The Grain Store: Edinburgh, Scotland

Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town, just minutes from the Castle, is a true hidden treasure. The Grain Store has been a local favorite since 1991, yet if you search online for reviews, they are virtually non-existent. Perhaps, as one patron noted on Restaurant Guide (http://www.restaurant-guide.com/), “…people want to keep it as their secret fabulous restaurant so that it doesn't become all too busy/too trendy, and finally, less of an exceptional place.”

Gordon and I stumbled upon the restaurant quite by accident while on holiday in Scotland. We had traveled five hours by train from London to Edinburgh, and arrived late evening. After checking in to our hotel, we decided to take a stroll along the Royal Mile, the city’s oldest street, which connects the Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. It’s the heartbeat of the city. Here is where one can find an abundance of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and so on. We figured this would be a great place to start, and eventually we would find a lovely restaurant to have supper at.

As we walked along the sidewalk of the streets paved with cobblestone, we entered a few establishments that appeared to be just opening for business for the supper crowd. Much to our surprise, we were turned away because we did not have a existing reservation. I found this odd, and Gordon was rather embarrassed. So onward we proceeded. I will let Gordon tell the story from here.

We were both very hungry by then and were just about ready to pile into anywhere that had tables free, ie, did not require reservations. The staff at the Grain Store was very helpful upon our arrival, inviting us to take a seat upstairs, and they were quite polite, and rather attentive. This was a pleasent change from the lousy experience we had trying to get something to eat earlier in the evening!

The building had a lot of 'old-worldy' charm with much of the old wooden fittings in place. The lighting was kept to a minimum with candles available on the tables. The view outside the window over-looked the main street approaching Edinburgh Castle so it was excellent for a little 'people-watching'! The atmosphere was great! Cozy, homey and intimate without being 'fake.' It was almost like being a guest in someone’s house!

The menu was somewhat traditional, aimed at retaining a little of the character of the place which was good. It certainly wouldn’t have felt right to be offered a 'full English fry-up' or 'nachos' in these surroundings! The meal was well presented, and served with the utmost care, allowing time for ‘nattering' by the guests between courses. I liked that! I ordered the Wild Sea Trout, Almond Veloute, and White Asparagus. It was truly wonderous!

What is the saying, “When In Rome”? I go in to these eating experiences with the idea of trying something new, and stepping outside my comfort level. So what better item to order while seated in an Scottish restaurant than Haggis? Of course I am expecting it to be served in the form of a large sausage, with tatties (mashed potatoes) on the side. Instead, I am pleasantly surprised that it is layered, with a round sausage like patty on the bottom, then tatties, and finally neeps (mashed turnips). It was quite tasty!!

For dessert we had the Warm Date Sponge, Caramel, and Spiced Earl Grey Ice Cream. Followed by one of the best Irish Coffee’s ever!! I love them, and to have one made with proper Scotch whisky was a rare treat indeed!

Gordon and I tip our hats to Chef Carlo Coxon and manager Paul MacPhail for a wonderful dining experience! I will certainly never forget it, and when I get back to Edinburgh, I am definitely going to make a point of eating there again!

The Grain Store
30 Victoria Street
Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
Phone: 0131 225 7635
Food served: Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 6–10pm; Fri noon–2pm, 6–11pm; Sat noon–3pm, 6–11pm; Sun noon–3pm, 6–10pm

http://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk/
http://www.picturesofscotland.org/