Earthy Canonmills

After living just round the corner for almost a year I finally made my first visit after seeing Earthy Hitlisted in The List.

The food was fantastic and very reasonable priced with real fresh food. We even ventured into the shop attached to take some home it was that good.

My one little niggle was the staff seemed either un-attentive or overworked and despite being shown to a table (aka a table was pointed out to us) after 5 mins we still hadn't been approached, given menu's or even acknowledged. This is something I can't stand in a restaurant and it did make my first visit very frustrating. However the food more than made up for it! Will head back for sure!

I am very sorry to have to say this but we all went back yet another time, this time for lunch but it was not such a pleasurable experience. The food was as good as usual but you don't just go out for a meal for good food. Good attentive table service is also expected and it was in VERY SHORT SUPPLY. When we arrived we were shown to a table and that's where it stopped. We were not asked if we wanted drinks until EVENTUALLY, we were approached for our order and even then we had to ask! We were given no napkins or water, having to ask for them both and even then, this was forgotten and we had to go to the bar and get our own water. This isn't what should be expected and certainly wasn't from us. The restaurant is now closed in the evenings for most of the week and if this standard of service carries on I think there will be more closure dates.

If mention of the words 'organic' or 'locally sourced' sets your heart fluttering then Earthy would be the holistic oasis it sets out to be. True its cakes are lovely and the staff are friendly. But we are not talking cafe prices here. You can easily get through £60-70 for a 3 course meal and wine. For that I expect more than a hearty lamb stew that called itself a tagine served with couscous that was, in theory, meant to taste of lemon and cumin but in fact tasted of couscous. Starters and puddings were fine but no more than that.
When you are up in these price ranges I expect to taste things I would find it difficult to create at home. At the moment it is just good homely fare. Sourcing good ingredients does not relieve you of the burden of creating interesting food.

After having had lunch at this restaurant on two occasions, with my daughter, both times exceeding our expectations, we booked for the Sunday foraging event in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens and equally enjoyed the whole experience, because of this, we went on to book for a joint Birthday meal in the evening. The first day of the new Autumn menu! and once again, we left having had a wonderful meal. The food at this restaurant is second to none and equally so, the vast choice of drinks. You leave feeling satisfied in a very healthy way. In our opinion, for Breakfast, Lunch or Evening meal this restaurant is a must. The decor as well gives a feeling of well-being and relaxing, very fresh, matching the food. Table service is also excellent, very attentive staff, that go out of their way to help with any question you may have. We have found that booking hasn't been necessary for lunch but recommended for an evening meal. If you're looking for that something a little bit different with an emphasis on fresh local food then look no further!

My first experience of this new restaurant. The food was delicious, way beyond expectations, wonderful flavours. Service was attentive and friendly, prices very reasonable, atmosphere lively, and some nice wines to choose from. Happy to recommend it - although maybe I shouldn't tell you all, or I might not get a table next time - and there will be next times, as I can't wait to go back for more!