“Elementary, my dear Watson” – Sherlock Holmes would surely be impressed by the fine sense of tradition at Element.

Element Bar and Bistro

The pedestrianised, cobbled Rose Street is the place for a leisurely stroll, lined with smart boutiques, bistros and bars.  Element (@110), offers a casually sophisticated ambience with a true sense of tradition in its design and decor. Step inside to the spacious Pub area, with its island bar, high tables and stools, perfect for a couple of pints or G&T.

The Island bar with high stools

Walk through to the Dining area – stunningly designed like a cosy lounge of a Country House hotel: blue panelled walls, tweed armchairs, polished wood, vintage curios and art deco lamps. A large Mural of Edinburgh’s  iconic cityscape features Greyfriars Bobby, Arthur’s Seat and Royal Mile.

 Classic-contemporary design and decor with vintage vibe

This is a hidden gem in the city centre, for a relaxing pit stop over a feast of good homely food and your favourite tipple or two  – all day Brunch and traditional Sunday Roast lunch are a speciality.

Relaxing comfortably in two high backed wing armchairs here, you can imagine Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, tete a tete, to discuss their latest crime busting mission, over a platter of Venison Stew and a Highland single malt.

Wing armchairs add a touch of class and tradition

The furnishings are well designed to entice diners to linger longer for a leisurely, lazy meal.   Ken and I settle down to browse the All Day Menu with the option of Lunch (soup, Ploughman’s platter, Croque Monsieur, Chicken, homely puddings),  as well as Brunch, served 10am to 5pm daily which is a most sensible and welcome idea.

Full Scottish fry up

Classic and contemporary dishes galore, such as the full Scottish (Crombie’s sausages, black pudding, haggis, egg, tattie scone, et al), and Eggs Benedict any which way you fancy with ham, smoked salmon or spinach.  After Dry January and Veganuary to encourage us all to start a fitness regime, Ken ordered the Vegan Breakfast: a healthy combination of meat free sausages, home made baked beans, vegan haggis, mushrooms, tomato and a mound of scrambled tofu.  This has the pale yellow colour and fluffy texture of the real egg version, and was very tasty indeed.

I selected Smashed Avocado jazzed up with chipotle flakes on toast, topped with two poached eggs (illustrated below).  Simply delectable– the creamy, vibrant green superfood spread thickly on chunky ciabatta toast,  over which drizzles the rich golden yolk.  Other “On Toast” options are ‘hummus, roasted red pepper, halloumi’, ‘scrambled egg and smoked salmon’.   The flexible menu means you can mix and match and add sides to create your own delicious brekkie feast – such as bacon, black pudding, sausage as well as Chips – irresistable!.   So we shared a portion of long thick fries, crispy skin coating the soft flaky potato.

Bloody Mary – perfect for Brunch

Bubbly and Brunch cocktails are recommended including the essential Bloody Mary as the ideal accompaniment.  This is mixed according to your personal taste, with a 5 – 10, medium to hot Tabasco score.

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner – a feast from morning to night

After 5pm, the dinner menu takes over with choice of Starters (Thai fish cake, ham hock terrine), and hearty mains – flat iron steak, cassoulet, venison stew, Haddock and chips, Beef burgers, served with optional bacon, cheese or haggis; Apple crumble, ice-creams.

Perthshire Beef Burgers (with haggis if you like!)

The wine list is well priced from around £18 a bottle (South African Chenin Blanc/ Merlot),  international beers, (Scotland, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Mexico), spirits and house cocktails.  “The One o’clock Gun” sounds like a colourful concoction of Bourbon, Laphroaig, Torrino Rosso, Campari, which will certainly fire a shot!

Sunday is very popular here for a traditional Roast, complete with the papers and chill out music on the soundtrack.

Morning, noon and night, you will be in your element here, to imaginatively created dishes, reinvented pub favourites and cool cocktails  in a casually sophisticated wine bar-gastropub environment.

And many happy diners agree with us:

“This is such a beautiful wee place found on Rose Street. The food is proper Scottish grub and absolutely delicious!”

“An absolutely amazing meal –  smoked salmon with blinis for a starter,  duck cassoulet with haricot beans & spicy sausage (brilliant),  Flat iron steak with chips (delicious) and whisky trifle for dessert.”    

“Outstanding service,  uncomplicated menu, well crafted food.  Highly recommended for a casual, yet high quality dining experience.” 

Stop Press: 

Element is part of the Edinburgh Restaurant Festival from 5 – 25 February, 2018, offering a special menu – £20 for 2 courses, £25 for 3 courses celebrating Scottish cuisine with an optional whisky flight per course. 

Element

110 -114 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JF

te.  0131 225 3297

http://www.elementedinburgh.co.uk

Viktor Huszti, Head Chef

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