Tempus
- Food served: Mon–Sun noon-–9.30pm.
- Pre-theatre times: Sun–Thu 5–7pm.
- Bar open: Mon–Sun 11am–1am.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 15
- Private dining: Up to 100 covers
- No. overnight rooms: 249
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Live music
- Music on stereo: Nothing (contemporary music from bar audible)
- Capacity: 200
- Largest group: 100
- Open since: 2006
- Average price:
£15 (lunch)
£21 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £14.95
- House wine: £16.95 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Get on your gladdest rags and fight your way through the post-work pin-stripes in the bar of the George Hotel to its grandiose dining hall, where tweed-kilted waiters tend to celebratory groups and hotel residents of a certain age. Under a domed ceiling and mighty chandeliers, a marble-topped table just made for perching with champagne and oysters sits centre stage. The opulent setting and professional presentation of almost-faultless food promises a truly fine dining experience. Tiny but important touches detract, like the overbearing presence of the noisy bar and the fact that no-one offers to take your coat. That said, the Auld Alliance brasserie menu is full of temptations. To start, perhaps an oatmeal-crumbed haggis, or a spot-on smooth carpaccio of beef. To follow, simply pan-fried bream is superbly matched with its tangy shoal of brown shrimp and capers, fishcakes are fulsomely fishy, and classic battered cod comes stylised with a Jenga stack of chips. Finish on a high with passion fruit brûlée or wonderful warm chocolate torte teamed with pistachio ice cream.
- High point: Fine dining in a grand setting
- Low point: Noisy bar hard to ignore
Reviews of Tempus (25 George Street, Edinburgh)
- 1. R Dineen, edinburgh – 30 November 2008, 9:59am
TempusReport -
this is a style over substance venue. went there last night, sat down a 7.45 and 8.15 was finally seen by the waitress. 8.40 the wine appeared and by ten past nine our mains turned up (no starters brought). no apologies for the delay or explanation. the food was not even that great... considering the prices they charge. they give the impression they are fine dining with none of the add ons that is meant to give. chair pulled out, coats taken. not even willing to give this place a second chance... wont be going here again and dont suggest you go to experience it. Unless, that is, you like style over substance.. if that is the case, go along and knock your socks off. It will be your type of place.
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