North Bridge Brasserie

North Bridge Brasserie and Bar is situated in The Scotsman Hotel, one of Edinburgh's top luxury hotels and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel occupies the former offices of The Scotsman newspaper, which inhabited the building for nearly a century. North Bridge Brasserie and Bar is in the former marble reception hall and access to it is through the original main door.

Tables are set in intimate coves and booths on the ground floor as well as around the walls of the gallery level; a stunningly contemporary steel staircase connects the two floors. While in the centre of the room, flanked on each side by four imposing marble pillars, lies the modern cocktail and wine bar.

The Executive Chef prides himself on using seasonal local produce where possible, hence the menu can change on a regular basis. Food is good honest brasserie style, mixed with a touch of Scottish flavour and more original than the average, typical dishes might include Loch Rannoch smoked venison, organic parmesan and mustard mayo or goats cheese and beetroot tart, watercress salad, as the first act, supported by smoked haddock, spinach, poached egg with mash and grilled organic Shetland salmon with béarnaise sauce as the main event.

Helpings are generous but you may decide there is still a little space left for one of the handsome array of desserts and - of course - a stirring selection of Scottish cheeses, always one of the delights of eating out in Scotland. North Bridge is an ideal alternative to the more stately Vermilion, also part of The Scotsman, where eating is a religion as well as an enjoyment and time is a matter of less import. Both will serve you well.