Metropole

Where to begin,

We came in on a Friday Evening at around 7.30pm. It wasn't too busy, but still busy enough that it didn't seem like a ghost town. There was a small group of us, and we sat in one of the cosy booths which was lovely. We all decided to partake in the bargin that was the 2 courses for £10. We all chose different food to try out everything. I personally had the black pudding and beetroot for starters, and it was amazing. Black puding was perfect and the beetroot added an extra sweetness. The only thing i would add would be some crispy bacon to give it a bit of a salty edge. The other 2 courses we started with was the bruschetta and the pate. The bruschetta was simple but beutiful. It wasn't over the top, and just a nice starter. Often you find a slab of bread with a bit of tomato and thats it, but these were 3 lovely bits of toasted bread with tommato, oinion and various herbs and oils. Amazing!. The Macerall pate was once again simple but Amazingly nice. It was like my granny used to make.

For our mains we chose the steak, which was cooked perfectly throughout. Not overdone, but then not still pulsing. It came with the most amazing chips and a small salad. We also had the chicken skewers with cous cous. The chicken had been amazingly prepared and cooked. Once again, chicken can be quite dry but these were moist and tasted amazing.

To finish off we all had coffee and a bit of the chocolate and beetroot cake. This was moist and tasted amazing,

The atmosphere was really nice with our waitress tending to our every needs. Nice soothing music played quietly and candles were on every table which really set the mood.

I will certainly be dining here again and will do in the near future!

I am undecided about Metropole. It has had a recent refresh (I assume after new ownership), but was unable to see what had changed.
Still cracked windows were present, shabby chic tables and cramped booths. Someone has given the place a lick of paint, but no effort made to patch the holes in the wall or remove the hooks from the ceiling where the once Brew-Ha-Ha clothes line once was before applying the paint (maybe to keep with the shabby-esque look?)
I also can't work out if it is table service or counter service at Metropole. I say this after being accosted as soon as I got through the door asking my order of coffee.

Although we were only visiting for a Sunday afternoon coffee I would still return as I am hoping that New York Cheesecake is still on the menu (hint hint!)

This little cafe is a hidden gem, on entrance the grand door with marble surrounds hints to older times. In another life a bank resided here, and if you go through to the toilets you can see the old bank vault door which i believe is used now for more current affairs. The vault door itself is a beautiful piece of history with a gorgeous inlay and probably the closest you will ever get to feeling like your in the the "The Italian Job". The decor inside is understated and probably needs a touch up here and there, but the "shabby chicness" will hit you if you decide on a good old fashioned cup of tea. However you don't just have to settle for old fashioned, with a great selection of brews and the best coffee to have passed my lips in edinburgh, its no wonder this is my regular. There is nothing quite like there take away coffee to kick start my morning, picture the advert now, one sip and ahhhhhhhhhhh, bliss!!! When eating here, the menu will excite, it happens to have some of my favourite foods from all over the world, including parma ham and some exceptional olives which make up one of there great sandwiches. However be warned the rolls are not for the feint hearted and are large, however for me alas, i stopped watching my waste line many moons ago. The menu is fairly large and there are many good dishes to choose from, including great vegi options, including my favourite vege burger which according to the waitress is made from butternut squash, lentils and chilli.. mmmmmmm.. this is fantastic, but for me what personifies "the metropole" is what comes with the burger, sauteed potatoes. Something different to the bog standard fries that you can get everywhere. It makes a difference and for me the small things count. The value for money is very good and you will not leave hungry. They don't however have a dessert menu, but the do have a cake counter and they have a chilli and beetroot cake which is worth cheating for, even if your conscious says no.

All in all, a hidden gem and soon enough i know ill be queuing for a table, but sure enough ill be there.