon-Fri, 2 courses £13, 3
courses £16. Bar snack menu also available all day.
Live folk and jazz musicians entertain customers in
the bar on Tuesdays and Sundays. Open everyday
from noon-late.
3 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW – 0131 553 5080
– www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
The Olive Branch – With its large windows
and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to
enjoy a relaxing brunch, lunch or dinner in the
company of friends or family, with children under 14
welcome until 8pm. Using the best local produce,
we aim to provide inventive seasonal dishes with a
Mediterranean feel, as well as classic comfort food.
Open Mon to Fri 11.45 to 10pm, Sat and Sun 10am to
10pm. 91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX – 0131 557 8589
– www.theolivebranchscotland.co.uk
Stac Polly Brasserie, Gin & Wine Bar –
Scottish lunch menu with meat, fish, vegetarian
options and sharing platters. Light bites from midafternoon and throughout the evening. Selection
of premium Scottish and London gins and beautiful,
Listings
modern Scottish décor. Open 7 days a week from 12
noon until midnight. Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm. Brunch
12.30-3pm on Sundays.
29-33 Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL
– 0131 5562231 – www.stacpolly.com
supplier plus a carefully selected range of craft
beers, expertly crafted cocktails that embody the
class of past eras with a modern twist.
Open 9am to midnight. 3 Bristo Place
– www.checkpointedinburgh.com
Three Birds Restaurant – A firm
neighbourhood favourite in Bruntsfield, 3Birds is a
pocket-rocket of a restaurant. Small, cosy and busy,
menus change every 3 months and daily specials
add more choice. Famous for sharing platters and
great wine pricing, a warm welcome always awaits...
open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm/6-10pm, sat-sun 12pm4pm/5pm-10pm.
3-5 Viewforth, Edinburgh EH10 4JD
– 0131 229 3252 – www.threebirds.co.uk
One Square – A vibrant restaurant and bar,
serving an inventive range of dishes by Executive
Chef, Craig Hart. As well as the extensive à la carte
menu, highlights include views of Edinburgh Castle,
Dining at the Pass in the heart of the kitchen, and
interactive gin tastings in homage to the fifty plus
varieties of premium gin.
1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR
– 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk
The Walnut – Neighbourhood bistro on Leith
Walk. BYOB. The best Scottish and British produce,
real home cooking priced to please your pocket.
Dishes are based on the best produce currently
available so there is a constantly changing menu.
Fresh bread baked daily. 9 Croall Place – 07787
686198.
British (Modern)
Checkpoint – all-day dining and extensive
drinks choices are the offering at the brand new
bar and eatery. Situated close to the old town in
a former church building, Checkpoint’s uniquely
spacious style comes to the fore with an ambitious
renovation by Simon Donne and Nik Whybrew.
An accessible, internationally influenced menu,
has been crafted by Head Chef Phil Lynch, who
focuses on a variety of dishes available in single
or sharing sizes – food to be sociable with.
Brunch has a particular focus with freshly baked
scones and breakfast buns alongside artisan, hand
roasted coffee and a selection of hot drinks. A
fine selection of wines from a local independent
Purslane – It’s all about the produce at this bijou
restaurant in Edinburgh’s boho neighbourhood of
Stockbridge. Fresh local seasonal ingredients are
the foundation upon which Chef Paul Gunning
creates stunning dishes. He uses a mix of old and
new techniques with a nod to worldwide influences
and the result is top notch dining but in a casual
unbuttoned ambience. 33a St. Stephen Street
Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AH – 0131 226 3500
– www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk – Open for lunch
& dinner Tues-Sat 12 noon-2pm and 6.30pm11.30pm.
Californian
Calistoga – Current Holders of ‘Speciality
Restaurant of the Year’ at Scottish Restaurant
Awards. Edinburgh’s original and only Californian
restaurant. Our unique fresh food is prepared
by our great kitchen team who are inspired by
the flavours of California. Wine List of over 100
Californian wines at only £5 above shop prices. Four
Private Dining Rooms available at no extra charge.
70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
– 0131 225 1233 – www.calistoga.co.uk
29
Listings
30
Fish and Seafood
Fishers in the City – A spacious and stylish
space – the epitome of a classic city centre eatery.
Set in a converted warehouse on cobbled Thistle
Street the contemporary surroundings offer the
perfect venue for a casual lunch or intimate night
out. A firm favourite with locals and visitors for
fabulous Scottish seafood. Set lunch & pre-theatre
menu, 2 courses £13, 3 courses £16, everyday 12 noon6pm. Open everyday from 12 noon-late. 58 Thistle
Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN – 0131 225 5109
– www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
Fishers in Leith – has been the last word in
Edinburgh’s finest casual dining for 21 years. The
original Fishers is nestled on the historic shore of
Leith. Set in a 17th century watchtower it has two
beautiful dining areas, the round room and bar and
the restaurant as well as outside dining. All offer
great atmosphere and, of course, fabulous Scottish
seafood – Set lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses
£13, 3 courses £16. Open everyday from 12 noon-late.
1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW
– 0131 554 5666
– www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
French
Bistro Provence – Patron Michael Fons and the
team bring the taste of Le Midi to Edinburgh. Taste
typical Provencal dishes and wines in this friendly
relaxed bistro. The menu changes seasonally and
there is a degustation menu every Saturday night.
Open Tues-Sun 12 noon-10pm.
88 Commercial Street, Leith – 0131 344 4295
– www.bistroprovence.co.uk
Brasserie Les Amis - At Brasserie Les Amis you
can enjoy the best of French and Scottish cuisine.
We source superb local produce and the finest
ingredients to provide delicious food and beverages,
whether you dine with us during the day and
evening or sample the delights of our delicatessen.
Also beautiful wines, craft beers and spirits.
83 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BU
– 0131 228 7517 – www.brasserielesamis.co.uk
Café Marlayne (Thistle St) ­– Opened in
March 2000 this branch of Café Marlayne follows
in the footsteps of one of the many tiny back
street bistros found all over Paris. At no more than
35 square metres it can change from the buzzing
bistro at lunch time to a more romantic, intimate
restaurant at night. It has a classic feel with wooden
warm tones and twinkling lights. Lunch served 7
days a week: Noon-5.30pm; Dinner served 7 days
Mon-­Fri 6pm­-10pm, Sat noon­-10pm and Sun 6pm-­
10pm. 76 Thistle Street – 0131 226 2230
– www.cafemarlayne.com
Café Marlayne (Antigua St) –­Café Marlayne
at Antigua Street offers a quite different experience
than the original café in Thistle Street. Opened
in December 2010 the space is a far larger. At the
front is the coffee shop with sofas and armchairs
with the dining room at the back. Open all day
from breakfast at 8.00am to last orders at 10pm
encompassing breakfast, menu of the day, lunch,
pre-­theatre dinner and late dinner plus sandwiches,
coffee, cakes, beers and wines.­13 Antigua Street
– 0131 558 8244 – www.cafemarlayne.com
La Garrigue – Regional French Cuisine and Terroir
Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon. A restaurant
where ‘Chef Jean Michel Gauffre brings warm
Languedoc to your plate’ (Peter Irvine, Scotland The
Best). Simple and stylish with the relaxed ambience
of a French bistro and a firm favourite with locals
and tourists alike. Winner of the Good food Guide
Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2010. Also Gordon
Ramsay’s Best French Restaurant 2010. Open 7 Days
Listings
for Lunch & Dinner. 31 Jeffrey Street
– 0131 557 3032
– www.lagarrigue.co.uk
La P’tite Folie – Informal, bustling bistro with
mixed clientèle. Favourites include moules frites,
steak frites, beef bourguignon, duck, etc. Extensive
wine list. 2 course lunch £11.95, noon-3pm. Dinner
a la carte 6-11pm. Closed Sundays. Large groups
catered for, set dinner available.
9 Randolph Place – 0131 225 8678
L’escargot blanc – first floor West End
restaurant. Sit beside a window and reminisce of
the bohemian Latin Quarter or Marais district of
Paris. Traditional French and classic dishes such as
garlicky Snails, Rabbit in Dijon mustard, Sheltland
lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, Îles Flottantes and Tarte
Tatin. Provenance is paramount here and expect to
find imported goods from well reputed producers
only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm10pm. Fri & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10pm.
Closed Sunday. 17 Queensferry St
– 0131 226 1890
– www.lescargotblanc.co.uk/#welcome
L’escargot bleu – “French twist using the best
of Scotland”. The Auld Alliance is alive and well!
Chef Patron Fred Berkmiller seeks out others that
share this passion for excellence. Producers of
Scotland for 1st class quality meat, fresh water fish,
handpicked fruits and vegetables whilst his partner
Betty will proudly serve you Hervé Mons exclusive
selection of French cheese. Recommended by the
Michelin Guide 31 Listings and listed in the Best
5 Restaurants by Peter Irvine/Scotland the Best.
Open Mon-Thurs 12noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm.
Fi & Sat 12noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed
Sunday (open 7 days during August) – 56 Broughton
Street – 0131 557 1600 – www.lescargotbleu.
co.uk/#welcome
Italian
Mia – simple, cosy and welcoming. Serving
delicious food, fine wines and fresh Italian coffee.
Lunch menu 2 course £8.95. Lunch menu 3 course
£9.95. Dinner set menu 2 course £18.95. Dinner set
menu 3 course £21.95. A La Carte menu available
daily from 10am-late. – 96 Dalry Rd, EH11 2AX
– 0131 629 1750 – www.mia-restaurant.co.uk
Kurdish / Middle Eastern
Hanams –Authentic cuisine in the heart of
Edinburgh and voted one of Britain’s Top 5 Middle
Eastern Restaurants by the Telegraph. The menu
features falafel and baba ghanoush, charcoal
cooked shish kebabs and mouthwatering exotic ices
and desserts. There is an extensive Dry Bar and shish
balcony (blankets provided!). Open 7 Days.
3 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW – 0131 225 1329
– www.hamans.com
Pomegranate – Middle Eastern Street Food and
Shisha Bar. Cold and hot mezes, kebabs, a wide
selection of vegetarian dishes, main courses and
mouthwatering desserts. BYOB with no corkage
charge. Non-alcohol bar available plus Shisha pipes.
1 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH – 0131 556
8337
– pomegranate-edinburgh@hotmail.com
– www.pomegranatesrestaurant.com
Mediterranean
Laila’s Mediterranean Bistro and
Takeaway – Middle Eastern and Mediterranean
favourites – fresh salads, paninis, wraps, and mezze
style light meals. Breakfast from 8am daily, specialty
coffees and teas and Mediterranean and Middle
Eastern cakes and pastries throughout the day.
Laila’s transforms into a warm and cosy bistro in
31
Listings
32
the evening with olive tree inspired decor, hanging
lanterns, comfy seating, delicious dinner menu,
BYOB and free corkage.
63 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BS – 0131 237 2448
– www.lailas-bistro.co.uk
– lailas-bistro@hotmail.com
Mexican
Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas
and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled
marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked
pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available.
Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas
ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3,
EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk
– 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk
Scottish
Eh15 Restaurant & Bar – With incredible
views of Edinburgh, Eh15 Restaurant & Bar serves
up premium Scottish and British dishes cooked
by Edinburgh College trainee chefs. Students use
fresh, seasonal produce to create great value menus
that rival the finest restaurants. Midweek lunch
& dinner from £7.50. Weekend lunch from £10.
Weekend dinner from £12. 0131 344 7344. eh15@
edinburghcollege.ac.uk. www.theclubedinburgh.
com Edinburgh College Milton Road Campus, 24
Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP.
a room in leith and teuchters landing,
a room in the west end and teuchters bar
– Two well-loved Scottish bistros attached to
two well loved bars. The emphasis is on quality,
fresh, locally sourced Scottish food and drink .
Spend the day with us meandering between bar
and restaurant! The west end, 26 William Street,
EH3 7NH
– 0131 226 1036. Leith, 1a Dock Place, EH6 6LU
– 0131 554 7427 – www.aroomin.co.uk
The Apprentice Restaurant – Based in
Granton, the Apprentice Restaurant has been
described as “The best-value Scottish restaurant
I’ve come across in my travels” by Richard Bath,
Scotsman food critic. Edinburgh College Students
create delicious Scottish and British menus.
Midweek lunch & dinner from £7.50. 0131 559 4030.
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/trainingrestaurants
Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West
Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE.
Dine with Stuart Muir – Above the Traverse
Theatre, Dine with Stuart Muir is a new, relaxed
brasserie-style dining and drinking venue, featuring
Edinburgh’s first dedicated 30-seat champagne
lounge in the city centre. Executive chef Stuart Muir
– former executive chef of Forth Floor Restaurant
Harvey Nichols presents dining at its very best
with choice cuts of Scottish Borders beef straight
from the grill, as well as contemporary twists on
the classics. Saltire Court, 10 (1st Floor) Cambridge
Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED, 0131 218 18 18,
restaurant@dine.scot www.dineedinburgh.co.uk
Field – This restaurant as its name suggests
loves ‘field-fresh food’ and is proud to showcase
Scotland’s larder in a menu of tasty, innovative,
seasonal dishes. The wine-list is carefully
chosen and tempting. A cosy, unpretentious,
neighbourhood restaurant in the University / Old
Town area which also happens to be superb value
for money 1 course £9.50, 2 courses £12.95 and 3
courses, £15.95 until 18:45pm, à la carte all day.
41 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB – 0131 667 7010
– www.fieldrestaurant.co.uk – Sittings: Tue-Sun
12 noon-2pm and 5.30pm-9pm.
The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar &
Brasserie – The best in contemporary eating and
Listings
drinking & un-paralleled views from the Castle to
the Firth of Forth. Executive Chef Stuart Muir uses
fresh seasonal Scottish produce to create food
of the finest quality by matching modern flavours
with classical techniques. Fresh, sustainable seafood
available from the Seafood Bar whilst the Brasserie
offers round the clock eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat
10am-10pm, Sun 11am-5pm; Restaurant: lunch –
Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-3.30pm,
dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm.
forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com
Book on line at www.harveynichols.com
– 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh,
EH2 2AD – 0131 524 8350
Stac Polly – Stac Polly is one of Edinburgh’s
original restaurants for authentic Scottish food
and atmosphere; now in its 23rd year. Stone walls
combine with flickering candles, crisp linen and
twinkling glasses to give a truly Scottish experience.
Expect a menu of exciting interpretations of
modern and traditional cuisine using locally
sourced produce. We have a fantastic selection
of Scottish beers and a fine array of single malt
whiskies at both Dublin Street and St Marys Street
Bistro. Private dining rooms at Dublin Street and St
Mary’s Street Bistro. Open 7 days.
New menus online – www.stacpolly.com
29-33 Dublin St – 0131 556 2231
38 St Mary’s St – 0131 557 5754
The Whiski Rooms – Multi award WHISKI
Rooms on the Mound, sister venue to Whiski on
the Royal Mile. With iconic views to Princes Street,
it’s an all day dining bar & restaurant serving fresh
Scottish food. Stocking an impressive range of
premium spirits, wines, cocktails & Scottish craft
beers and ciders and over 300 whiskies. Beside the
bar is a specialist whisky shop where you can buy
the bar’s range and more. Daily whisky tastings.
– Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 119 High Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 1SG, 0131 556 3095.
– Whiski Rooms Bar & Bistro, 4-7 North Bank
Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP – 0131 225 7224
– bar@whiskirooms.co.uk
Whiski Rooms Shop – 0131 225 1532
– shop@whiskirooms.com – www.whiskishop.com
Spanish
Tapa – With it's white-washed, high vaulted walls
adorned with vintage Spanish movie posters and
a stunning floor to ceiling antique bull fighting
poster, Tapa is instantly evocative of the Iberian
Peninsula. Head Chef Paco Martin Romano works
with artisanal Spanish produce to create a menu
of inventive, distinctive tapas dishes. And, whilst
there is a firm focus on the Iberian Black Pig, you
can tell that serious consideration has also been
given to those with specific dietary requirements –
over a third of the menu is vegetarian – with many
of these dishes being designed to also become
options for vegans easily – and there are also
specific menus available for gluten and lactose free
diners! Tapa is an encompassing, genuine taste of
Spain in Leith! Open Everyday from 1pm. 19 Shore
Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW – 0131 476 6776 – tapa@
tapaedinburgh.co.uk
– www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk
Steakhouse and Bar
Smoke Stack – S mokestack has been serving the
best in steaks, burgers and seafood to Edinburgh
locals since 1996. Located in buzzy Broughton Street
this casual bar/eatery prides itself on cooking
locally-sourced produce simply. Members of the
Scottish Beef Club you can choose from rump, rib
eye, fillet and sirloin all aged for 21 days and very
fairly priced. Also weekend, brunch, express and
kids menus (drop in for coffee or smoothies too).
Extensive wine list as well as cocktails, whisky, beers
and spirits. Open from 10am-late 7 days. Handy for
33
Listings
34
The Playhouse and Omni Cinema. 53-55 Broughton
St EH1 3RJ – 0131 556 6032 – info@smokestack.org.
uk – www.smokestack.org.uk/index2.htm
Swedish
Akva – is a bar/restaurant/café and venue! We
can host parties up to 550 people and we have lots
of events all through the week. Akva has one of
the biggest beer gardens in Edinburgh with a lovely
view as it is right beside the Union canal. When the
sun is shining in Edinburgh this is one of the best
spots in town. We are kid and dog friendly and
we have 2 kiddies' corners. Our menu is modern
Scandinavian and therefore has lots of influences
from all around the world. www.bodabar.com/
akva/. Opening times 10am-1pm Fri & Sat, 10am11pm Sun, Mon, Tue, 10am-12pm Wed & Thu.
129 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
– 0131 290 2500
Boda Bar – A cosy, friendly bar with a subtle
Swedish twist. Regulars, Leithers, Students and
Tourists mix together are all welcome. When you
book the backroom for more than 15 people you
get a small, free buffet. Here you can try the lovely
Idun’s Elderflower cider, Aquavit and many odd
shots. Every Monday is live music and on regular
basis there are Bar Boot Sales. Check web page for
all events: www.bodabar.com Open Mon-Fri 2pm1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pm- midnight.
229 Leith Walk – 0131 553 5900
Joseph Pearce – Joseph Pearce’s popularity
is testament to the warm and genuine welcome
it extends to a diverse clientele. During the day
a raised area to the back is a family-friendly
haven, stocked with all the toys, highchairs and
feeding paraphernalia that junior patrons and their
beleaguered parents could require. From 5pm a
more grown-up but equally laid-back atmosphere
pervades, making Pearce’s a favourite haunt of a
cool crowd seeking simple relaxation or perhaps
taking part in one of the regular jogging. Many will
be there to enjoy the Scandinavian-tinged menu of
gravadlax, pork meatballs with root vegetable mash
in a plum sauce or smoked haddock with crisply
roasted hasselback potatoes and poached egg, all
washed down with a great draught and bottled
drinks selection Open Sun-Thurs 11am-midnight, FriSat 11am -1am. 23 Elm Row – 0131 556 4140.
Hemma – A café/bar with great brunch, lunch,
buffet, smörgåsbord platters, dinners and last but
not least cakes. A family friendly haven daytime and
a party place at night with 12 well chosen draughts
on tap and an extensive cocktail list. It is a big place
where you can bring 130 of your friends and have a
great party on the mezzanine level. Every Friday is a
after work DJ starting from 6pm. Other events like
networking meetings, promotional events, Vintage
pop up shops and plenty others are occurring on a
frequent basis. Come and have a look! Open SunThurs 11am-midnight Fri-Sat 11am -1am.
Tun Building, 75 Holyrood Road – 0131 629 3327.
Sofi’s – Sofi’s bar is the port in the storm, it is the
little squeeze in a hug, it is home from home. So
feel free to sink in and snuggle up, with a glass of
wine, or a pint of beer. On Friday and Saturdays
it is more like a party in the kitchen with many
delightfully tasty cocktail s on offer. Lots of events:
Sing Songwriters nights, Clothes swaps, Knitting
nights, Film nights and variety of cool parties. Check
webpage: www.bodabar.com
Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am Sun 1pm
-1am. 65 Henderson Street – 0131 555 7019.
Victoria – Victoria’s philosophy is that everyone
who is nice is welcome to join the party. The drinks
range is chosen and proven by staff and regulars,
including beers from at least thirty-five different
countries and their own-brand Iduns swedish cider.
Listings
Events include a language café every Monday, live
acoustic music every so often and irregular speeddating singles nights. Any sense of gimmickry is
nicely underplayed, though. With a child-friendly
ethos during the day, a warm and moodily lit
atmosphere at night, a well-stocked bar and very
friendly service, all you need for a great local is
right here. Check facebook for all events. Open
Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pmmidnight. 265 Leith Walk – 0131 555 1638.
Bars and Bar Food
The Abbotsford – City’s finest ‘island bar’. Est.
1902 specialising in Scottish real ales (6) and malt
whiskies. Food served all day in the bar. Lunch &
dinner in the Restaurant ‘Above’.
3-5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR – 0131 225 5276
– www.theabbotsford.com
– theabbotsford@dmstewart.com
Bar Brig – Under the new management of Peter
and Billy Ross of The Old Chain Pier, the former
Bar Seinne at the foot of Leith Walk has been
transformed. It is now serving scrumptious street
eats made with fresh, locally sourced produce, craft
beers, wines and spirits. Fun cocktail list with some
classics. Friendly, relaxed, welcoming vibe.
96-98 Leith Walk – Open daily 12 noon-1pm, food
served until 11pm – 0131 281 1090. Book for parties.
www.barbrig.com
The Canons’ Gait Craft Beer Bar and
Kitchen – 6 Traditional real ale taps serving a
constantly changing range of Scottish real ales from
the country’s best craft brewers plus a further 3
regular and 2 guest craft keg beers and craft bottled
beers. Freshly prepared, locally sourced menu is
served 12 noon - 9pm. Music and Quiz nights from
Tuesday to Saturday plus special events such as
Food & Beer pairing and Meet the Brewer evenings.
Cellar bar for hire. Located in Edinburgh’s historic
High Street. 232 Canongate, High Street, EH8 8DQ
– 0131 556 4481 – www.gait.bar
– canonsgait@dmstewart.com
The Cumberland Bar – Spacious New Town
local, lots of rooms and beer garden. Eight real ales
on tap. Plus good wine list. Food all day. Sunday
Roasts (till 6.00pm).
1 Cumberland Street EH3 6RT – 0131 558 3134
– www.cumberlandbar.co.uk
– cumberland@dmstewart.com
Element – Tucked away amongst the boutiques
of Rose Street, Element has long established itself
as the perfect place to eat & drink right in the heart
of the city. You always receive a genuinely friendly
welcome in the busy bar and you will find a calm
& cosy restaurant serving a tempting mix of dishes
prepared using the finest Scottish ingredients.
There’s a well-chosen wine list to complement the
menu and the cocktails are a must too!
110-114 Rose St EH2 3JF – 0131 225 3297
– www.elementedinburgh.co.uk
The Guildford Arms – Edinburgh’s finest Real
Ale Bar Est. 1898 (10) ale taps mainly Scottish, (13)
keg beers/ciders, good wine and whisky lists. Food
served all day in classic Victorian bar or boutique
‘Gallery’ restaurant above.
1-5 West Register Street – 0131 556 4312
– www.guildfordarms.com
– guildfordarms@dmstewart.com
The Huxley – Your home from home in
Edinburgh’s West End. The Huxley is the perfect
place to relax, refuel, gather with friends and enjoy
our extensive cocktail list. An informal vibe where
the focus is on terrific food – burgers and dogs,
beautifully created cocktails, wide selection of
beers and wines served with exceptional customer
35
Listings
36
service. The burgers are listed as some of the best
in town whilst the ‘dogs’ include, ‘naked’ and ‘chillicheese’ versions which regularly change and evolve.
Small plates and boards of tempting tapas also
feature. Coffee and home-baked pastries to sit in or
to go make this a very flexible venue.
1 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE – 0131 229 3402
– www.thehuxley.co.uk
The Lioness of Leith – Bar/brasserie
situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant and
fashionable Leith area specialising in fine British
and Mediterranean food and drink. The Lioness
has rejuvenated Duke Street to make this end of
town a goto area synonymous with good times.
Eclectic and quirky decor, in a relaxed atmosphere,
combined with a fantastic selection of local and
international premium beverages and an exciting
and innovative choice of cocktails. Discount
cocktals Mon-Thurs (all £5.95), Mon Deals Beer
& Wings £10, Surf 'n' Turf Tuesdays. Breakfast weekends only. Acoustic Sunday evenings. We are
open for food Mon-Thu – Lunch 12 noon-2.30pm
and dinner 5pm-9pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 1am9pm. The Lioness of Leith is on Facebook and is at
21-25 Duke Street – 0131 629 0580.
The Mad Hatter – This local, low key, friendly
bar is situated in the increasingly buzzy area of
Haymarket. A great menu includes a good range
of meat, fish and vegetarian burgers and sharing
platters. All food is made fresh and in-house. Craft
beers and Prosecco feature on the drinks list as
well as a range of wines, spirits and beers from
independent suppliers. 8 Torphichen Place
– 0131 228 6852 – EH3 8DU. Open 12 noon-late
daily.
Monboddo – Chic and cosy, day and night. Eat:
Breakfasts, Coffee and Cake and Express Lunches,
to Afternoon Tea, Seafood Platters and bar classics.
Drink: Perfectly created cocktails, bottles of bubbly,
a fine selection of Gin. Enjoy: Castle views in
sophisticated surroundings. Open daily from 8am1am (Sundays until 12am).
– Bar@DoubleTreeEdinburghCity.co.uk
– 0131 221 5555
Nobles – This classic Victorian bar & restaurant
has an established reputation as a classy watering
hole, fine eatery and continues to charm critics
and customers alike. Nobles has a warm, inviting
and contemporary feel whilst maintaining it’s
traditional, bold wood and stain glass heritage. The
menu is locally sourced and expertly prepared to
an exceptionally high standard. A famous weekend
brunch, craft beers, real ales, fantastic wine list,
high speed wi-fi, fresh Fairtrade coffee plus various
organic loose leaf teas complete the experience.
Opening times 12pm-12.45am Monday to Friday,
10am-12.45am Saturday and Sunday. Dogs and
children are welcome until 10pm.
44a Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS
– 0131 629 7215 – www.noblesbarleith.co.uk ­
– www.facebook.com/noblesbarleith
The Old Chain Pier – Historic waterfront bar
serving fresh, homemade pub food made on the
premises throughout the day. A glass frontage
provides stunning views of the Firth of Forth. The
water almost laps your toes. Outside seating and on
the No. 16 bus route. Real ales, bottled beers, wines
and whiskies. Child and pooch friendly. 32 Trinity
Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3ED – 0131 552 4960
The Queens Arms – A hidden jewel, below the
cobbles of Frederick Street and steeped in Scottish
history. This New Town pub provides a home from
home for locals and tourists alike. With an amazing
selection of real ales, Scottish Whiskies and a twist
on some classic cocktails you’re guaranteed to
enjoy this cosy wee pub.
49 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP – 0131 225 1045
– www.queensarmsedinburgh.com
Listings
The Street – A popular mixed bar at the top of
the very funky Broughton Street. By day the glass
front makes it an ideal place to relax inside or out
with a coffee and people watch, whilst at night it
attracts a livelier crowd with a buzzing atmosphere.
Good pub food such as homemade burgers &
enchiladas until 9pm and snacks such as nachos,
homemade chilli & potato wedges until midnight
Sun-Thurs. Antipasti plates. Premium selection of
beers, wines & spirits and cocktails and Edinburgh
3 HOP on draft! Open 12pm-1am Mon-Thurs and
‘til 3am Friday & Saturday in Street Night-club!
12.30pm-1am Sun.
2b Picardy Place EH1 3JT – 0131 556 4272
– www.thestreetbaredinburgh.co.uk
The White Horse – Welcome to the 273rd year
of The White Horse. Established in 1742, it is the
oldest pub on the Royal Mile with a long history
of welcoming tourists and locals alike. The White
Horse is known for its Steak Pie and its Haggis Pie
on its Value-for-Money menu and has a range of
Scottish Gins, Malt Whiskies and Scottish Vodkas.
Alternatively choose a glass of wine or one of its
Scottish Craft Ales. Relax with a bite and a drink
in the historic Stable Room which is a free fringe
venue during the festival and can be free hired for
your own event. Open Mon-Sat from 11am and
Sunday from 12:30. 266 Canongate
– www.thewhitehorseedinburgh.com
Afternoon Teas
Travelling Teapot – the afternoon tea that
travels to you! Perfect for hen parties, Mad Hatter
tea parties, special occasions or even just a treat.
Loose-leaf tea from Anteaques, a mix of traditional
and modern sandwiches, homemade scones and
cakes. Taste old-fashioned favourites like custard
creams, bourbon biscuits and jam tarts. Restricted
and coeliac diets a speciality. Menus can be tailored
to you and start from just £15 per person. More info
www.travellingteapot.com or 07974 226 722.
Cafés/Informal
Affogato – you can’t fail to notice the ice cream
carousel, filled with vibrant fruit sorbets and pastel
gelato. Primarily a gelateria, Affogato offers a few
savouries too plus waffles and feisty Illy coffee.
Basic waffle (£2.50); toppings and sauces, scoops of
gelato or sorbet. Breadwinner supplies baked goods,
tea is from Dammann Frères Premium Teas and
Valrhona chocolate is used in the hot chocolate.
Free wifi and pooch friendy. 36 Queensferry St.
– 0131 225 1444
Edinburgh Larder – A relaxed bright and
welcoming café with a delicious selection of
local, good quality food using organic/seasonal
ingredients whenever possible. Great coffee from
Artisan Roast, teas from Eteaket, lovely homebaking
inc. superb cakes! Fully licensed with tasty local
craft beer and cider. Free WiFi, wheelchair and
child-friendly. Open from 8am-5pm Mon-Thurs and
9am-5pm Sat-Sun.
15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB – 0131 556 6922
– www.edinburghlarder.co.uk
Union of Genius Soup Café – You need
soup. We have soup – officially the best soup in
Scotland! Six different soups each day, and we
always have a wide choice of meat-based, veggie,
vegan and free-from options. We have Artisan
Roast coffee, Eteaket teas and hot chocolates
from the Coro and the Chocolate Tree. We run a
suspended soup and suspended coffee service, and
we also donate soup to the Care Van, which feeds
Edinburgh's rough sleepers every night of the year.
Cafe open 9am-4pm Mon-Fri; 12-4 Sat.
37
Listings
38
8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN. – 0131 226 4436
– www.unionofgenius.com – come find our van,
too (under 'soup van').
Serrano Manchego – Serving breakfast every
day from 9am. 'El Grande' is a breakfast feast fit for
a king incorporating cured Jamón Serrano ‘Reserva’
served with crispy potatoes, salsa brava spiced with
De La Vera pepper (D.O La Vera), ali­oli sauce and
two fried eggs. We serve the boutique Nespresso
brand of coffee made with our luxury ‘Aguila’
coffee machine. Whether you enjoy your coffee
first thing in the morning, afternoon or after a meal,
our coffee will be served perfectly throughout
the day, every day. Here at Serrano Manchego
you may enjoy your usual favourites as well as the
Spanish ‘Cortado’, ‘Café con Leche’ and the sweet
but potent ‘Bombón’. We also serve Chocolate con
Churros which delights kids and adults alike. Other
breakfast options include the tradtitional Spanish
omelettes 'tortillas' and Tostas made wtih fresh
artisan bread. 297 Leith Walk – 0131 554 0955
– serranomanchego.co.uk and Facebook.
Food Events
Eat Walk Edinburgh – A foodie walking tour,
presently in the top ten of activities in Edinburgh
on Tripadvisor with a five star rating. The morning
tour takes in the Canongate and visits a number of
shops and bars where you get the chance to talk to
the locals and taste some great Scottish produce.
The afternoon tour takes in the Old and New
Towns offering more of a full meal as we meander
between six venues tasting food, wines and whisky
as we go. Both tours last three to three and half
hours. Gift vouchers are available for the Foodie in
your life. Visit our website for further information
at www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk
Foodie Gift Shop
Cranachan & Crowdie – Purveyors of Fine
Scottish Food, Drink & Gifts, this Royal Mile gem
is Edinburgh’s leading speciality food & gift shop,
selling only Scottish products. Choose a unique
present or create a tantalizing Scottish food
hamper filled with award winning delights. Their
range includes scrumptious Scottish must-haves
such as smoked venison and salmon, cheese,
chutney, shortbread, tablet, chocolate, haggis, black
pudding, tea, coffee, beer and spirits. Beyond the
array of edibles are quality Scottish gifts including
Harris Tweed, earthenware, hand-blown glass and
an exclusive range of ex-whisky barrel pieces. Open
daily 11-6. 263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
– 0131 556 7194
– www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com
Ice Cream
Affogato – gelato e caffé. Specialising in artisanal
gelato, made fresh daily on the premises. All
crafted using the finest ingredients with no artificial
flavourings or colours. Our gelato is vegetarian with
plenty of gluten-free and dairy free (vegan) options.
Large seating area. Sit in or takeaway. Handmade
cakes, Illy coffee, Valrhona chocolate and savoury
snacks. 36 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh. EH2
4QS (2 minute walk from Princes Street) – www.
affogatogelato.co.uk or www.facebook.com/
affogatoedinburgh
Soup Van
Union of Genius Street – Find Dumbo, our
Citroen H van on the NW corner of George Square,
next to Middle Meadow Walk. Dumbo carries four
Listings
different Union of Genius soups each day, our
legendary vegan chilli, and our daily hot special.
Come and say 'hi' to our fabulous soupmongers!
Dumbo trades 11.30am-2.30pm Monday-Friday
– www.unionofgenius.com
Takeaways
Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas
and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled
marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked
pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available.
Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas
ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3,
EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes.
281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619
– www.loscardos.co.uk
Wine Bars
Le Di-Vin – is Edinburgh’s most sophisticated
Wine Bar beside La P’tite Folie restaurant on
Randolph Place. You can enjoy complementing
charcuterie with your favourite wine as most are
sold by the glass. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon ‘til late.
Closed Sundays. 9 Randolph Place, EH3 7TE
– 0131 538 1815 – www.ledivin.co.uk
L'escargot blanc bar à vin – the awardwinning offering at the French restaurant l’escargot
blanc is now accentuated by an elegant wine bar,
situated directly below the restaurant in the West
End of Edinburgh. Special attention has been paid
to the skilled carpentry that resonates throughout
the venue in the beautiful feature bar, characterful
tables and chairs, and wooden platters, which have
been hand-crafted from oak barrels. The wine bar
is a great place to relax, unwind with friends and to
indulge. The team works directly with traditional
French/Scottish producers to create a seasonal,
artisan offering, ensuring they’re behind each step
of its hand-reared production. With each mouthful
of charcuterie and cheese you’ll taste a burst of
heritage, which is guaranteed to suit each palette.
The vast offering is complemented by a wealth of
wine, which has been carefully sourced, tasted and
selected from many regions in France and Scotland.
17 Queensferry St – 0131 226 1890
– www.lescargotblanc.co.uk/#welcome.
Wine Stores
Bacco Wine – Independent Italian wine and oil
specialists. Delivering only the best Italy can offer.
Free delivery on any 6 bottles case and special
discounts in the Edinburgh area. New Shop Open
Now at 136 Dundas Street
– www.bacco-wine.co.uk
Henderson Wines – Independent wine
merchant. Wine ranges from £5 a bottle on offer
wines to £100 plus on fine clarets and champagne.
A good range of collectable Malt Whiskies up to
£300 a bottle. 100+ beers available. Collectable
spirits also. Home delivery. 109 Comiston Rd – 0131
447 8580 and new shop now open at 23 Roseburn
Terrace – 0131 337 4444.
Sideways Wine Store – Californian wine
specialist. Over 150 wines and beers available.
Free delivery in Edinburgh area. Email Gordon@
Calistoga.co.uk for current offers.
70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh
EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.Calistoga.co.uk
Vino Wines – Local, Independent and Different.
The best wines of the world, a huge range of craft
beers and specialist artisan Gin & Malts. Branches
at The Grange, Stockbridge, Morningside and
Broughton Street – www.vinowines.co.uk
@vinoshops – info@vinowines.co.uk
39
Bar Brig is a beautiful venue
situated in the heart of Leith.
We specialise in lavish cocktails and
a selection of Scotland’s most popular
craft beers alongside a fantastic
selection of whisky, spirits and wines to
tempt a variety of tastebuds.
Our menu comprises popular sharing
platters such as meat, vegetable and
cheese alongside bar snacks.