An old West End Edinburgh institution has recently been transformed into the latest food and drink establishment from The Shilling Group.
Since opening The Fountain 3 years ago, a popular eatery for Edinburgh locals and foodies alike, the company has now taken over Harry’s Bar as their newest project.
The standout feature here, I’m told is the new Josper Grill. A coal fired grill that is likened to an indoor barbecue.
As an opening offer at this Edinburgh restaurant, they’re offering 50% off all food, how could I resist?
I headed there with my mum as a dining partner on a Sunday afternoon. The place is spacious with plenty of room for diners and drinkers, with a separate boothed area to keep diners away from the hustle and bustle of the bar on busier nights.
We received a warm welcome from the bar and decided to try some cocktails as an aperitif. Mum opted for the classic Aperol Spritz, while I went for the friendly barman’s newest creation, a heady mix of rhubarb gin and white wine topped off with dehydrated strawberries (nice touch!).
We were then led to our table where we had a perfect view of the open kitchen. Nice to see the chefs in action! Our waiter explained the Josper Grill, how it worked and gave us a few recommendations.
I started with the smokey, salted calamari, basil and saffron aioli, £6. While mum went for the chef’s recommendation of the Loch Fyne langoustines with white wine, garlic and lemon, £7.50. Both perfectly cooked and so fresh! Straight from Welch’s fishmonger in Newhaven. To accompany the fresh seafood, we chose a Picpoul de Pinet from their interesting wine list.
For mains, we both went for the grill options as recommended by our waiter. I had the cote de beouf, £28 for 14oz of tender, succulent steak on the bone from John Gilmours butchers with a glass of Terre Di Giumara to compliment, once again a recommendation from the very knowledgeable staff. My mum had the whole seabass, £18, again from Welch’s of Newhaven. Crispy skin with moist, juicy flesh that easily peeled away from the bone.
The Josper Grill gave the food a wonderful smoky caramelisation while retaining all of the moistness of the food. Again, both were cooked to perfection! Both came with a choice of sides, so we chose the chunky chips and charred cos with parmesan to compliment.
After a small rest, we just had to try the desserts. We both opted for the lighter options of lemon posset and toffee panacotta with a coffee granita. Just enough to top off a perfect lunch!
We almost had to be rolled back up the stairs, both happily full and vowing to return sometime soon to try out the many other delights on the extensive menu. Harry’s also does a very reasonable express lunch from Monday to Friday. Sure to pull in the local businesses who want to escape the humdrum of the busy West End fast food options.
Recently opened, Harry’s is already doing well. I’m sure that this underground gem won’t stay hidden for long!
http://www.harrysbarandgrill.co.uk/
Sharon Iacono