I was disappointed not to be able to make it along to Bread Meats Bread’s pre-opening evening, a couple of weeks ago. I very rarely go to launches these days, but fancied welcoming them to their new Edinburgh location as I had been really impressed with their Glasgow restaurant when I visited. Regular guest quester Eleanor did go along to represent us, though.

When I found myself on Lothian Road and in need of lunch, I didn’t hesitate to pop in and give it a try.

Previously home to the dreadfully poor Yummytori, it was great to see this smart restaurant space busily populated with expectant customers.

I was greeted on arrival by a friendly waiter who showed me to a corner table, where he took my drink order and left me with the menu.

It followed a familiar pattern to their Glasgow branch, but had Edinburgh specific burger topping combos, such as the Fear and Lothian. Puntastic.

I opted for their classic cheeseburger to which I added a portion of chips. These were soon with me.

The chips, which were somewhere in the middle ground between chippy chips and fries, came in a portion that was way over the top and easily enough for two. Fortunately they proved extremely tasty and definitely among the better chips I’ve been served, of late.

The burger was delivered to almost exactly the same standard as at the Glasgow branch: nicely prepared meat, served with just a touch of pink in the middle, with good pickle crunch and melty cheese. As before, the burger mix could have been a touch fattier for my tastes, and their insistence on French’s mustard and Heinz ketchup continues to grate. But so many high quality elements are harmoniously brought together that this more than makes up for these slight quibbles.

So overall, I really enjoyed Bread Meats Bread. They offer the best all-round burger package of any specialist burger joint I’ve come across in Scotland. The burgers themselves don’t quite match up with the likes of BBL, Jones & Son or the Broughton Deli, but the atmosphere they have created is absolutely spot-on for this style of diner eating. I’d recommend a visit and look forward to popping in on a fairly regular basis.

Scores
Blythe scores Bread Meats Bread
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 15.5/20

I ate: cheeseburger, chips

I drank: sparkly water

I wore: suit separates

Total bill: £11