Review: Families come first at Hemma ...

Nothing to do with an Abba tribute act either – this one is ‘way cooler.

Hemma Bar is tucked behind the Scottish Parliament, and just diagonally across the road from Dynamic Earth.

And it’s a smashing place – one well worth visiting if you are in Edinburgh.

It’s not just family friendly, in the way most bars claim to be – it’s baby friendly, toddler friendly and even dug friendly.

It has comfy couches, board games, and some chilled ambient music to soothe the soul playing away in the background.

It’s part of the string of Boda Swedish bars and restaurants that have cropped up across the city, turning old boozers into funky, welcoming places.

And they do things differently – they’re venues for a groups as diverse as French speakers, knitters, joggers and writers, as well as folk out for some food with friends.

And if you’re in town to climb Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags, or simply explore the Queen’s hoose at Holyrood, then they’ll do you a takeaway coffee.

This is how bars should be in 2016 – welcoming, diverse, and tapping into as many different markets as possible.

And it’s clearly working – Hemma is busier than most bars around throughout the day, and pretty much every table was taken by families either out for a day or meeting up.

And as for the nosh, well it’s great for brunch, lunch or simply a coffee.

If you’re fed up with the chain pubs serving up the same stuff, then Hemma is for you.

Our favourite dish is a simple one – soup and croque monsiuer.

It’s tasty, filling and pitched perfectly when it comes to the bill.

The soup changes from day to day. I can recommend the chorizo dish – fantastic! You get a more than ample helping too!

They also do a half croque too if your appetite is limited.

But the rest of the menu is also worth exploring.

The menu includes a basil and split pea hummus, as well as mustard pickled herring, crispy chicken strips and ultimate grilled cheese.

As for the main dishes, take your pick!

The beef tomatoes stuffed with sweet potato are excellent, and the Bloody Mary chicken thighs with Swedish slaw and hasselback potatoes just as tempting.

There’s a decent range of sandwiches and burgers on the menu too, along with a tasty range of side dishes – all come in veggie, vegan, dairy and gluten free options.

Overall, Hemma works well.

It’s 15-minute walk from the Grassmarket, and a place worth exploring if you are en route to Holyrood Park or Dynamic Earth.

Even if you’re not, it’s still worth a visit ...