Review on The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen
Respected restaurateur Des McDonald, former Ivy head chef and ex-CEO of the Caprice Group has opened his first restaurant outside London, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, housed in the Grade-II listed George Hotel in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. The historical building was once home to the novelist Susan Ferrier during the 1780's, as well as John Oliphant in the late 1840's, whose descendants founded Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier, one of Scotland's most prestigious publishing houses, recognised for the series of Famous Scots books.
The striking Art Decor interiors have been created by Design Director Sarah Cosgrove, award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair and restaurateur Des McDonald featuring chequered flooring, smart banquette seating, sparkling contemporary chandelier lighting, together with vintage typewriters and classic Scottish novels.
The kitchen is in the capable hands of respected chef Colin Fleming, who has sharpened his knives in acclaimed kitchens such as The Road Hole restaurant at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh and the Kailyard Restaurant by Nick Nairn in Dunblane. Showcasing an all day menu employing high-quality local ingredients, typical starters include hand-picked crab, mayonnaise and sieved egg or roast wood pigeon, Heritage beetroot and hazelnut crowdie. Follow on with craft ale battered fish and chips with mushy peas or meat fans might opt for one of the succulent steaks cooked on the josper grill, grass-fed Scotch beef, aged for a minimum of 28 days and served with chips and your choice of Béarnaise, peppercorn sauce, spiced butter or bone marrow gravy. Comforting desserts close the show with marmalade steamed pudding paired with Drambuie custard or cranberry and blossom honey burnt cream. Children are welcomed and have their own menu.
Accompanying the food is a carefully compiled wine list with options available by the glass, together with a nice selection of cocktails.
Cuisine
Modern Scottish
Chef
Colin Fleming
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 6.00 - 10.30am
Lunch: 11.30am through until
Dinner: 1.00am
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express