While we were hung-over, and looking for an alarmingly large Sunday lunch, the Whistle Stop is also a perfect choice for the city’s theatre buffs.
Literally a minute’s walk from the Festival Theatre, you can eat diner-style food, drink cocktails, or even get your hair cut (seriously!) all before the curtain rises.
We kicked off with a cheeky sauvignon, and set to ordering a few items from the “Sharing’s Caring” menu. Even though, generally speaking, we’re not big fans of sharing food with others.
Fortunately, it seemed to work out quite well. The homemade fish fingers, with a rather moreish spicy ketchup are an absolute delight. But oh my god, the Tater-tots topped with haggis and whisky sauce is incredible. Which, come to think of it, is why we hate sharing.
By now we were no longer hung-over, or even hungry for that matter, but bravely we moved on to the burgers. Cooked pink and juicy, these impressive towers of meat are insanely good.
The Angry Onion with its smoky bacon crisps, cheese, and barbecue sauce could no doubt cure any hang-over. But if your appetite’s not easily satisfied, the Soutwest Benedict with spicy chorizo, fried egg, and chipotle hollandaise is a challenge you’ll be happy you rose to. Just wow.
At this point we beckoned our incredibly friendly and bearded waiter to ask for more wine. “Dessert as well?” he enquired. Well, rude not to …
Now here, things are a little bit of a mixed bag. Cookies and Cream is an offering of two large cookies separated by an even larger dollop of ice cream. Good in theory, but very difficult to eat without making a mess.
Meanwhile the Apple pie had as its topping … a waffle. Odd. Though beneath it, an apple filling that’s quite frankly heaven-sent. So rich it’s almost like a fruit mince or sweet chutney. So waffle schmoffle, all is forgiven!
Our hang-overs cured and bellies full, we left the Whistle Stop extremely happy. Next chance you get, we strongly suggest you sample its restorative powers.
In a pre-theatre nutshell:
Venues Nearby: Festival Theatre (1 minute walk)
Perfect for: Lunch / dinner / cocktails
Price: Pre-theatre menu – 2 courses £15
Contact:
The Whistle Stop Barber Shop
66 – 67 South Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1LS
0131 556 0954