Spit/Fire
26b Dublin Street,
Edinburgh
What is it: This former nightclub has been transformed into a two-floor celebration of meat and beer. This is the second venue of the owners of the capitals trail-blazing Hanging Bat on Lothian Road. When you enter, it is like stepping into a hip Brooklyn warehouse, with exposed brick, blue wall tiles, wooden panelling, concrete floors alongside cool glass lighting, deerskin seat covers and some great uses of empty barrels and kegs (check out the keg urinals, if you're a bloke).
Verdict: In the couple of months it's been open, Spit/Fire seems to have built up a steady and loyal following. There are lots of nice touches and the staff here are knowledgeable and ready to give you the best experience they can. This is the type of place you would start in on a pub crawl and end up not leaving.
Drink: A constantly changing selection of beers, including some interesting brands, and staff are fully equipped to take you through the finer details. There is also a great selection of over 60 wines. I tried a really tasty beer from Beavertown Brewery called The Gose Strikes Back.
Food: They have really upped their game on food here compared to their sister venue, The Hanging Bat. There are still some great barbecue classics alongside more refined dishes such as the beer-brined mushroom risotto with pickled walnuts and blue cheese, which was delicious and priced at £9.50.
Price: Pretty good prices for this part of town.
Alfresco: I couldn't see any area out back but there is plenty of space out front.
Children: Kids welcome if dining upstairs.
Avoid if: You prefer fine dining to fun and casual.
Perfect for: Grabbing some proper "dude food" upstairs then heading downstairs for the best beer and most diverse selection in town.
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