We got Wedgewood delivered for my birthday and last years wedding anniversary, four courses, just outstanding.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
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We got Wedgewood delivered for my birthday and last years wedding anniversary, four courses, just outstanding.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
Got the cutting chaii Valentine’s box booked for next weekend, it’s a really good Indian.
Had monkfish and chips with tartar sauce from the Fishmarket today. Was really good. I was a bit underwhelmed last time I was there but today made me see what all the fuss is about.
I mentioned the Smiddy BBQ further up the thread. Got a sharing platter the other week. Brisket, pork butt, pork belly burnt ends, ribs, cowboy beans, pickled red onions, pickled gherkins and red slaw. It was unbelievable. You could cut the meat with a spoon it was so tender and the taste was out of this world. Would 100% recommend.
Seen this place mentioned a few times here and on social media, so, with your glowing reference, I've ordered a Friday sharing platter. I love American style smokehouse food....looking forward to it already!Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
We got treated by our daughter last night, Home by Nico, the home dining version of 6 by Nico. Its the Tuscan menu at the moment, soup, pork ragu, pasta main course, and 2 hazelnut bombolonis and a decent bottle of Chianti (untouched, still on the Lent wagon), but really delicious and great value £60.
Was that for two mate and were the portions decent size ? Reason Im asking is Im a greedy git 😆Quote:
Originally Posted by hibsbollah
Oh yeah, plenty. Was me and the missus. it was so filling we had to leave the puddings till the next day!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bridge hibs
Excellent, cheers mate, will have a look at that 👍Quote:
Originally Posted by hibsbollah
We took a stroll across the Tay Bridge to Newport yesterday; got a coffee and a cake from Newport Bakery. Owned by a chap who has a Michelin recommended restaurant and won Masterchef Professionals a few years back.
Best Basque cheesecake I've had in this country. Partner had a slice of their bakewell with candied orange peel and it was similarly phenomenal.
Any Fifers, would highly recommend.
That sounds like my kind of place!Quote:
Originally Posted by Northernhibee
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/...rants-scotland
Maybe sometime soon we’ll be able to sample some of these
Was at Fazenda on Thursday for lunch. £21.70 fixed price for the usual unlimited meat visits and pick from the menu sides. Shared a dessert and couple of coffees. £56 for two.
Food lovely. Service brilliant despite the staff having to wear masks all the time. A well earned service charge.
Great to be back in a busy restaurant.
How did you find the sides stuff compared to the old way?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
I used to like popping up and grabbing a wee bit of this and that but feel I'd probably end up not bothering as much if you need to order it off a menu.
Really like the food in there, but £7.50 for a pint of lager, no thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
We were there for lunch today, it was excellent. I agree about the service, always friendly with a description of each meat. The truffle and Parmesan fries are the best chips ever.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
Has everywhere put their prices up? Some of the prices I’ve seen are unreal. The refinery at St. Andrews Square is about £6 a pint and £15 or something for what could only be described as a kids portion of fish and chips. Then they add on a 12.5% service charge after heavily encouraging you to use the app to avoid contact/maintain social distancing. On the app there’s no way of removing the charge.
A few other places that didnt used to be so expensive (Pear Tree being one) are apparently well over £5 a pint and over £6 for a decent few of their offerings.
Pear Tree has been over a fiver a pint for a while I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
Never knew that. Not somewhere I ever go but the person that told me suggested it was a big increase. Might just be the shock of spending £5+ a pint after not doing it for ages :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by easty
Has VAT been cut on beer etc for hospitality?Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
My mate was in Pearce's, seemingly £5.70 a pint for whatever he was drinking! 🙁Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
I can't think of many places in town you aren't paying around the fiver mark for a pint now. Last pub I was in before the latest lockdown was the Abbotsford and think that was about £4.80. I daresay the additional staffing costs, costs for additional cleaning and sanitising materials and so on required to open hasn't been totally offset by a temporary VAT cut that doesn't include alcohol.
No the cut excludes alcohol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
I was in the beer garden at Ten Hill Place over the weekend and they were charging £5 for a pint of flat Carling in a plastic glass.
I know places have had it difficult but if they charge charging ridiculous prices for a rubbish product they aren't going to last long. The novelty of being able to get out and into these places will only last so long.
Very true, particularly during the summer months.Quote:
Originally Posted by Since90+2
Yeah, £5ish seems to be the standard now. Always felt places that were more than £5 usually stood out when you paid it but there’s loads now. With the amount of places getting close to the £6 mark it’s almost becoming London prices.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Prices will be up in most venues. Since the first lock down, most have only traded a few months, with much reduced turnover yet have had 2 minimum wage increases and supplier price increases. As stated above, the temp VAT cut does not include alcohol. Whilst delighted to back open, the industry is trading with 2 hands tied behind its back. Reduced capacity, reduced hours etc for the foreseeable. It’s going to be very difficult to make any sort of profit. I expect we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg with venue closures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by danhibees1875
I definitely ate less of the "sides" than I did when it was self service. Which is good as I was full before any meat arrived! The menu ordering was really easy with loads of choices. You just asked one of the many staff and it was with you very quickly.
Is there any expectation within the industry as to when things will get back to normal? As in February 2020 normal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frazerbob
As furlough ends I can't imagine many pubs will be able to continue if it's still seated only with table service.
If you’re not able to stand and wander etc at pubs by the end of summer I’d think a lot of people will stop going.
The novelty of pubs being back open will keep them busy just now but longer term that novelty will wear off and folk will decide table service and no standing is absolutely crap,
Australia are back to total normality on that front though so I don’t think it’ll be a long term thing.
Sadly I agree. If it continues long term that in pubs you can only sit down with your group with no interaction with other folk then most people will simply sit with that group in their homes.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
Another vote for Fazenda from me, had lunch today. Great food and top notch service.Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Man
Dishoom for me tonight. Food as always was superb. However, have to say the service was outstanding from the guy at the door to the waiters. So efficient, friendly and professional could not fault a thing from arriving to leaving. I asked our server if it would be possible to try a small sample of one of the small plates as I was unsure if I would like it. No problem she said, then proceeded to bring a whole serving on the house. Cannot praise them highly enough.
Dishoom is so good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peanut Shaz
I’ve got the cookbook and there’s a lot of great recipes in that.
Thinking that might be a wee gift to myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
If you get it and you’re toiling to find some of the spices I’d recommend krishna foods on Gorgie Road.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peanut Shaz
I’ve trecked round so many Asian supermarkets to find Chaat Masala, Diggi Merch etc and they seem to have everything.
£7.80 for a large 660ml bottle of Moretti in Guilianos this week.Quote:
Originally Posted by Since90+2
Regardless of increased cleaning costs, capacity, etc. that’s just a rip off.
That is scandalous.Quote:
Originally Posted by Newhaven
A bottle as well. **** me.
Prices seem to have gone up unsurprisingly, we were at pizza express last week and it fairly gone up starters and desserts usually 5-6 quid each are now 7-8.
From the few times I’ve been out we seem to have hit London prices in a lot of places.Quote:
Originally Posted by patch1875
Not really much use when we don’t get paid like people in London so something will have to give somewhere.
That's just ridiculous. That would anger me that much that even if I wanted another bottle I'd not bother as I'd simply refuse to pay that for a bottle of beer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Newhaven
Businesses have to be careful here. I think the public are very sympathetic to the plight of hospitality but if it starts to creep in that these places are blatantly ripping off customers then they'll very quickly find out people won't tolerate it.
The thing is once prices go up they very very rarely go back down.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
I've never been that bothered by paying an extra 50p or whatever up town for a pint than a local but it they start creeping over £5 for a basic lager then that will change.
Exactly where I am too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Since90+2
Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
Especially when it is brewed at the Gyle --- rip off crap ! How I hate such beers !!!!!
I’m not sure if it’s newhavens picture but it’s been all over social media recently - picture of a bottle of Moretti with the playhouse in the background and a receipt. :greengrin
Not mine but know who it was that sent me it.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
£8 a beer won’t last for long for punters.
That person did also clarify that the draft was off at the time. Looking at their menu and they charge £4 for 500ml draft which doesn't seem too bad - especially for a restaurant.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
I think when considering the pricing in restaurants currently you have to think about a few things.
Firstly no one has been out in a year so what might have been a couple of small incremental rises now appears like a short, sharp shock. Taking the Pizza Express example above with a starter now somewhere between £1 and £2 more expensive. Had that been a 50p increase last May and a 65p increase at the start of this month would you anyone have noticed?
I think people also fail to understand just how much prices have gone up. As one example I supply vinyl gloves to restaurants, last year a case of 1000 gloves was in the region of £12. At the worst point of the last 12 months we were paying £60+ for the same product, that's if we could get any at all. We are the wholesaler so add a margin on to that before sale to the end user as well. The same is true of takeaway packaging. 20% increases on pizza boxes, 25% on foil, polystyrene increases are almost off the scale and as that is phased out the replacement products are even more pricey. Add to that the supply chain is close to breaking point, carriers are failing deliveries at an unprecedented level and imports are delayed.
Most of my customers aren't making any money at the moment due to all the combined factors. It's about being open and preparing for better days. That's not excusing £7.80 for a bottle of Moretti but equally there are many reasons why a pub or restaurant has to charge more for a beer. It's not a level playing field when they are up against supermarkets.
These places are in for a shock, I know they're trying to make money but, covid wasn't created by the man on the street. They could be in for a shock, particularly during the summer months.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
There’ll come a crunch point eventually.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I of course believe everything you’ve said and for some restaurants it’ll be a necessity to have increased prices. For some it’ll be an attempt to rip folk off and make as much as possible.
Either way though, the customers won’t be seeing pay increases etc to match such astronomical increases. At some point, people will just turn round and decide they’re not paying £8 for a bottle of beer or £22 for a tiny fish and chips and a pint and they’ll stop going.
I work in the food and drink sector, and apart from some small ingredients prices increases, products from the Far East, hasn’t been much movement on food pricesQuote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Rumours of inflation though, just round the corner
660ml is the same size as 2 standard bottles. £3.90 for a bottle of premium beer in a restaurant is a bargain.
It’s also less than 100ml more than a pint and nowhere near as good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frazerbob
£3.90 for a bottle is a rip off as well imo. Never sure why anyone drinks bottles tbh. They’re for the hoose :greengrin
Bottles are good in clubs, and places where the pints are crap.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
First restaurant of the year, the Salisbury arms, last night.
Was very nice and didn't notice if they'd put their prices up any, things looked about the same for the food. Lamb koftas followed by pork belly washed down with a ginger beer (I daren't check how much was paid for a tiny bottle of fever tree less we open a can of worms there!).
It's a shame we couldn't have a few drinks with the meal, level 3 feels a bit arbitrary in that regards - it will be nice to get out again in due course for a level 2 experience. :greengrin
Packaged beers are more expensive than draught by volume. Always have been, always will be. They come with a branded bottle that has a cost not only to buy but to dispose of. £3.90 for a bottle of beer (or equivalent of) in a restaurant is far from expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
Just read that Miro's Cantina in Rose Street has closed for good as from today, hasn't survived the pandemic, a real shame as it was, IMO, THE best mexican in Edinburgh:boo hoo:
That’s a real blow, like you loved going thereQuote:
Originally Posted by alhibby
Wonder if the owners will pitch up somewhere else?
Does anyone remember the Mexican restaurant that was on Grove Street (Haymarket end)? It was totally mental - it was BYOB and the owner/cook appeared to always bring plenty for himself. You had to go through the kitchen to get to the toilet and you'd normally see him pished out his head, struggling to stay uproght and generally not giving a hoot.
Maybe the Cantina something...?
Pachuko Cantina?Quote:
Originally Posted by Peevemor
Haven’t been in the centre of Edinburgh for almost a year
I'm talking about 20+ years ago. :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
Dishoom for lunch on Friday
Had never got round to trying there.Quote:
Originally Posted by alhibby
If you’re looking for a good Mexican then El Cartel is outstanding.
Wee Buddha tonight, brilliant food as always
Cracking Fish supper Scouse Hibby :aok: I still think of it as the rapido...
👍 Cheers.Quote:
Originally Posted by hibsbollah
Anyone been to Maison Bleu on Victoria Street recently?
I’ll second this. The special fish is superb :aok:Quote:
Originally Posted by hibsbollah
I actually wish it was ***** as I’ve had two in the last week or so :greengrin
Anyone got recommendations for restaurants in Liverpool?
Heading down there at the start of July for a few nights. :aok:
Went to Taisteal last night, 1st visit since it moved from Stockbridge to bigger premises in Forth Street, really cant recommend it highly enough, the food last night was amazing, really tasty. Not cheap but definitely worth a visit for something special.
https://www.taisteal.co.uk/
I went to Pepe Nero the other night which has taken over where Taisteal used to be. Food was average but it was ridiculously cheap so not going to complain.Quote:
Originally Posted by alhibby
Going to Martin Wishart on Saturday for lunch. Had to wait to 3 months for a booking but hopefully it will be worth it.
Booked in for August as post-House move #2 of the year (for me) / house move #3 of the year (for my girlfriend) treat.Quote:
Originally Posted by SneakersO'Toole
Last weekend I visited Gurka cafe with a couple of mates. Its my first restaurant quality curry in 18 months and I fair enjoyed it.
The day after I went to down the hatch for lunch. Loved it, had a drip beef sandwich with a side of poutine and didn't need to eat for the rest of the day.
Safe to say it was absolutely exquisite. We went for the taster menu and a couple of the courses were up there with the very best I've ever tasted.Quote:
Originally Posted by overdrive
Had lunch at Herringbone in North Berwick today. Lovely trout and lime pate for starter and sticky breaded chicken for main, washed down with a couple of pints of Staropramen, and a 99 for dessert from the ice cream van down at the harbour. Bliss
Had a wonderful meal at Six by Nico on Hanover Street, my lads bought my wife a voucher for her 60th, so this was a belated birthday meal. 6 fantastic taster courses all themed around the circus, with a different wine with every course. Thoroughly recommend it but you have to book well In advance.
Anyone ever been to Noto? Booked to go on Saturday, looking forward to it. Sounds unreal.
Really fancy it, tell us how you get onQuote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
Will do :aok:Quote:
Originally Posted by Stairway 2 7
Had the 3 course lunch menu at Purselane at the weekend.
Very enjoyable and good value for money on the food, though I heard the wine was expensive.
Grove St Pachuko closed years ago. Same guy now runs Lupe Pinto deli in Leven St up from the King's. Great place.Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
Not really a restaurant as it is a takeaway place but does anyone else find the whole thing around Dirty Burger on Duke Street a bit bizarre. Open at weird times, shut when it’s meant to be open, sometimes you have to put an order in days in advance. Claims it’s shut down for good. Reopens fairly quickly. Gives food away for free. Rebrands. Rebrands back to Dirty. Shut again for other pop-up. Rebrands again. Repeat.
All for a place that only opened last year.
It’s a shambles :agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by overdrive
Shame as their burgers are outstanding. But I can’t be arsed with them anymore. They’ve opened up as a taco place now, think they’re trying to pass it off as if it’s not the same owners but they’re making lasagne tacos which was on the dirty menu at one point and I’d suspect you’re not getting two people independent of each other wanting to make them never mind in the exact same building :greengrin
It’s a shame, only thing I can think is that they’ve had trouble sourcing enough wagyu to make it work as it was certainly popular.
If you’re looking for a good take away burger I’d highly recommend Luxford burger :agree:
Yep, I like Luxford, though they’ve had their struggles with the Leith site.Quote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
It’s definitely the same guy. You can tell by the smart arsed replies to folk on social media fairly pointing out its all a bit weird.
Went to Noto last night, it was exceptional :agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by Stairway 2 7
The waiter suggested ordering 3 smaller dishes and 2 bigger dishes and it was the perfect amount of food. Ended up throwing a dessert on to share at the end as well.
Would highly recommend it.
Brilliant ta going to give it a tryQuote:
Originally Posted by calumhibee1
La Casa in Dalry Road today. Excellent atmosphere, service and food. The Leith Walk one is good too.
:aok:Quote:
Originally Posted by Stairway 2 7
I cannot recommend the crab butter highly enough. It’s their specialty apparently.
Was in Rose St yesterday, and it was open againQuote:
Originally Posted by alhibby
Great news
Indeed it is, must pay a visit soon, cheersQuote:
Originally Posted by Billy Whizz
Went to New Chapter in Eyre Place today.
Amazing food.
Two courses fixed price £25
Not a restaurant as such but, we got 4 Pizzas and delivery charge for £30.60 from Pure Pizza on Morningside Road, magnificent value and wonderful standard of food.
Went to bread meats bread and vittorias on the bridges over the weekend - both were great.
First time at BMB and I don't generally rate burger places but this one was exceptional. Went for "sunshine on beef" because I think wordplay should be rewarded and the burger was topped with a mountain of brisket. The chips were a bit rubbish though, but they do great tater tots so easy enough to swerve them in future.
Vittorias was typically faultless throughout.
McKirdy's last night. Celebration meal for family after daughters graduation.
Atrocious. Overpriced, bland, average food. Service non-existant. Disinterested, slow.
Booked weeks ago for 8pm. Arrived 7.55pm. Table not ready despite it being unoccupied. Told to wait in the street (fair enough re covid). In at 8.05. Eventually got starters at 8.45. Main course at 9.50. Had booked a table in Froth and Flame for 10 which we had to put back to 10.30 as service was so ponderous.
No "waiting" as such. Had to go to the till three times to ask for a second drinks order and water for the table.
Hefty bill. Completely overpriced for what we got. For "mid-division" fare then go elsewhere. £28-£32 for a steak and £2.50 extra if you want a sauce. I think I could get what I was served up by just buying from Tesco for a fiver and cooking at home.
So disappointing. Not even a "thanks for your custom" or "was everything ok". Really poor all round.
Froth and Flame was good though 🙂
I have thought about going there before - I can confirm after reading your review I def won't be:greengrin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
Trying to book somewhere decent is a bit of a challenge.
3 weeks in advance unable to get Dishoom Kyloe or Fazenda
Yeah it’s difficult. I’ve started booking tables a month or so in advance and I’m deciding a week before if I’m going or not. Gives them plenty time to fill the table. If you’re not booking well in advance then you’re not getting into a lot of the better places.Quote:
Originally Posted by patch1875
Sounds like they’re short staffed, like the rest of us. Between Covid & Brexit hospitality is having a mare just now. From your review, it sounds like they’ve not managed their numbers whilst under staffed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
Was at Nok’s Kitchen near the Castle this afternoon for lunch, very very good 👌🏻
Good to hear. Mum loves her Thai food and have taken her to the Stockbridge one a few times and always been impressed. She lives on the royal mile though so this is way handier.Quote:
Originally Posted by hibee_girl