SETTING

The beautiful oratory of St Anne’s building peeking out from the corner of Randolph Place is home to this plush wine bar, which boasts surely one of the most dramatic rooms in Edinburgh with soaring dark walls, polished wood panels and smart mezzanine platform.  A stunning hand built wooden wine rack spreads across the full length of one wall, while a sturdy pewter bar supports a throng of happy imbibers making full use of the ever changing, expertly chosen selection of wines.

FOOD

Wine is an obsession here with abundant choices from floral burgundies to dry viogniers to deep plummy reds. There’s a wide range of fizz on offer too and some fine champagnes to cheer along that special occasion.  Owner Virginie and her team have decades of vinery experience and choose their stock using a mix of local knowledge, Gallic passion and heartfelt instinct.

The food menu boasts a variety of light meals and punchy nibbles, always seasonal and all made in-house. A medium mixed planchette with charcuterie and cheese can easily suit two (or order more for groups). It arrives heaving and spilling off the board with a fabulous range of artisan cured meats, pickles and creamy cheeses. A specials board is updated with daily additions and seasonal choices including fish, salads and a fine Croque Monsieur freshly made to the proper recipe with béchamel sauce and good quality cheese.

The funky mezzanine level can be hired for 35 guests and the whole spectacular room can be booked out for private parties with a minimum of 60 guests. Specialist thematic evenings and steak tartare sessions are heartily recommended.