Review: Great food, great venue - Angels with Bagpipes

It’s located in the heart of Edinburgh, right opposite St Giles Cathedral - a perfect place for food if you’re in the city for a day.

We dashed in – literally – as a sudden downpour left the Royal Mile tourists scurrying for cover. Typical Edinburgh weather!

A table in the window immediately as we went in was perfect, although it was only when I went in search of the facilities that I realised there was much more to this restaurant.

There are dining areas all over the place – small nooks and crannies as well as seats downstairs – it’s a little labyrinth.

A bit like the tardis, behind that the old stone facade is a rather large venue, and one with a smashing vibe to the place too – relaxed, informal, good service, and, of course, great food.

We opted for the lunch menu which comes in at £17.50 for two courses or £21.50 for three.

Must admit, Angels with Bagpipes pitched it absolutely perfectly.

I started with heirloom tomato, mozarella, basil and verjus. Loved the flavours, and the presentation was spot-on – a great way to kick-off our visit.

My other half went for the mussels in white wine, garlic and cream, and gave them the thumbs-up.

For our main courses, the beef, 12 hour braised, celeriac mash, shitake, and carrot dish placed opposite me was demolished even before I’d tucked into my fish and chips!

Again, the portions weren’t huge, but they were spot on for the time of day.

There’s nothing worse than rolling out of a restaurant so full you can barely walk - and too many places opt for the pile ‘em high approach rather than understanding that less can be more while still offering great value for money.

They could take a leaf out of the Angels’ book.

My plate was a treat.

The fish was perfect and quickly polished off, and the chips quickly dunked in the tartare sauce.

As for dessert, well the menu had some tasty offerings but I was happy to declare at two courses.

It was a close call – the chocolate mousse and honeycomb ice cream had my name written all over it!

I’m definitely heading back for an evening meal as soon as possible.

I’m not sure if I’d manage the six-course tasting menu – it looks very tempting – which runs every day, but the a la carte menu IS on my radar.

First impressions count and from start to finish we enjoyed our impromptu visit thanks to the Edinburgh rain.

If you are in the city, treat yourself – give the chain restaurants a miss, take a stroll up the Royal Mile, grab a window seat – or an outdoor table – and watch the world, and the tourists, stroll past while you enjoy some top drawer food.

>> The Menu (Seasonal Lunch)

Starters

Heirloom Tomato, mozzarella, basil, verjus

Mussels, white wine, garlic, cream

Hot smoked salmon, lemon, capers, chervil,

Pigeon beetroot, Parma ham, balsamic

Main courses

AwB fish and chips, crushed peas, tartare sauce

Beef, 12 hour braised, celeriac mash, shitake, carrot

Risotto, wild mushroom, truffle, chestnut, pickled walnut

Pork belly, creamed sprouts, pancetta, pear, black pudding

Desserts

Sponge, pistachio & olive oil, rhubarb

Parfait

Calvados, caramelised apple, caramel sauce

Chocolate, mousse, honeycomb ice cream

Cheese selection, spiced pear chutney, biscuits

Angels With Bagpipes, 343 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Tel: 0131 220 1111