Bertie's Restaurant & Bar

Much more than just fish and chips, this Old Town newcomer has quickly established an enthusiastic customer base.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

The December 2018 opening of Bertie’s in the fire-ravaged former home of Khushi’s on Victoria Street represented one of the largest single additions to the capital’s restaurant scene in recent memory, with seating for an astonishing 300 across two floors. Despite its size, the family-run venue has managed to retain a personal, friendly feel that could easily have been lost. The décor is bright and fun, in keeping with the uncomplicated nature of the food. A black pudding and sausage meat scotch egg on beetroot ketchup kicks things off very nicely and chargrilled halloumi with a salsa dip is equally pleasing. Mains are predominantly chip shop staples, but there are a wide range of comprehensively labelled options for those with specific dietary requirements, including a comfortingly large portion of deep-fried veggie haggis. Excellent battered haddock is the undoubted star of their 'proper fish and chips' section. The dessert list runs all the way from indulgent to laughably calorific, with a delicious sticky toffee pudding being surprisingly light. The drinks list should meet most needs and service is pleasant and well-judged.