Joseph Pearce — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Let's start with positives, lovely, cosy bar. Unfortunately that's all on the positive side. We went there with couple of my friends for some drinks and food on a cold evening. We ordered some mulled wine and received it in small and only half full glasses. The mulled wine itself was ok so we wanted to order it again but we were told it was finished. I asked the waiter if they were going to make more and he said no. So we ordered hot toddy which was tasteless and lacked honey. Few minutes later we saw a mulled wine being served to another table by the same waiter so we asked if it was available again and we were told yes to the contrary what we were told a few minutes earlier. It is ok he might have not known, but when he found out they have it again it would have been nice of him to tell us.

We decided to get some food and ordered meatballs, meat and vegan version. When we got the food no one came to ask if everything was ok. Vegan were ok but nothing special but the meaty mealballs tasted absolutely horrible, so all I ate from my meal was the mashed potatoes. Even though I left all the meatballs the waiter didn't ask if there was anything wrong with it. So as he was collecting the plates I told him I haven't eaten any of meatballs as they tasted horrible, he did not apologise and wasn't bothered at all, all he said was that he will pass this message to the chef, there was no intention to offer me something else to compensate for this. When we asked for the bill the meatballs were still there so I had to ask for them to be removed, which the waiter kindly did which I appreciate but I shouldn't have to ask for it. Having spent years during my uni years in hospitality, I can tell staff seriously lacks training, communication and cooking skills... I will...

Ok. So let me begin with saying, we ordered for delivery, the first 3 times we've ordered from JP was delicious, (except the soggy chips round 2 3 and 4 that taste like their oil needs changing) Cut to the 4th, 5th and 6th chances... (I know it would see we are gluttons for punishment) But, we really liked the Goujons (especially our littles) and thought it was a safe bet while quarantining and then moving house. Doordash is fast and expedient - but this is a hit and miss establishment that is best suited to in-person dining I think. The last 3 times there have been pretty major issues. 1st order was burnt - like seriously burnt. 2nd order, was served with watery aioli that was basically wet mayo and now our most recent order - the Goujons came with sprinkled cheese, that had melted and coagulated in and along with not having steam holes, that then captured the wet all over the Goujons.... so wet and cheesy. Not a good look. Had we been in house, maybe this unrequested add-on would have been more welcome - if it is a menu change, it needs to be noted. I am sad about all of this because we really felt that we had found a consistent local spot to satisfy our crunch urges. 3 times is usually our meter. If someplace can deliver 3 times we know they have a good kitchen staff and proper managerial staff - but this is truly unacceptable and they were told after round 1 mistakes, 2 and 3. It isn't enough to return someone's money - you must correct for the mistakes - if they keep happening. This is a far bigger issue. Hope they get it handled. It was super...

Picture this: you walk on your way from Leith to Edinburgh, gasping, frothing at the mouth for the last taste of proper fish and chips before you hit the big smoke.

With these fish and chips, paired with the Finnish classic of Hartwall's Long Drink, you just know you're in for something truly special.

Making itself known at first is the chips, best eaten hot, retaining their fluffy inside and crispy outside prefect for dipping or honestly, just a delight by themselves. And Im not just saying this, many places will claim to have these attrobutes but none can claim to do them justice - many such cases!

The peas serve as a perfect complement to the big two "fish" and "chips", mint is strewn between them with salt making itself known throughout this chorus of the culinary high life.

Last of all, the fish, the mainstay, the headline act. Coming in loud and proud with a bold beer batter that warns you that this will live in your tastebuds for life. But then comes the fish itself, such beauty in vulnerability and power in freshness - thats what its for, to comfort you.

Rest assured I will be back, proclaiming the good news of the fish, chips and lonkero from the hills.

Smoking area at the front on sunny days and quick links to the tram...