I was really sad to discover that Forn had closed down, as I was a huge fan of their Catalan charms. I was slightly fearful that the site might sit empty for a protracted period, so was very pleased to see that the Tartan Stag had taken up residence. I popped in to give it a try.

The space is small, compact and intimate. The counter has been moved back to where it was when Cafe Valencia had their brief tenure here, on the right as you come in.

The very friendly owners welcomed me warmly. I’d actually poked my head around the door for a quick espresso, the week previous, so I was a returning face. I took a seat at one of their half a dozen or so tables.

Their menu features all-day breakfasts, soup, toasties and burgers, with a regularly changing hot dish of the day. I opted for their Stag burger, which comprised a 4oz venison burger topped with bacon, cheese and relish. It was suggested that some haggis might be a good extra addition. Who was I to argue with that?

The burger soon arrived accompanied by really good chippy-style chips. The burger, encased in a good morning roll, could have used just a touch more fat in the mix to make it a little more succulent, but each mouthful was still flavour-packed and deeply satisfying. This was lovely stuff and made all the sweeter for its very reasonable £5 pricetag.

I accompanied things with a really good pot of Japanese cherry green tea which was wonderfully aromatic and light.

So overall, I was very pleased with The Tartan Stag. They already look to be building an appreciative audience as the place was abuzz when I visited. I’d recommend it to you and look forward to coming back to try their breakfast, soon.

Scores
Blythe scores the Tartan Stag
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

I ate: Stag burger with haggis, bacon, cheese and relish; chips

I drank: Japanese cherry tea

I wore: navy blue

Total bill: £6.80

1 East Preston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QQ
https://www.facebook.com/thetartanstag/