Edinburgh’s pub gentrification project has spread its tendrils to Canonmills, with the recent revamping of the nearby Other Place (the Stag’s Head, as was) and today’s lunchtime venue, the Cross & Corner.

Exterior

My visit was firmly in the territory of late lunch, so the place was quite quiet when I arrived, which gave me a good opportunity to appreciate the space. It’s light and airy, and really rather smart.

Service was quick and friendly, throughout, with the helpful barmaid pausing to exchange a little merry banter, as she brought my cutlery and condiments.

Soup and bread

From their broad selection, which could be somewhat categorised as “gastropub”, I chose the celeriac soup to start, then the pea and goat’s cheese risotto to follow.

The soup was soon with me, looking decidedly bonnie, and served with two big slices of good bread. It proved a real treat, with little mushroom “profiteroles” offering a nice flavour burst and textural variation. It was served in a lovely china bowl, too.

Risotto

The main course risotto was an equally accomplished dish. It was served just wet enough so that there was a good ooze to it. The peas gave it a lovely sweet freshness. It pleased me, muchly.

So overall, the Cross & Corner really impressed me. Both dishes were elegant, stylish and beautifully presented. I’d be happy to recommend it to you, and look forward to future visits when I plan to give their burger a try.

Scores
Blythe scores the Cross & Corner
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20

I ate: celeriac soup with wild mushroom profiteroles, pea and goat’s cheese risotto

I drank: sparkly waterr

I wore: blue tweed

Total bill: £13