Espresso Martini
The Refinery St Andrew Square

The Refinery St Andrew Square

5 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

Steak • British • European • Vegetarian


"Vegetarian Options (Vegan upon request) WHAT WE HAD (3 Pax): 5 A Day £4.75] – Mint, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Greek Yoghurt and Apple Juice; Radiant Roots £5.95] – Apple, Carrot, Ginger, Celery and Fennel; Golden Mango £4.50] – Mango, Tumeric, Yoghurt and Almond Milk; Full Veggie (Specially Made Vegan) £8.95] – Beans, Spinach, Mushrooms, Avocado, Grilled Tomato and Toast; Buttermilk Chicken and Waffle £8.95] – Avocado, Sour Cream, Jalapenos and Chilli Maple Syrup I came here for breakfast with my friends as they wanted to try the Buttermilk Chicken and Waffle. I did know that they have vegetarian options from the menu we saw the day before, but wasn’t sure if they had anything vegan. It turns out that they did not have any specifically vegan items on the menu. However, the waitress and kitchen was very accommodating and made modifications to the full veggie breakfast for me. It was your typical full breakfast made vegan that was simple and cooked well with fresh produce. I really appreciate how helpful and accommodating the staff were, especially in answering my questions in assuring me it was vegan. Really made me feel at ease. My friends enjoyed their Buttermilk Chicken and Waffle too which was a good portion too. We all loved the juice and smoothies we ordered as well! We also had a look at their cocktail menu which intrigued us. Excellent customer service, good vibes with the bright and fun décor that is still classy, good food at reasonable prices, I do see myself coming back here for dinner/to try their cocktails if I find myself in Edinburgh again."

Bang Restaurant Wine Bar

Bang Restaurant Wine Bar

11 Merrion Row, Dublin, D02 YN56, Ireland, United Kingdom

Wine • Irish • French • Seafood


"Excellent fine dining experience in Dublin. The waiter we had was exuberant and committed to tailoring the dining experience to our specifications. The options of food ranged from vegetarian to meat, game and fish. Great oysters and surprisingly the olives were a highlight. They brine them in house! We loved them so much my husband had a dirty martini made from them. The menu has a lot of variety and we were curious so we ordered the ox tongue which I normally wouldn’t have tried. To my surprise it was tasty and seared perfectly. I have had tongue before and the texture is not my thing but I enjoyed trying this style. The pork chop entree was very good. The gnocchi was creamy and had a twist with the flavor. Actually everything had was built on the plate so as you mixed things together you found yourself on a food journey that burst and highlighted the unexpected parts of the dish— an herb, or a smatter of cream or a yellow gel. I would say it’s an adventurous dining experience and I imagine the chef is in the back with a palette carefully playing with the whole experience. The front of house really care and are making their rounds glancing over every few minutes to make sure we have what we need. Checking in at the right times. The pacing and rhythm of meal felt spot on. They had non-alcoholic options. The desert was so fun. we had a surprise not on the menu chocolate based cake with no name! They treated us like special guests. Then the desert we ordered came out, cheesecake. Trying each component on its own was okay but then we combined the flavors and everything popped in our mouth. There was a little herb on the plate I had never had that left an impression! Small but mighty flavor! It was such a cozy spot we had as well. It was quiet and under the stairs. We loved the whole experience."

Laughing Gravy Bar Restaurant

Laughing Gravy Bar Restaurant

154-156 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, United Kingdom

Pizza • Kebab • Cafés • Fast Food


"As someone who tends to be a bit picky, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The à la carte menu features some imaginative dishes, such as a delicious oxtail sausage roll and a mead-glazed pheasant leg, along with a selection of Christmas menu offerings from 2016. What was meant to be a three-course meal turned into a delightful series of indulgences, thanks in part to my stretchy pants! One standout dish was the hot-smoked, whisky-cured Loch Duart salmon served on Guinness sourdough with horseradish mousse and truffle snow. What can I say? This was exquisite salmon, with each element—from the sourdough to the sweet horseradish—blending beautifully. I kicked off my meal with roasted and pickled heritage beetroot, goat cheese, and preserved apple topped with cashews (£8.50). This was a stunning plate, showcasing sharp apple, wonderfully sweet beetroot, and the tangy goat cheese—an absolute delight. Rolled in apple jelly, it was amusing and unexpected. Next was a festive dish from their Christmas menu—a rich wild boar and pistachio terrine with damson chutney and purple potato purée. Beautifully presented and reasonably priced at £50 for three courses, there wasn't a boring Christmas pudding or mint cake in sight. The chef’s duck pâté and chicken liver foie gras was sublime, served with a tart cherry reduction and candied hazelnuts. However, I had jumped the gun by ordering my main course too early. The wild mushroom and salted venison Wellington was accompanied by tender stem broccoli and white truffle celeriac purée topped with roasted almonds (£24). If I had to nitpick, I would have liked it a tad flakier, but the venison was perfectly cooked. Next, I enjoyed a dish of fried market fish served with braised leeks, kale, buttered new potatoes, and Brixham crab broth. This Christmas special was packed with flavor that harmonized beautifully. As for dessert, I was ready for something special. What arrived was nothing short of delightful: a plate of amaretto panna cotta with caramelized banana, candied cashews, and a decadent seven-layer dark chocolate and roasted pecan pie infused with vanilla and nutmeg. To top it all off, the salted caramel mousse with vanilla cream, shortbread, and a chocolate ganache-filled caramel cylinder was a clever nod to my sweeter side. I’m a sucker for salted caramel ice cream, and it was heavenly paired with the chocolate brew. After everything, the chef offered me an ice cream sandwich. I had to put my foot down—my stretchy pants were at their limit, and I needed to call it a night. If you live near this restaurant, I am genuinely envious. If not, make sure to visit before it becomes so popular that securing a table becomes impossible!"