We were kindly invited along to New Chapter, on Eyre Place, to sample their new children’s ‘Make Your Own Meal’ menu.
New Chapter is a firm favourite with quite a few of my friends, and also with Hidden Edinburgh’s Ross who recently visited and thoroughly enjoyed their Jazz night, yet despite the great praise the restaurant has received from my peers I’d never visited myself.
Location
The restaurant is set between New Town, Stockbridge and Canonmills so is especially popular with locals and was just a short walk for us. There aren’t any dedicated parking facilities but there is on street meter parking and plenty of bus stops nearby too. If you’re feeling fit there are spaces to lock up a bike right outside too.
Arrival
An extremely friendly and warm welcome was given by every team member, my little boy had cycled and we’d stupidly forgotten his bike lock, however the team were very obliging and took his bike safely out of the way. Although there were quite a few tables occupied the restaurant felt relatively quiet and I wasn’t sure that this was really the place to bring a boisterous 4-year old.
We were taken to our table which was perfectly set, presented with the menu and made to feel very comfortable. The little boy was given his goody pack which contained a great activity book (think good old fashioned mazes, spot the difference, find the route style pages) crayons, a balloon, fun-shaped eraser and popping candy.
Food
Following the book theme of the name of the restaurant, the children’s make your own menu is presented as a little book and has a couple of options to choose from for a main course (fish or chicken), a side dish and vegetables. There is also a veggie pasta dish as an alternative. Two scoops of ice-cream can be added for £2.50 as a dessert.
The presentation, portion size and quality of food were all an excellent standard. There wasn’t a starter option on the children’s menu, however freshly baked bread with butter and home-made mint pesto was presented to the table so this was more than sufficient to fill the wee one who gave his own made meal a big thumbs up.
I like the concept of the children being able to be involved in the creation of their dish, it makes the dining experience more interactive and certainly helps promote independence.
The adult menu comprised of two courses for £16.95 or three for £21.95 (some dishes included a supplementary cost. There was a good variety of choices in each section of the menu and the side dishes sounded just as tempting as the mains. I opted for the Jerusalem artichoke soup which was served with a duck and wild mushroom croquette. I never ever choose soup but I have a thing for artichokes now and I am so glad I opted for this – it was absolutely delicious and the croquette could have been a starter in itself. Infact my husband had food envy big style! Although his choice of grilled octopus, brandade mousse, chorizo and wild garlic emulsion was a work of art.
We both opted for lamb for main which was beautifully presented, cooked to perfection and extremely tasty. The grilled hispi cabbage and wild garlic perfectly complemented the flavours of the meat. We also chose a side of chunky hand-cut chips which were crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.
The drinks menu was comprehensive with a good choice of wines and beers.
We were too full to try dessert but their descriptions were mouth-wateringly good.
Service
The team here were friendly, efficient and paid just the right level of attention and were extremely pleasant with and accommodating of our little boy.
Ambience
The décor is stylish with a Scottish twist and presents a contemporary feel which I think is reflected in the menu and the presentation of the food. There is a quietness to the restaurant, however not an uncomfortable one
There are two private dining rooms in the lower ground floor of the restaurant; accommodates up to 10 guests and the other approx. 24 guests depending on choice of layout. I had a sneak-peek and both look extremely stylish and cosy, definitely a place you could make home for an evening (or day) to celebrate a special occasion.
Final Thoughts
I think this restaurant is beautiful and the food is too and the set course menu is extremely good value, especially given the presentation and quality.
The children’s ‘Make your own Menu’ is a great addition and the quality of the children’s food is just as good as the main menu.
I will definitely return, however next time I’d like to go on an evening for a romantic child-free night.
Read our Q&A with owner Matthew Korecki
Learn more about the New Chapter Jazz Nights here.
Contact Details
A: 18 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5EP
W: https://www.newchapterrestaurant.co.uk/
