I think one of my favourite things, aside from clothing and a little bit of sunshine, is some really good food and drink. There are some great options out there at the minute with new spots opening almost daily. Here at The Gentleman Select, its always fun suggesting restaurants and bars to try and recently I was lucky enough to visit one such place I would thoroughly recommend, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen in Edinburgh.
Situated on the capital’s stunning George Street, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen has an interior that will instantly grab your attention the minute you walk through the doors. Gleaming crystal chandeliers and enchanting gold trim create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. On entering, I was greeted by general manager Andrew Lennie who led us up to the bar area to be seated. Indeed the bar itself is cosy and well stocked with pretty much every spirit you could desire. In a short time we began chatting with one of the very knowledgeable bar staff who was going to take us through a delightful little gin sampling with the cocktail of the month. This delightful drink was made using The Lakes Gin, a fragrant combination of botanicals such as juniper, lemon citrus and orange peel mixed to perfection with Luxardo resulting is the most refreshing, zesty cocktail, almost like lemon sherbet in a glass. Whilst there our bar host also introduced the very special Principal Gin. As you may or may not be aware, The Principal Hotel is actually connected to the delightful Printing Press Bar & Kitchen hence the name of the spirit itself. What’s fascinating is the gin was created by Ray Clynick who actually has a masters in chemical biology and decided to focus his attention on creating gin instead of pursuing a career in the afore mentioned discipline. Very good news for us indeed as this gin also tastes epic.
Following our cocktail of the month, we made our way to the very grand main dining area to try out the new A la carte menu by executive chef Colin Fleming. Browsing the menu, there was many delicious dishes on offer, from fish to meat and vegetarian options, there is something available for everyone.
A short while later, I settled for the classic fish and chips with my other half going for the wellington pork chop with bacon and onion spelt. Whilst we waited it gave us a little time to sit back and admire the buildings beautiful decor. Indeed number 25 George Street, the location of The Printing Press was actually home to acclaimed novelist Susan Ferrier in the 1780’s before her descendants along with those of one John Oliphant, went on to found Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier one of the most prestigious publishing houses in Scotland.
After some chatting about the grand surroundings and the potent gin cocktail beginning to take effect, our food arrived. Simply put, it was delicious. Often you tend to get a piece of fish which is so caked in batter it becomes a struggle to find the fish in the first place. Not here, the chef had this spot on and along with some tasty garnish and hand cooked chips, this dish was superb. Of course I must confess that when my other half became defeated by the succulent pork chop which she ordered, I duly offered to help out and devour the remainder of the portion. Cooked to perfection, it was juicy and had the most tremendous flavour with all the elements in the dish working in harmony. A real treat on the palate.
Suitably stuffed, we sat back to let our lunch settle before making our move to say goodbye to the very helpful staff and bar manager Andrew who was very engaging and insightful throughout the visit.
As a bar and restaurant The Printing Press is a venue well worth visiting. Whether this is a date for two or a large family gathering on a Sunday afternoon, it should be at the top of your list. For the gin connoisseurs out there, as well as many other spirits, there is an abundance to choose from and for those who are looking for a delicious meal cooked by a very talented kitchen, this place will provide it. My recommendation is call into The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen Edinburgh next time you are in the area and order the signature cocktail. I’am certain it won’t disappoint.
