A Room in the West End

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £11.95 (set lunch)
   £23 (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.10 per bottle
• BYOB: £2; wine only corkage

• High point: A fantastic atmosphere beneath the feet of West End revellers
• Low point: Sometimes it's best to keep it simple
• Food served: Mon-Sun noon-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm
• Bar open: Mon-Sat 11am-1am; Sun 12.30pm-1am
• Open since: 2001
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu), Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Pre-theatre menu

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

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Try not to miss this cosy bistro, tucked round a corner of trendy West End William Street and beneath Teuchtars Bar. It is worth finding for its Scottish menu and vibrant atmosphere. Inspired by sister restaurant A Room in the Town, the ambitious menu doesn't work quite as well here, with an over-doused in lime zest and dill swordfish loin making a rather bitter starter. Overall, though, the food is still very good for the style of place, with a partan bree - that's crab soup in Scots - working much better as a light first course. In winter, some organically sourced venison beautifully cooked and unusually combined with haggis creates a seasonal feel as the most extravagant main, as does a duck breast with a not over-powering maple and thyme glaze. Dark wood half-panelled walls smarten up this basement venue, which is very nicely done out in yellow and green shades with comfortable seating across two rooms. Cute little two-seater alcoves at the back are ideal for the romantically inclined. The menu changes regularly to reflect the time of year, but look out for the ever-present banoffee pie, a must for anyone who loves lashings of fresh cream.