The Well at Epworth Halls

Everyone seems keen to find hidden gems. It’s a perfectly admirable pursuit, but too often I find suggested Edinburgh versions to be perfectly visible and none too gemlike.

If I were asked to identify a category of places that are somewhat hidden, it would be the ecclesiastical café. There are a fair number of them, from the Undercroft to Saltyard to today’s venue, The Well at Epworth Halls.

I’d visited during last year’s Festival, during which it had grown very popular given its location on Nicolson Square. I wasn’t completely sure it was open at other times, but it is indeed, so I popped in for lunch.

The setting is quite a simple, bright community café. It remains a very busy, particularly with those of a more seasoned vintage, who are drawn in by the friendly atmosphere and keenly priced menu.

I was feeling hungry, so matched a bowl of vegetable soup with a plate of macaroni cheese and vegetables. This set me back the princely sum of £6.

From the canteen style counter, I carried my soup over to the only remaining free table while the macaroni cheese was prepared then subsequently delivered.

The soup proved to be very good, with a nice mix of vegetables brought together in a hearty and well-textured soup. I was very pleased with it.

The macaroni cheese wasn’t quite so good, as it was very under-seasoned. Once I’d applied salt and pepper, things were much better. It was a generous portion and the accompanying vegetables were nicely fresh.

So overall, The Well is a rather good little spot to know about. It serves enjoyably hearty fare to a rather good standard. The prices are very reasonable and the place has a nice feel to it. I’d be happy to recommend a visit.

Scores
Blythe scores The Well
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: vegetable soup; macaroni cheese

I drank: water

I wore: brown suit

Total bill: £6