Candy Bar, George St, Edinburgh: Nestled beneath one of Edinburgh’s most salubrious thoroughfares is the American style Candy Bar on George Street which is known for its fine dining eateries.
Coming across this place was a happy accident on a mid week lunch time.
It’s a basement space with a brightly coloured canopy, delightful wall grafitti of an upmarket variety and – here’s the rub – a menu that boasts a £5 price tag for each lunchtime dish. Bits on the side start at £2.50 and desserts to die for are all £3.50.
First impressions on entering this light bright space were that the lecture halls of Edinburgh University must be empty as the place is populated with young, hip, clever looking girls all gaily grazing on each other’s dishes.
However, on second glance – the sixth form of Mary Erskine must be empty. I can see why – the menu is a well-heeled teenager’s delight. Burgers, fajitas, fries n dips, pizza perfection.
The décor is upbeat, exciting, jocular and tongue in cheek. Some wall art suggested that patrons should keep up with the Candashian’s.
A visit to the powder room revealed a nuanced knack for bathroom interiors, mainly fifty years of Vogue magazine covers in the communal area and also prominently plastered all over the privy. It’s always good to have something to read and the facilities were spotless.
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“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”
― Anthony Bourdain
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Feeling rather aged, it must be said, I asked some of the girlies: “What is good here?” They replied, with an air of sophistication: “Everything.”
I ordered a posh fish finger sandwich which came with a lovely salad garnish – whoever said there was a salad shortage anyway? The ingredients were fresh, it also had a side of skinny fries which I didn’t expect from the menu. The fish was superb but may have been better with a ciabatta or a panini rather than a toasted bloomer.
My server was cheerful, professional and attentive. However, I think she was a little overworked as she was one of only two front of house and a look at the serving hatch showed just one creating in the kitchen.
There was a constant flow of customers and eventually some older ladies and men with teen kids.
This place won’t break the family budget – it’s excellent value. But please get bigger chairs and separate the tables a little – getting in and out was awkward and private chats impossible.
Menu: 7/10
Value for money: 10/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience 8/10
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