Recommended restaurant: The Steading

FOR family friendly, laid-back dining, The Steading is well worth a visit.

With off-street parking, large conservatories, a huge beer garden and outdoor play space for children, this restaurant/bar has everything you would expect from a family-oriented pub.

Aside from this, the food is good and reasonably priced, with a new summer menu having just been introduced.

Located at the foot of the Hillend dry ski slope and therefore only a few miles from the city centre, The Steading was taken over by Maclay Inns two years ago, under the management of Willie Storie.

Its large lawned area is a favourite with diners who can enjoy a meal or drink while marvelling at the skiers on the slopes.

The new menu offers traditional Scottish fayre and contemporary European dishes. Starters include chicken goujons served with a sweet chilli dip (4.50), and Scottish smoked salmon served with brown bread, capers and a wedge of lemon (5.50).

Mains boast the likes of lemon and pepper chicken with mixed leaves, tomato and cucumber coated in a light basil dressing (8.50), and chorizo and spinach penne in a lightly spiced cream tomato sauce, served with garlic bread (8.50).

The dessert menu is worth a look, with the likes of vanilla cheesecake (4.25) and apple and blackberry crumble served with cream or ice cream (4.25) for the sweet-toothed among us.

Lighter bites are also served and diners can make the most of a two-course menu for 7.95 (Monday to Thursday).

The Steading, 118-120 Biggar Road, 0131 445 1128, www.thesteadingedinburgh.co.uk