Apero

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £7 (lunch)
   £2--6 (snacks only) (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.50 per bottle

• High point: Good quality, well-priced house champagne
• Low point: Still making some of the finishing touches
• Food served: Sun-Mon 11am-10pm
• Bar open: Sun-Mon 11am-10pm
• Open since: Dec 2006
• Also offers: Childrens portions

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Edinburgh deserves a dedicated champagne bar and that's what it got when Apero opened its doors in December 2006. Everything about this new operation is stylish, from the presentation to the service, so that customers can relax in the 80s-feel interior, complete with black leather sofas and Perspex furnishings, and sip on generous glasses of perfectly-chilled fizz. To say that the drinks menu is extensive may be a slight understatement - there are 20 champagnes to consider in varying price ranges, as well as beers, wines, spirits and cocktails with or without champagnes. Food is available, too, with continental pastries on offer for breakfast and a French-themed, home-cooked menu at lunchtimes, with soups, baguettes and a plat du jour. In the evenings, food plays second fiddle to the drinks menu, with a selection of nibbles, breads (go for authentic garlic bread or moreish pain aux tomates), continental snacks and a couple of sweet options rather than a full meal. If you're heading out in a group it might be worth calling ahead to request a selection of mini-sandwiches and canapés.