The Walnut
Exterior
It’s always good to get tip offs about new places, particularly when they come from respected sources like Barry Bryson. Barry passed on a mention of The Walnut, newly opened where Cafe No9 used to trade on Croall Place. I made a note to visit at my earliest opportunity, which presented itself today.
The interior is much changed from before, although the same relaxed atmosphere pervades. This feels a good bit smarter though, and this is backed up by a menu of dishes more in the bistro style.
They have a focussed lunchtime menu, then a broader a la carte selection. I opted for the soup, which today was an intriguing sounding carrot, black pepper and bacon, then followed with their hot sandwich, which was a citrus marinated pork shoulder, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickle ciabatta.
First up came the soup accompanied by two generous slices of ciabatta bread, freshly made in-house. The soup proved to be absolutely outstanding, so rightly takes its place among the soup immortals on Soupquest. The black pepper was firmly an ingredient rather than a condiment or seasoning, with its punchy heat beautifully tempering the sweet carrot and salty bacon. It was remarkable and accomplished stuff.
Soup
The sandwich that followed was darn good, too. The pork packed plenty of flavour and the bread was very well toasted for excellent crunch. It was really pleasing stuff.
The husband and wife team running the place are delightfully friendly, with chef having previously plied his trade at the Grain Store and the King’s Wark, both of which are real favourites of mine. The quality of fare on offer here reflects that impressive grounding.
Sandwich
So overall, The Walnut represents the first entry on our Top in 2016 list. It’s a fantastic new place that you must visit. With no main course currently priced above a tenner, I must come back to for an evening visit, as on the face of it the value looks to be outstanding. Make sure to pop in when you’re next in need of high quality food prepared with care and attention.
Scores
Blythe scores The Walnut
4.5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16.5/20
I ate: carrot, black pepper and bacon soup; pork shoulder, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickle sandwich
I drank: sparkly water
I wore: maroon shirt
Total bill: £8.50
Address: 9 Croall Place, EH7 4LT
6 Comments
I’m so excited that The Walnut has opened up literally round the corner from us. We went for dinner on Friday night and it was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. Home-smoked mackerel with home-pickled cucumber and home-made horseradish (there is theme here) was possibly the best example of this dish that I’ve ever tried. Lamb shoulder with balsamic, lentils, carrots and parsley-root puree was exceptional with each flavour balanced perfectly.
If this all came out of say – the Scran & Scallie – I’d be impressed. But that this was all made by one guy in the kitchen in a tiny neighbourhood restaurant and that 3 courses, coffee & corkage for 2 people cost less than 50 quid…. wow.
Also, the waitress was absolutely lovely, and very generous with the excellent home-made bread. This will without doubt be our new ‘regular’.
Glad to hear it. It’s a great addition, for sure, and just lovely when places like this open so close at hand. I am jealous! 🙂
Have only been twice, once being a Sunday and I can’t praise it enough. I had the Sunday roast and it was absolutely delicious. Between us we had a variety of dishes and everyone thought it was fantastic both in flavours and presentation. Quite sonething with 11 people..
Completely agree, Catherine – a terrific place 🙂
Can’t wait to return..