Royal Dick Bar

The year-round lure of the Summerhall multi-purpose arts venue continues to be strong. In August, I was there for Tony Singh’s pop-up, then in September I was along for Only Wolves and Lions. This month’s trip was for food at the Royal Dick Bar, where I’d previously visited for drinks, a few times.

Guest questers, this evening, were Carol and Dav, who’d spent most of the day on site, as they’re in the process of putting together a theatrical showcase, Edinburgh Unites, which will take place in the main hall on 15 November. This will coincide with Summerhall’s beer festival, making it very much the place to be, that weekend.

The Royal Dick is a smart and quirky place. The campus used to be the university’s veterinary school, with some of the old paraphernalia remaining as detailing for the bar area. It’s a great, neatly appointed space.

They have a brewery on site, brewing Barney’s beer. I sampled a rather good pale ale from their selection.

The main dining space has some excellent carved throne seating. We sat in comfort and contemplated the menus. Dav fancied trying the burger, Carol opted for the gnocchi, while I had both their deep-fried brie and their beef and Barney’s ale stew.

Dishes were soon with us, looking rather good. I was happy with my selection, as the burger looked a little on the dry side, and while the gnocchi was pretty good, I think my stew was the pick of the dishes. Beautifully tender beef was served in a meaty stew broth, with good tatties and carrots filling out the dish. For £5.50, it was a generous portion.

The brie was a nicely prepared, too, with the carrot chutney accompaniment a highlight. The salad could have used a little dressing, but that was a minor issue in what was another well-balanced dish.

Carol and Dav shared a neat looking cranachan, which they were really pleased with, drawing to a close what was a really enjoyable meal. They headed off to a production of The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, upstairs, while I ambled off into the looming night.

So overall, I thought the menu at the Royal Dick Bar showcased good quality dishes for a very reasonable price, making their offering really attractive. Service is friendly and attentive, too. I’d be happy to recommend a visit, so hope to see you there in November, either for a beer or for something theatrical.

Scores
Blythe scores the Royal Dick Bar
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 15/20

Today’s questers were: Carol, Dav, Blythe

We ate: gnocchi, burger, brie, stew, cranachan

We drank: Barney’s beer (2), house red, water, espresso

We wore: the look of justified sinners

Total bill: £49.50