Lunchtime in Leith is a Shore-fire hit

Published on Tuesday 10 October 2006 16:31

lso Bar

Bernard Street

Leith

0131-467 8904

AFTER a bracing Sunday morning stroll along the Water of Leith, peckish ramblers in Edinburgh's port are spoiled for choice.

In fact, you would be forgiven for imagining that every other doorway on The Shore leads to an establishment serving food, whether it be pub grub, pizza or fine dining.

Stray around the corner from the water front to Bernard Street, however, and you'll find the best of both worlds at Iso Bar, where a selection of main courses ranging from all-day breakfasts to gourmet burgers, and from filled bagels to steaks, await in a sophisticated, yet informal atmosphere, ideal for whiling away a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Although Iso Bar looks small from the outside, first impressions can be deceiving. Sleek wood panelling, mirrored walls and a fashionable retro colour scheme stretch beyond the narrow bar to open out into a cosy, but surprisingly spacious, seated area dominated by a long communal "dinner table", flanked on one side by three intimate booths, and on the other by ultra-modern high chairs and tables straight out of Land of the Giants.

Climb the small staircase at the back of the bar and you will find the Iso Lounge, a more chilled area, perfect for leisurely lunches that are likely to run late into the afternoon.

As for the food? Well, the traditional roast might be absent, but it is not missed. The all-day breakfast (6.50), full or vegetarian, has become a favourite, as have Iso's cream cheese and bacon toasted bagels (3.95).

For those looking for something more substantial, starters include a smoked salmon and potato scone tower, with lemon creme fraiche (4.50) followed by anything from rib-eye steak with garlic butter, served with french fries (7.95), to pork and leek sausages on a bed of mash and topped with red onion marmalade (6.75), or a gourmet burger made from the finest beef with blue cheese bacon (6.75).

Drinks too aren't too pricy, with a glass of wine coming in at 2.95 and a pint of lager costs 2.50, the same as a vodka and coke.

It seems the climate's always just right for a lazy Sunday at Iso Bar.