Edinburgh can genuinely claim to be one of the UKβs prettiest cities; its fantastic blend of history-at-every-turn and effortlessly chilled vibe successfully attracting tourists all-year-round from across the globe.
With thousands of photo-clicking, souvenir-buying visitors roaming the streets itβs sometimes easy to forget that this is still a working city β indeed, Scotlandβs capital – where some half a million people live and ply their trade. And, much like its bigger but less-picturesque counterpart in England, Edinburgh contains a host of drinking and dining spots for the workforce to descend upon after a long day in the office.
On a recent visit to review the cityβs Radisson Blu hotel, I was reminded of this working pace and functionality going on in and around the throngs of tourists. Despite its castle-esque faΓ§ade, inside the hotel is unmistakably geared up for corporate and business guests. And its food offering β Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen β is no different.
As I enter for dinner, as if to reemphasise exactly who this eatery is aimed at, there are several groups of corporate guests enjoying a post-conference drink at the prominently-placed bar. It offers a modest menu of gastro-pub classics, but itβs in the cocktails where this contemporarily and simply decorated bar-cum-restaurant excels. So, I take my seat and treat myself to a couple of Cosmopolitans (when in Rome, after allβ¦). The drinks are professionally made and the bar staff know their way around a cocktail menu.
Bar entrance at Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen, Edinburgh
To eat, I decide to go with my usual, go-to combination of seafood to start and meat for mains. The calamari, served with a lemon wedge and saffron aioli, is perfectly battered and light; the only gripe being the underwhelming size of the portion. I opt for a large glass of the LβHospitalet Malbec from France to accompany my 10oz sirloin which is served with thickly-cut, crunchy chips, a fried mushroom and tomato as well as a balsamic-sprinkled rocket salad. Itβs exactly whatβs required after my long drive north of the border β simple, but well-cooked and tasty food without a hint of pretension.
Steak at the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen, Edinburgh
And this is exactly why this eatery appears to be doing a good trade. As I sip on my Irish coffee (the healthily-sized steak has rendered me unable to attempt a dessert) and watch the businesspeople disappear back into the hotel post-aperitifs, I notice how quickly theyβre replaced by the tourist types once again β some in for dinner, others for a much-needed pit-stop on their travels around the cityβs Royal Mile. Granted, this restaurant wonβt win awards for its dΓ©cor and there are undoubtedly plenty of considerably more intimate and atmospheric spots for dinner in the city. But what Itchycoo does, it does well.
Perfect for after-work cocktails with colleagues, a quiet drink with a partner or a spot for an uncomplicated bite to eat, this ideally-located bar and kitchen is on course to continue luring the cityβs corporate clientele and travel-loving tourists for a good while yetβ¦
Based on a dinner review in April 2016
radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh
