Mad Hatter

I often find myself wandering home after a busy evening of carousing in need of one final drink to tie a neat bow on proceedings. Accordingly, it’s rather handy to keep a finger on the pulse of local boozers, particularly their opening times, so I know in what direction to point myself when the magic hour arrives.

I popped in to the Mad Hatter recently, after a noticing it a few times in the passing. It’s right next to Bluerapa, on Torphichen Place. I noted they had both a food and cocktail menu and made a mental note to return. When I ended up in the vicinity early one evening I popped in to check it out.

The interior is eclectic with a mix of solid timber tables, modern funky plastic chairs and more comfortable armchairs and sofas. In manages to bring these disparate elements together in a way that doesn’t feel forced or try-hard, which is a neat trick.

Their menu is simple and focussed with ten dishes to choose from. These range from pasta to hot dogs to a charcuterie platter to risotto, continuing the eclectic theme. I was in #veginburgh mood so chose their mushroom and spinach lasagne, which came with garlic bread and a side salad.

It promptly arrived. The presentation was a bit naff, but I suppose it looked neat enough. It proved to be a rather tasty dish, with a nicely seasoned filling that had a good supply of both mushrooms and spinach. The salad was simple but nicely dressed with a mustard vinaigrette. The garlic bread did the mopping up job quite nicely. It was a heartily tasty dish.

So overall, I rather liked the Mad Hatter. It’s in a slightly awkward location, but I hope it sustains as I can see myself growing rather fond of late night pop-ins. I’d happily eat there again, as they’re serving decent quality stuff.

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

I ate: mushroom and spinach lasagne

I drank: a pint of Three Hop

I wore: brown suit

Total bill: £11.90