Posts Tagged ‘bistro’

28 Jul

The Booking Office, 17 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review, Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The Booking Office Waverley BridgeOn a recent visit to Edinburgh, I took the opportunity of meeting up with friends I have known since we counted our age in single figures. That is far longer than any of us need admit to. We needed somewhere central so that everybody could get there easily. As I was getting a train out of the city about 5pm, we chose The Booking Office which is a Wetherspoons bar and bistro near the Waverley Station, the main railway station in Edinburgh, Scotland.The Booking Office out

We met in the mid afternoon, and I thought the place would be relatively quiet. How wrong I was! As The Booking Office is so very near the station, it was extrememly busy. We did manage to get a table, but only because we grabbed it when other people left. However, the bar was well staffed. People ordered hot and cold drinks as well as food at the bar and an army of staff were kept busy serving the drinks at the bar and delivering the food to the tables.

The Booking Office in 2The Booking Office had a lively atmosphere and, as it was so busy, tables would have benefitted from being cleaned more frequently and more thoroughly. This was true of the restrooms too. However, there is good disabled access and service was quick. I was not particularly impressed by The Booking Office, however, as it is so inexpensive and conveniently situated, I may well use it again.

Valerie Penny

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31 May

Olly Bongo’s, 4 Teviot Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2QZ

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

christineI met a friend for lunch recently. She works at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland and suggested that we meet near her work so that I could catch up with her during her lunch break. As I was not familiar with the area, she chose Olly Bongo’s. We were greeted by a friendly waitress on arrival, who gave us a choice of seats. I like getting the option rather than being told where to sit, so that was a good start. The decor was nice with a Mediterranean feel and posters advertising music nights.

We ordered our drinks quickly, but took time choosing lunch from the varied menu. I chose a spinach, tomato and mezzefeta cheese bruchetta while my friend chose a mezze. When our meals arrived, I was amazed by the size of the portions. Our meals were enormous and delicious. The food was freshly prepared and served with a side salad by polite and attentive staff. I certainly could not finish my meal. The portion was so big. However, I did enjoy it very much and my friend finished every crumb. I subsequently discovered that she is such a regular customer she qualifies for a discount!

Access to Olly Bongo’s is easy for those with mobility issues and the cafe is spotlessly clean. We finished our lunch with tea and coffee. Again, it was freshly brewed and outsideserved with individual pots. I had never heard of Olly Bongo’s, but, for the price, it was a real bargain.  This inconspicuous little cafe on the corner of Teviot Place is one of Edinburgh’s fun and quirky places to sit down, have a chat and enjoy a great plate of food. You could easily walk right past it as it does not look like much from the outside. However, if you step through the doors you will get a different impression entirely. I highly recommend Olly Bongo’s.

Valerie Penny

 

13 Apr

The Cherry Orchard, West Kilbride, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

wkglen_019This bistro, The Cherry Orchard, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, Scotland, in the centre of West Kilbride, is tucked between a beauty salon and the Spar and near  West Kilbride Glen, in Orchard Street. The wide windows belie the warm interior where the staff are friendly. Nobody ever feels rushed or unwelcome. The wooden tables and matching chairs are a little dated but functional.  More importantly, the food is fresh and tasty and the home made soups, scones and cakes are all delicious.

The locals support the bistro well throughout the day. This is always a good sign. Whether it be for a breakfast roll and freshly made coffee to go; a relaxed coffee and scone mid-morning to put the world to rights; a delicious light lunch perhaps a burger, baked potato or soup and a sandwich. The restaurant is always a pleasant place to be. An afternoon tea and a piece of cake or an evening meal from a varied menu, taking advantage of the reasonable corkage charges: this is a local little gem.

The worst kept secret in the village!  I highly recommend it.

Valerie Penny

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