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fizzytom
fizzytom
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4 out of 5
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1
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3
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Spoilt for Choice at the North Wark

  • March 31, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by fizzytom from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Spoilt for Choice at the North Wark

No, it's not a spelling mistake, this is the old Scottish spelling and this pub-restaurant is situated at the end of Leith Wark in Edinburgh, a few minutes walk from the Royal Yacht Britannnia.

From the outside it looks very "pubby" and it was only when we glanced at the menu outside in a small display case that we learned it was more than just a pub. We knew we had to go and eat there.

There are a couple of entrances and the pub has a few rooms leading, one off the next. You can choose your own table and have a choice of cosy corners, window tables or ones near the bar. You can go in for a drink but most people come to eat and therefore order their drinks at table so even if you sit at a table near the bar you won't be disturbed by customers queuing at the bar for drinks.

All service is at table making this more like a restaurant than a pub. There are daily specials on a chalkboard but we ordered off the main menu, a simple one-page affair but offering enough to have a good choice.

I chose the smoked fish and herb risotto (£7.50) as a main but it can also be ordered as a starter, as can the chowder. It was a good portion and the taste was great but I would have been pleased of a few more pieces of fish. There was also perhaps a little too much parmesan on the top as most didn't melt and made the dish overly salty.

My companion went all Scottish and ordered the haggis, neeps and tatties (£6.25) (neeps and tatties to the uninitiated are mashed turnips and mashed potatoes). This dish was delicious, a good portion and the haggis had a lovely mustardy kick to it.

We didn't have starters but a complimentary basket of bread and butter was brought to the table and we were so hungry we made short work of it.

Other customers were eating the all day breakfast which looked wonderful, fish and chips, and cullen skink - another traditional dish. I didn't hear anyone complaining and people looked to be enjoying their meals.

The service ws friendly and prompt. We ordered drinks which came immediately - a pint of Kronenburg costs £3.10 which was par for Edinburgh while a pineapple juice topped with soda was a bargain at £0.95. A shame no local beers were available.

The decor is simple but the pub looks cosy and is quite traditional. There was an issue with a wonky leg which made our table rock and the toilets could have been a bit more pleasant but at least they were clean.

All in this is a good place to eat and I would recommend it. It's nice to see some traditional dishes on the menu and to eat in a pub where food is the main attraction rather than an aside.

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