Monster Mash

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

Monster Mash is an Edinburgh institution serving up Great British classics with a side order of nostalgia, great service and not a drop of pretention. Formica-topped tables are adorned with squeezy bottles of ketchup and HP while black and white tiles cover the floor. As the name suggests, sausage and mash is the main speciality. Check the specials blackboard for a choice of different varieties, including a vegetarian option, sausage of the day and the monster sausage – a classic herby pork number which tastes exactly as it should. Choose from plain, mustard or champ mash and finish with gravy ranging from classic brown to caramelised onion. The menu also features favourites such as chicken and ham pie, shepherd's pie and creamy macaroni cheese topped with sliced tomato, just like your granny used to make. The list of desserts reads like something straight out of your childhood: banana split, knickerbocker glory and arctic roll with tinned peaches. Creamy milkshakes and ice-cream floats adorn the drinks list alongside beers, wine and even champagne. Finish off with Tetley tea served in a mug and get over-excited when the bill arrives with a handful of Black Jacks. Excellent value.

• High point: Like a retro dinner at your granny's
• Low point: You come away smelling as though you've been eating in the kitchen