The Place To Eat, John Lewis, Edinburgh: It’s got a new name and a new location and there is certainly a fresh way of presenting the dishes on offer in the new look cafe.
The store is undergoing a revamp during the reconstruction of the St James Centre and the old fourth floor restaurant adjoining the furniture department has been moved upstairs.
It now forms part of an added floor offering panoramic views of the city through a 40 metre window.
That’s if you can get a seat by the window. Only a select few have views across Leith and beyond and they were all taken on my visit. In fact for most diners the view of the city is obscured by a large room divider. So, don’t bank on doing a bit of rooftop gazing unless you’re there at off-peak times.
The food service area is now made up of a series of market-style stalls, a bit like a Morrisons supermarket, where hot dishes include roasts, fish and salads. A central island brims with cakes and pastries.
The seating area includes a range of styles including comfy armchairs, tall stools and cushioned benches, and the opportunity to browse books.
The decor is mainly yellow, grey and white, providing a fresh and airy feel, but the exposed ventilation on the ceiling makes it look unfinished and like you are in a converted warehouse.
It’s a decent stab at freshening up the feel of the cafe, and the seating area was pleasant, even though it did feel a bit like an Ikea store, and the range of food, despite the name, seemed more limited than the old place.
Rating:
Ambience 8/10
Food & drink 8/10
Value 8/10
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