Rollo has recently opened, just across the road from Scran & Scallie, on Raeburn Place. A smart wine bar with a focus on informal dining, it has room for around twenty five people, in its mood-lit aubergine and dark wood interior.
Exterior
Their menu is spread across “bites”, “plates” and “bowls”, with an array of different dishes to suit a range of needs and circumstances.
As I crossed the threshold, the warm was welcome and immediately accommodating. I was dining after putting the finishing touches to my Christmas Eve panic buying adventure, which had concluded in Toys Galore, just across the road, with the acquisition of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Consequently I was almost entirely braindead, but was looked after most graciously in my fractured state.
Smoked aubergine
I ordered one bite and one plate, opening with smoked aubergine and toast, then following with a portobello mushroom rarebit.
To the strains of Julio Iglesias, my dishes appeared. Both looked simple, but had an air confidence about them. In that way, they rather summed up the place, as a whole.
Mushrooms
The aubergine puree was wonderfully smoky, served with crisp, rustic toast. It hit the spot, dead centre.
The three mushrooms, topped with spinach and cheese were equally delightful. Again, the dish was an assured and pleasing piece of cooking.
So overall, Rollo is a very welcome new addition to Stockbridge’s dining scene. Considering how new the place was at the time of my visit, it felt incredibly settled and established, which is in no small measure down to the service, which is impressively warm and attentive. I’d recommend a visit, next time you’re looking for a classy and elegant location for a relaxed catch-up with friends.
Scores
Blythe scores Rollo
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4.5/5 for service
giving an overall 16.5/20
I ate: smoked aubergine and toast; portobello mushroom rarebit
I drank: viognier
I wore: tweed
Total bill: £13.95
