The £29.99 Krafted Connex promises an escape from untangling a dozen stray leads across crowded table corners. By packaging four legacy and modern output types into one thick, folding block, it acts as an emergency electrical station. It is an unvarnished, heavy-set tool with distinct charging bottlenecks, netting a pragmatic 3/5 score.

Architecture and durability

Pulling the Connex from a bag reveals a design language that owes far more to trade workbenches than consumer tech boutiques. Rather than polished aluminium, you get a dense sandwich of impact-resistant ABS plastic, nickel-plated structural steel brackets, and stiff silicone arms.

Krafted equips the casing with a keyring ring, which is an absurd inclusion. At nearly 90 grams, hanging it alongside door keys would shred trouser pockets. Instead, it sits loose inside a rucksack pocket.

The silicone connector arms do not pop out on springs. They stick together with rubbery friction, requiring a deliberate, two-handed thumbnail wedge to lever the correct head free. That stiff deployment is actually a benefit in chaotic venues: the prongs stay completely shielded inside the chassis rather than bending against keys and pens in transit.

Power routing and local data migration

The core utility is bridging different hardware generations from a single USB-C power source. The Connex provides conversions for USB-C, Apple Lightning, legacy micro-USB, and standard USB-A.

Current distribution is handled via internal load sensing:

• 3A / 5V Baseline Source: Two devices pull 1.5A each; add a third device and power drops to 1.0A apiece.
• 4A / 5V Maximum Supply: Two devices draw 2.0A; three devices receive 1.3A; four devices drop down to 1.0A each.

In practice, multi-charging is trickle maintenance. While a single device can tap up to 25W via USB-C Power Delivery, standard loads generally cruise along at 15–16W. Hooking up a phone alongside a portable keyboard and a companion’s flat vape will not top anything up in a hurry; it just slows battery drain.

Crucially, the primary PD line functions as a direct data conduit. When festival mobile networks lock up completely, and cloud syncing fails, running a hardwired cable bridge between a handset on 2% battery and a functional tablet lets you rescue finished drafts in seconds.

The floor socket reality check

Temporary Fringe pop-ups, subterranean cavern venues, and historic tenement pubs share an infuriating design quirk: mains sockets sit inches above floorboards on dusty skirting boards.

Because the Connex has short, rigid folding arms, plugging directly into a wall socket forces your £900 handset to rest flat on beer-soaked flagstones. Nobody with any sense hands their unlocked phone across a crowded bar counter to charge behind the taps, but leaving kit on the floor amidst milling ticket-holders invites a cracked screen.

Bridging the physical gap requires carrying a coiled USB extension lead, like the one I grabbed from Amazon. Connecting the Connex to a flexible secondary line lets the hub sit safely on a table beside your pint while pulling power from the floor.

The Verdict

The Krafted Connex is not an elegant gadget. Purists obsessed with slimline daily carry will hate the chunkiness, and fast-charge fiends will find the multi-port trickle frustrating.

Yet when you are running on empty between four shows in the drizzle, sitting in a packed Southside cafe where every plug is occupied, its versatility is undeniable. It eliminates connector panics and rescues locked-up drafts under terrible network conditions. It is a dense, imperfect safety net that earns its keep through raw utility.

Disclaimer: Krafted Connex provided my USB adapter for free review.

Speaking to Edinburgh Reviews at the launch night, Managing Director Paul Brennan outlined a commercial strategy designed to dismantle traditional retail dramatics. Drawing directly on a professional background in fashion, Brennan explained that the brand treats living room furniture as an aesthetic style and lifestyle statement rather than an aggressive, hard-sell transaction.

The fashion buying model and fulfilment logistics

Traditional furniture showrooms rely on sprawling floor plans packed with thousands of product permutations, long finance pitches, and notorious three-month lead times. Sofa Club operates on the inverse principle. By curbing product sprawl, stocking hundreds of targeted designs rather than thousands of miscellaneous homeware lines, the business protects supply-chain velocity.

That operational focus yields a distinct seasonal advantage: guaranteed next-day delivery. While established legacy chains frequently cut off Christmas delivery slots as early as mid-October, the Fort Kinnaird site can dispatch in-stock lounges overnight directly to city flats.

The physical environment reflects that simplified supply chain. Sales staff are instructed to step back, replacing commission-heavy floor pitches with an unhurried, Instagram-led lounge setting. Visitors can drink at the bar, sit down, and test materials without hovering sales pitches.

Local business pop-ups and venue access

Brennan confirmed that the Fort Kinnaird floor space will double as a collaborative host venue. The brand intends to partner with local Edinburgh creators, independent artists, and boutique food operators, such as artisanal bakers, for scheduled pop-ups inside the showroom. The strategy positions the venue as an active lifestyle destination, encouraging repeat footfall from design-conscious shoppers rather than relying on one-off purchases.

Situated on the eastern edge of the city, Fort Kinnaird remains primarily a car-led destination, but it offers direct access to central Edinburgh. Lothian Buses runs the Service 30 from Princes Street straight to the shopping park’s retail core. The suburban transit time is offset by the logistics model: customers travelling out by bus don’t need to coordinate vehicle transport, as overnight home delivery moves goods from the warehouse floor directly to residential addresses.

Sofa Club’s expansion into Edinburgh underscores the capital’s pull for modern, venture-backed retail models that are taking market share from legacy out-of-town warehouses. Expect to see the brand embed itself into local cultural and lifestyle schedules across the coming months.

For shoppers who cannot make the trip out to Fort Kinnaird, Sofa Club operates an online store at sofaclub.co.uk. The platform mirrors the showroom’s stock catalogue, offering digital fabric swatches, live stock trackers, and next-day dispatch to Edinburgh addresses for remote orders.

Links

• sofaclub.co.uk

Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in St Andrew Square is claiming October for something far more savoury than spiced squash. The high-profile Edinburgh venue has launched Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Wellington Month, turning the chef’s signature showpiece into a dedicated celebration. With autumn menus across the capital quickly succumbing to pumpkin spice coffees and themed treats, this carnivore-heavy counter-offensive lands at exactly the right time.

The Beef Wellington Experience arrives as a complete set menu for a minimum of two guests, delivering enough food to easily satisfy three hungry diners.

Girdy: Stepping into the restaurant off St Andrew Square, you find a cosy restaurant coupled with a bright, spotless open kitchen operating with quiet precision. Downstairs was comfortably full within minutes of opening, and the kitchen pass quickly turned into a conveyor belt of golden pastry. I brought Birdy along to chaperone me through the feast, discovering early on that you do not have to choose between individual items from the Beef Wellington Experience menu, course-by-course – you get it all!

Birdy: Yes, I was absolutely delighted to hear that, because it turned it into a far more decadent tasting experience than if we were just having a single starter, main and a dessert. What a wonderful surprise!

I was really happy to be back in the welcome atmosphere of Bread Street Kitchen, and for my second Wellington (the first was venison – you can read that review here).

Drinks to get us started

Girdy: Proceedings start with a Passion Fruit Royale. The cocktail version combines Absolut Elyx vodka, Aperol, lemon, passion fruit, and Prosecco. Birdy opted for the non-alcoholic alternative, which arrived in a noticeably different hue, so there was zero risk of mixing them up across the table.

Birdy: Just as well! It was a very tasty mocktail, and it was great to learn that they were able to make a non-alcoholic version of the same drink, so I wouldn’t feel left out. After this drink, I chose a lemon swizzle for myself, and Girdy opted for a beer.

Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff!

Starters set a high bar

Starters land all at once as a shared spread, which looks a little something like this:

We were presented with the following tasty delights:

• Spicy tuna tartare served with avocado, crispy wonton wafers, and sesame.
• Tamarind-spiced chicken wings garnished with spring onions and fresh coriander.
• Whole burrata paired with bitter leaves, sliced pear, walnuts, and hot honey.

Girdy: The tuna tartare took top marks for me thanks to its clean, sharp kick. The burrata was extremely fresh, and a classic.

Birdy: For me, the standout was the tamarind-spiced chicken wings – such a tasty bite, and pairs really well with the accompanying greens. I also really enjoyed the spicy tuna tartare, so that was a close second!

The signature Wellington

Girdy: Then came the centrepiece – a Wellington that sets the standard for the entire city. Calling it beef Wellington almost understates the quality, because it is steak Wellington in every sense. The beef is remarkably tender and juicy, cooked to an exacting pink without being chewy. Encased in crisp pastry with no soggy bottom in sight, it comes with rich red wine jus, velvety mashed potatoes, and buttered spinach. The savoury aroma alone stops conversation. Diners at the neighbouring table could not take their eyes off our board as it arrived, looking ready to stage an immediate plate raid.

Birdy: Bit dramatic! But Girdy’s right, this felt like an extremely indulgent, fantastically done beef Wellington – perfectly pink, tender and absolutely delicious. The pastry was wonderfully crisp and fluffy, and the potatoes, along with the spinach, were the perfect pairing. I was also delighted I was able to try a bit of banana pepper for the first time ever!

I did notice the absence of sides such as carrots and cabbage (which was the experience we had with the venison) HOWEVER I think if there had been any extra food, I would have been full to burst. With that in mind, I appreciated the lighter sides – it allowed for more attention to be on the star of the show, which was the Wellington. Scrumptious!

The Bread Street Kitchen dessert platter

Saving room for pudding requires serious discipline, but the kitchen makes restraint difficult. The signature Bread Street Kitchen dessert platter brings three full-sized puddings together on one board:

• Traditional sticky toffee pudding accompanied by rich toffee sauce and a generous scoop of Mackie’s milk ice cream.
• Chocolate and heather honey tart topped with honeycomb and ice cream.
• Bread Street Kitchen tiramisu dusted with crumbled amaretti.

Girdy: The tiramisu was the star of the sweet course, hitting that luscious, creamy balance where coffee and sponge meld seamlessly. The sticky toffee pudding was a formidable rival, especially once drowned in warm sauce.

Birdy: Three desserts?! Decadence was this! I think my favourite was actually the sticky toffee pudding and ice cream, because it’s exactly the sticky spongey gooey comfort you’d expect. The tiramisu was a close second, and I’m a massive tiramisu fan – which only speaks more to the strength of the sticky toffee. As for the tart, it was also yummy, and course I ate everything up – despite being incredibly full of food at this point!

October beyond the pumpkin spice

If you need more reasons to celebrate outside of the pumpkin patch, the culinary calendar is surprisingly packed throughout the month:

• 3 October: National Caramel Custard Day, a classic dessert that deserves a proper restaurant comeback.
• 4 October: National Vodka Day, fittingly marked by the Absolut Elyx in the welcome cocktail.
• 8 October: National Fluffernutter Day, celebrating New England’s curious mix of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff.
• 9 October: International Beer and Pizza Day, bringing two comfort heavyweights together.
• 12 October: National Pulled Pork Day, offering another excuse for slow-cooked meat.
• 14 October: National Dessert Day, which this three-part dessert platter honours effortlessly.
• 17 October: National Pasta Day, for those who prefer carb loading in Italian style.
• 28 October: National Chocolate Day, neatly ticked off by the rich heather honey tart.
• All of October: Worldwide Wellington Month

Birdy: Wait – someone mixed caramel and custard together? Where has this been all my life?!

Overall

Girdy: At £100 per person (more if you add in the optional wine and canapes), the Beef Wellington Experience is an investment, but the sheer volume and execution make it outstanding value for a celebratory night out.

The kitchen delivers textbook pastry, peerless beef, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes dining in the city centre genuinely fun. It is easily the best steak experience in Edinburgh this autumn.

Birdy: The Beef Wellington Experience offers a memorable and indulgent night for diners, and after this feast, you’ll definitely leave with a full belly. And can I just say, our servers were, as per usual, incredibly attentive and were always right on it whenever we finished a course or needed anything at all – 10/10 service. (Psst! Also, I happen to be avoiding bread at this moment in time, and was delighted when I realised the only bread in this entire experience is in the name of the restaurant. Fabulous!)

I felt utterly spoiled with this feast – thanks, Bread Street Kitchen!

If you are planning an evening in town or arranging a table around a weekend trip, reserve your spot early directly through TripAdvisor or secure regional train connections into Waverley via Trip.com.

Disclaimer: Our Beef Wellie was provided free of charge for review.

The announcement marks another rapid move across Scotland for the fast-food brand.

Diners can expect the brand’s complete Louisiana-inspired lineup, including 12-hour marinated chicken, buttermilk biscuits with Cajun gravy, and the Shatter Crunch Chicken Sandwich that generated viral queues across the UK.

Popeyes is expanding at a time when we’re seeing Pizza Hut close across the city (EDITOR NOTE: we’re sure this is just a coincidence and nothing more than an astute observation from Girdy) as diners pick spice and protein.

Louisiana Crunch on North Bridge

The North Bridge location sits on the western edge of Edinburgh’s Old Town, roughly a five-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station’s northern and southern exits. The site directly faces the constant pedestrian flow moving between Princes Street, the Royal Mile, and the university district. Inside, the 60-cover dining room will cater to high-turnover commuter trade and sit-in visitors looking for quick dining near Waverley.

Popeyes UK Chief Executive Tom Crowley highlighted the capital’s initial reception as the primary catalyst for the new address:

Edinburgh has given Popeyes such an incredible welcome, so we’re delighted to be growing our presence in the city with a new North Bridge restaurant.

The company has not yet pinned down the exact opening date, though fit-out work is scheduled over the coming months.

Things to do in City Centre

North Bridge sits within central Edinburgh, making it easy to pair casual dining with nearby culture, shopping, and travel hubs.

• Transport: Edinburgh Waverley railway station sits at the foot of the bridge. Travellers arriving from Glasgow, Newcastle, or London can book cross-border journeys through Trainline. Lothian Buses run extensive routes over the bridge, with direct connections towards the Southside, Leith, and Princes Street.
• Restaurants & Cafes: If you want something local alongside American fast food, the surrounding closes host speciality coffee houses like The Milkman on Cockburn Street and independent bakeries tucked down Fleshmarket Close.
• Shopping: Princes Street and the St James Quarter lie just across the bridge to the north, offering high-street and designer retail, while independent bookshops, vintage clothing outlets, and printmakers populate Cockburn Street.
• Accommodation: Visitors staying centrally can browse boutique Old Town rooms and serviced apartments around the Royal Mile on Booking.com.
• Delivery: When the restaurant launches and city centre queues peak, hungry diners staying nearby can skip the pavement wait by checking menu availability for doorstep drop-offs on Deliveroo.

For your Radar

Popeyes has secured 46 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1QN for a brand-new 60-cover restaurant. Five minutes from Waverley Station, the venue will bring southern fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and Louisiana seasoning to Edinburgh’s busiest central commuter corridor. Opening dates will follow as interior fit-out plans progress.

The performance allocates roughly 8% of its runtime to the animated clips, interspersed with recorded interviews featuring the creators and composer Jeremy Zuckerman. However, the musicians undeniably anchor the evening, replacing the original recorded score in perfect sync with the action on the full-size cinema screen.

Live Orchestra and Traditional Instruments

The percussion section, featuring dominant taiko drums, demands attention at the rear of the stage. Hats off to the multi-instrumentalist who discreetly but promptly navigated the backline to hit every musical cue on time.

Visually and acoustically, the inclusion of traditional Chinese instruments stands out. The pipa, a pear-shaped wooden instrument played by plucking, provided a pronounced and beautiful melody. It sat alongside a guzheng, a traditional zither with movable bridges that resembles a horizontal harp. Both instruments firmly grounded the performance in the Asian-inspired aesthetics of the animated world.

The vocalists also delivered a demanding physical performance, carrying the score with wordless vocalisation for two straight hours. The male singers were less visibly active, prompting the conductor to jokingly suggest they were playing the kazoo (and maybe they had been!).

Story Pacing and Accessibility

You do not need to be a hardcore fan to follow the live concert. As someone who never finished the original television broadcast, I found the chronological structure highly accessible. The performance acts as a curated biography, beginning with Aang emerging from the ice and concluding with the inevitable showdown in the Fire Nation.

Because the event focuses on character and scene moments rather than episodic recaps, it serves as a fantastic introduction to the wider cast, from Toph the Earthbender to the six-legged flying bison, Appa. Even without the nostalgia trigger of recognising specific musical themes, the sheer scale of the live performance carries the night.

“If you have a geeky friend who wants to drag you to watch the Avatar concert, accept their kind offer. Be dragged. Go.” It is a long evening, but a thoroughly rewarding one. There is even a follow-up to anticipate, with The Legend of Korra concert scheduled for Edinburgh in early 2027.

Overall

The Avatar: The Last Airbender 20th Anniversary Tour transforms a beloved television show into an imposing, sensory live experience. The Usher Hall provided the perfect acoustic space for the traditional string instruments and heavy percussion to shine alongside the animation. Whether you are reliving your childhood or discovering the four nations for the first time, it is a brilliant night out.

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams have partnered with local businesses to run cross-city promotions, targeting both local residents and regional visitors. Trams resumed full service on 29 August, and the local authority is now seeking to overturn perceptions that northern Edinburgh remains cut off.

Forty thousand discounted vouchers and winter light spectacles

The campaign is divided into three phased initiatives designed to maintain momentum from autumn through the quiet late-winter period.

• More by the Shore Specials runs from 1 October to 8 November, focusing on limited-edition dishes, tasting menus, and retail promotions across Leith Walk and Newhaven. Confirmed participants include Victoria Bar, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, PekoeTea, Loud & Clear, Leith Makers, and Portal Leith.
• More by the Shore Sparkles takes over from 14 November to 3 January. This phase introduces an outdoor winter lighting installation and launches the first release of double-value itison vouchers, where shoppers pay £5 for a £10 voucher valid at participating venues.
• More by the Shore Savings covers 4 January to 28 February. This final block offers EH postcode holders an upgraded deal of £7.50 for a £15 voucher through the Forever Edinburgh Resident Rewards scheme, alongside “After 5”, an evening programme featuring live music, film screenings, and extended retail opening hours.

Victoria Bar owner Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson reported a 10% revenue drop overnight during the summer tram closure, demonstrating how dependent Leith Walk traders are on rapid transit. “The tracks are open, the deals are live, and Leith is ready for business,” Christopherson noted, pointing to Victoria Bar’s 20th anniversary programme in November and upcoming winter hygge events.

Things to do in Leith and Newhaven

Leith and the historic harbour at Newhaven offer one of Scotland’s most concentrated clusters of independent food, drink, and creative spaces.

Food and Drink: Start on Leith Walk at Victoria Bar for craft beers and seasonal cocktails, or book a tasting dram at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s spiritual home, The Vaults, situated near the Water of Leith. Seafood enthusiasts should head to Newhaven Harbour for traditional fish suppers or waterfront dining overlooking the Firth of Forth. If you are staying in local accommodation and prefer an evening in, several independent Leith kitchens deliver across the EH6 area via Deliveroo.

Shopping and Culture: Browse loose-leaf blends at PekoeTea or explore print workshops, ceramics, and textiles by Edinburgh creators at Leith Makers. Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street hosts regular flea markets and artist studios, and local illustrator Kate George, who designed the campaign’s visual map, works from the hall.

Transport: Edinburgh Trams operate every seven minutes from St Andrew Square, reaching The Shore in 17 minutes and Newhaven terminus in 27 minutes. Lothian Buses run direct routes from Portobello, Granton, and the West End. Travellers arriving into town by rail can plan journeys into Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket Station through Trainline before connecting directly to the tramline outside the station concourse. For visitors seeking to explore coastal East Lothian or Fife during their trip, vehicle hire is available nearby through Europcar.

Accommodation: Visitors can stay right on the water aboard the luxury floating hotel Fingal, berthed beside The Royal Yacht Britannia at Alexandra Dock, or choose historic boutique hotels and serviced apartments near Commercial Quay using Booking.com.

For your Radar

More by the Shore runs from 1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 across Leith Walk, The Shore, and Newhaven. Stage one restaurant and retail promotions are live immediately, while the first tranche of the 40,000 discounted itison vouchers becomes available on 14 November.

Links

• More by the Shore

Unboxing a delivery of these British-made bars reveals an unapologetically hearty treat. Each bar weighs in at 70 grams and delivers 30 grams of protein for under 300 calories, specifically clocking in at 299 calories with just a single gram of sugar. Visually, the bar looks like a dark, dense slab of chocolate-coated crispiness rather than novelty bushcraft tucker. There are no loose antennae or strange odours to worry about. It smells cleanly of cocoa and roasted nuts. This is a genuinely solid protein hit disguised as a crisp chocolate slab.

Taste and Texture

Biting through the thick exterior reveals a dense, crunchy centre that feels substantial rather than airy. The chocolate flavour is direct and grounded, neatly masking any distinctive earthiness you might anticipate from milled insect powder.

Crucially, it avoids the artificial chemical aftertaste common in high-street gym supplements although it is the first protein bar that I’d used the word “chalky” to describe. This is a solid, filling snack that takes attention to chew through. You will not find yourself mindlessly wolfing down the entire box in one sitting, which is often the temptation with softer confectionery bars from supermarket shelves. It offers real jaw work and serious staying power.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Turning the wrapper over for a closer look reveals an interesting nutritional profile. Cricket powder sits prominently among the top ingredients, delivering all nine essential amino acids alongside natural micronutrients and gut-friendly chitin fibre.

However, purists expecting pure insect protein might raise an eyebrow at the fine print. Whey protein features prominently alongside peanut butter, so this bar leans on dairy to reach its impressive 30-gram total. While not deceptive, knowing milk protein does some heavy lifting adjusts expectations for anyone expecting a single insect source. It remains an accessible bridge into alternative proteins, as long as you can tolerate dairy and nuts.

Overall

The Oko Chocolate Crunch bar delivers a hearty nutritional punch that easily beats standard confectionery bars for satiety and substance. While the presence of whey alongside cricket flour tempers the pure entomophagy claim, the taste, texture, and convenience make it a viable alternative for curious local fitness fans.

Remember, we run this database/analysis of protein bars. We’ll add Oko in due time.

Impossibrew Golden Ale Specifications

Impossibrew Appearance and Flavour Profile

The beer pours a clear, bright amber-gold with a light, frothy white head that holds briefly before settling. Visually, it looks indistinguishable from a standard cellar-pulled session ale.

On the palate, the Golden Ale leans closer to an American-style light pale than a malt-heavy British bitter. The body is relatively thin and watery compared to traditional ale, lacking the chewy malt depth or heavy hop bite of a full-strength brew. It does not mimic a stout or an IPA, settling instead into a crisp, easily drinkable profile that goes down cleanly on a quiet Thursday evening. While it does not claim the top spot among the most authentic craft beer imitators, it avoids the sweet, unfermented wort tang that plagues poorly made alcohol-free options.

Functional Ingredients and Calorie Count

Like the rest of the Impossibrew range, this ale incorporates the brand’s proprietary functional blend, which features ingredients such as Lion’s Mane mushroom, L-theanine, and ashwagandha. These nootropics aim to encourage mild relaxation and focus rather than intoxication.

Nutritionally, the Golden Ale carries roughly 10% more calories than Impossibrew’s flagship lager. While still modest enough to suit anyone cutting back on calories alongside units, the slight calorie bump does not translate into noticeable extra body or richness in the mouthfeel.

E-Commerce Delivery and Order Fulfilment

Direct orders from the brewery arrive quickly via standard courier networks. Postage and packaging fees remain fair, and the shipment arrives securely packed in a minimalist branded cardboard carton designed to hold 440ml cans firmly without rattling, dents, or transit leaks.

For £3.40 per full 440ml pint can, Impossibrew Golden Ale delivers sensible value for drinkers who want functional botanicals alongside a convincing visual pour.

Walking in without a reservation meant landing a stool at the window bench, placing diners eye-to-eye with the steady stream of sightseers and Harry Potter enthusiasts navigating the steep cobbles. Having people peer in through the glass can feel a little too close at first, but it quickly turns into first-class people-watching. Inside, the space divides neatly across two tiers: a casual ground-level bar counter with small tables, followed by a short flight of stairs leading up to a larger dining room. Warm exposed stonework, dark wood fittings, and tiled tabletops create an inviting, cosy retreat from the street outside.

The Food and Drinks

Whirlybird proves that high-traffic locations can still deliver serious, inventive cooking. The kitchen takes its time, so dishes do not arrive in a flash, but every plate justifies the wait.

The chargrilled chicken on Freedom Bakery sourdough (£12.50) is an open sandwich that nails the balance. Served cool alongside crumbled salty feta, fresh mint, sliced jalapeno, and crisp fries, the real triumph is the poached apricot. The sweet, tender fruit cuts straight through the chicken’s smoky char, turning a standard lunch plate into something memorable. Alongside, an order of chicken salt fries (£5.75) arrived hot, crunchy, and packed with savoury, addictive seasoning. Yes, I had double fries! A quick taste of the flat iron seared steak slices (£22.50), served with rocket, parmesan, and aged balsamic, confirmed equal care on the hot grill.

The drinks menu is just as considered. Beyond a strong line-up of craft beers and cocktails, the bar pays serious attention to non-alcoholic options. An alcohol-free chilli serve, presented tall with an aromatic spice rim, delivered clean heat and refreshing citrus without drowning in sugar. With vegetarian and vegan dishes clearly marked across the card alongside artisan Scottish cheeses from I.J. Mellis, the kitchen takes local sourcing seriously.

Atmosphere and Value

Victoria Street always carries the risk of tourist-trap pricing and synthetic tartan charm, but Whirlybird steers clear of both. The room smells of fresh coffee and honest cooking, striking the tone of a welcoming neighbourhood hangout rather than a pretentious dining club.

The floor team are quick on their feet, know the menu, and are happy to stop for a genuine conversation once the room settles. Prices are refreshingly grounded for this central location. Paying £12.50 for a substantial, high-grade lunch sandwich on one of the city’s most famous curved thoroughfares represents excellent value. The atmosphere feels treat-worthy without breaking the bank, making it an easy choice for celebratory dinners or showing visiting friends around town.

Things to do in the Old Town

Whirlybird makes an ideal starting point for exploring the capital’s historic heart. A short stroll down the curve brings you straight into the Grassmarket, where you will find independent vintage boutiques, weekly craft markets, and historic public squares. Walking up towards Upper Bow leads directly to Castlehill and the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Those seeking indoor culture can reach the vast exhibits and rooftop panoramic views at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street within five minutes.

Getting into the Old Town is simple on foot from Waverley Station, with cross-country train links and onward connections searchable via Trip.com. If you are planning an extended break in the capital, you can book central boutique accommodation nearby through Hotel du Vin Edinburgh on Bristo Place, or browse self-catering Old Town apartments. Anyone travelling from further afield or exploring the wider Lothians by road can arrange reliable vehicle cover with AllClear Travel Insurance before heading out into the Scottish countryside.

Overall

Whirlybird delivers vibrant cooking and relaxed hospitality to a bustling corner of the Old Town. Service can run at a leisurely pace, but the food quality, sensible pricing, and warm welcome make it a standout independent addition to Victoria Street.

The venue opened its doors ahead of the autumn season, quickly establishing itself as a natural fit for the Shore’s thriving food and drink scene. Its deep claret facade and outdoor terrace face the Water of Leith, offering a relaxed Continental spot that transitions smoothly from daytime pushchair stops to lively evening tables.

Plates, Planchettes, and the Napkin Problem

The food menu leans unapologetically into French tradition, split across sharing boards (planchettes), hot plates (plats chauds), and seafood (fruits de mer). If you plan to tackle the charcuterie and cheese boards, prepare for finger food that demands a generous supply of napkins.

The boards arrive loaded with French cheeses, cured meats, fresh crusty bread, oatcakes, butter, chutney, and drizzled honey. That honey adds a delightful sweetness against the savoury charcuterie, but it makes every bite gloriously messy. A solitary paper napkin will not cut it when tackling warm, crusty baguettes smeared with rich pâté de campagne and topped with dressed salad greens. Crusts will splinter across the table, salad leaves will take flight, and you will relish every mouthful.

Beyond the cold boards, hot dishes include a dependable Croque Monsieur, quiche Lorraine, and savoury buckwheat galettes, alongside steaming bowls of French onion soup served with bread. For daytime diners, the weekday lunch deal offers any plat chaud for £8.00 between noon and 4:00 PM, providing great value for waterfront dining.

An Approachable Wine List and Generous Space

Wine takes centre stage at Chez Bernard, presented on a comprehensive, clearly laid-out list that doesn’t intimidate newcomers. Pour sizes suit every level of thirst, from 125 ml and 175 ml glasses to 250 ml and 500 ml carafes, plus full bottles. Staff are well-drilled, quick on their feet, and happy to help decipher the French menu terms or suggest a pour if you find yourself reaching for Google Lens to translate fruits de mer.

Red wine enthusiasts will find accessible French staples alongside Italian guests, such as a velvety Merlot Syrah blend from Vignerons Ardéchois labelled as “Bernard’s favourite,” an organic Primitivo from Puglia, and an earthy Côtes du Rhône La Grange de Piaugier. Pricing remains fair across the board, balancing everyday drinking with premium vintages without waterfront gouging.

The interior layout takes full advantage of the spacious former pizza restaurant footprint. Wide aisles and banquette seating provide ample room for prams, pushchairs, and family groups during the early afternoon. As night falls, candlelight and warm wall sconces reset the atmosphere for couples, mature parties, and visitors looking for a glass of wine before dinner.

Things to do in Leith

The Shore remains one of Edinburgh’s premier maritime and dining destinations, packed with independent businesses and cultural stops.

• Attractions & Culture: Take a short stroll along the historic waterfront quays to the Custom House, explore the cobbled streets of Old Leith, or walk up to Ocean Terminal to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
• Transport: Reaching the Shore is straightforward thanks to the Edinburgh Trams extension, which stops directly at the Shore tram stop a few paces away. Lothian Bus routes 16, 22, and 35 also serve the immediate neighbourhood.
• Shopping & Exploring: Wander along Leith Walk and Commercial Street to browse independent wine merchants, antique shops, and local bakeries.
• Accommodation: Visitors looking to stay right by the water can reserve nearby boutique rooms at Malmaison Edinburgh or explore waterfront apartments through Booking.com. Those planning wider road trips across Scotland can arrange vehicle pickup through Auto Europe.

Overall

Chez Bernard fits the Shore like a glove, delivering a welcoming wine bar and bistro that sidesteps pretension. Come for the well-curated wines, stay for the charcuterie, and simply remember to ask the staff for extra napkins.