The Royal McGregor

Regular guest quester Julian and I have had some real adventures during the lunches we’ve had over the years. We managed to find somewhere where we had to send back a pizza, which is quite an achievement, but we also found one of the best pizza places in the city. We really hit the heights at La Garrigue, though.

Today’s we headed to the Royal McGregor to see what we could discover.

The place has built a strong reputation for good grub over the past couple of years. I’d been meaning to visit for a while to try their set lunch deal of two courses for £10.95. They have a wide-ranging a la carte selection, as well.

I opened with their soup of the day, which was leek and potato, then followed with a cheeseburger. Julian started with haggis fritters (there are quite a number of different haggis options on the menu) followed by a club sandwich from the a la carte.

Of the starters, I think Julian won the day as the haggis looked a little better than my soup, which was fine but just a little ordinary. His profusion of crisp coated haggis on a triangular plate seemed a pleasing dish.

On mains, I was the clear winner. My burger was one of the better ones I’ve sampled of late. It was huge, juicy and beefy so very satisfying. The accompanying chips were very good, too.

Julian was miffed enough with his lacklustre sandwich to offer some feedback to the kitchen. The extremely obliging waitress, who did a great job on all aspects of service throughout, passed on the message and free coffees and a wee discount on the bill were forthcoming.

So overall, it was a mixed bag from the Royal McGregor. Their burger was right up there with the best I’ve sampled recently, but other aspects of their offering failed to hit the mark. Service was a real strength, which is always good to see, so I’d be happy to pop back when next the burger mood takes me.

Scores
Blythe scores the Royal McGregor
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

Today’s questers were: Julian, Blythe

We ate: haggis fritters; leek and potato soup; cheeseburger; club sandwich

We drank: sparkly water, red wine, water, coffees

We wore: workaday apparel

Total bill: £28.53