Leftfield: One of Edinburgh’s Best

We first discovered LEFTFIELD six years ago, arriving deeply hungover. Walking, talking, even breathing seemed a struggle. But thanks to food, wine, and hospitality SO fabulous, we were soon revived from the brink of death. Now having returned many, MANY times since, we still think it’s one of Edinburgh’s best.

To give both our first visit and one’s level of debauchery a little context: the previous evening had allegedly been a sophisticated affair. A teensy glass or three of fizz, a quick bite, and then off to the ballet.

But perhaps a little over-excited by the muscular men in tights, we eventually asked the most dangerous question of all for a social bitch: Cheeky nightcap??

So now, on about four hours sleep, and with an ambulance on speed-dial, we’ve joined two of our closest friends for a long, liquid lunch, and are happily relying upon the restorative powers of a South African Chenin Blanc generously poured.

We’re also enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, and unobstructed views of Bruntsfield Links. But a sight even more pleasing, is the lush menu, which inspires us to dive into a faultless Chicken Liver pate with red onion marmalade & toasted focaccia.

Despite it being a dish we’ve indulged in elsewhere – and often – somehow this feels virginal, like we’ve been touched for the very first time. We oooh, we ahhhhh, and we take huge comfort from its super smooth texture, and oh-so rich taste.

Like a fatty-boom-boom take on Oliver Twist, possibly with a drinking problem, our immediate verdict is: please sir, can we have some more??

Which soon inspires a dazzling array of Crispy Fried Squid with sriracha mayo, Loch Fyne Oysters accompanied by a life-changing walnut salsa, and a teensy nibble on a friend’s vegetable pakora [ not a euphemism ] – all of which are stunning.

Moments later, we’re also asking what’s not to adore about Ribeye reared in the Scottish Borders, aged for a minimum of 28 days, and accompanied by chunky chips, watercress & truffle oil, plus a truly wonderful brandy & peppercorn sauce.

With these sumptuous, tender steaks cooked to medium rare perfection, all traces of hang-over have all but vanished. In their place, an undeniable thirst – cue a third, maybe fourth bottle of chenin blanc – and a rather insistent need for pudding.

Soon, the gorgeous Lemon Tart strikes a delicious balance between sour and sweet; the Strawberries & Elderflower Gin, well, come to daddy; and our absolute fave – as suggested it would be by our lovely waitress – is the stunning Eastern Mess.

Reimagining this classic dessert with absolute panache, it now joyously combines meringue, cream pistachio, rose petals and orange curd to breathtaking effect. This, mother-f**kers, is artistry!

Clearly this beautiful, beautiful meal – and yet another chenin blanc currently en route – are the just beginning of a beautiful friendship. We’re thinking LEFTFIELD might well be a place where we’ll be spending a lot of time …

Six Years Later …

Well bitches, we were definitely on the money!

So many wonderful meals, and of course hundreds bottles of wine, have since been shared – here at LEFTFIELD – by us and our fabulous friends. Though while the menu and even decor has seen many changes, it seems our behaviour hasn’t changed one jot. What follows, a more recent visit, where yet again we’ve arrived DEEPLY hungover …

Though before these drunken, rather hoarse bitches one can even try to gasp the word champagne, Rachel [ one of our gorgeous hosts ] has already poured us a glass. Seriously Rach, LOVE your work!

But despite our much-earned, and utterly accurate reputation, we’re here not just for a shedload to drink, and of course eat, we’re also eager to glimpse Leftfield’s cheeky makeover. Though spoiler alert: it’s FAB-U-LOUS!

Now as one crosses the threshold, there’s a gorgeous new bar which embraces the wonderful, and today miraculously sunny views of the Links. It’s a perfect and rather relaxed setting, hint hint, for an another glass of fizz … Rachel’s already on it.

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Anyhoo … the ceilings have been raised, character features revealed, and the neutral colour scheme gone for good.

Now the walls boast a sumptuous shade of deep, deep blue – perhaps with just a teensy hint of green – and we LOVE the drama.

This bold decor confidently announces THIS will be an experience of unforgettable food, and wine-soaked good times. Speaking of which …

We are suddenly hal- way through a rather refreshing bottle of vinho verde, and yet again enjoying the delights of that superb Crispy Squid, along with – and just as tantalising – the Smoked Haddock Fishcake with celeriac remoulade.

Hot on its delicious heels, Slow-cooked Beef Brisket with those epic chunky chips, followed by the Raspberry Polenta Cake, the incredible Miso Caramel & Chocolate Tart, and perhaps – if one can find room – even a cheeky cheeseboard.

Ahhhh … how lovely it is to be back at Leftfield we say, raising our overly full glasses. Here’s to Chef Phil [ also a gorgeous host, married to Rachel ] no one quite cures a hangover as deliciously, or effectively, as he.