The WestRoom, Melville Place, 11/03/11, ££

The WestRoom is an interesting wee space. It's an L-shaped cocktail-bar-cum-gastropub: well-lit, well-dressed and well-priced. From the people who brought you Sygn and Monteiths, the WestRoom is suited to being open all day (from 8am) - fresh in the morning, relaxed at lunch and cosy in the evening.

Miss Twin had: Posh pigs in blanket with mash £8, lemonade and lime

Miss Twin: The ‘posh pigs in blankets’ consisted of two large sausages of the day (beef and chilli, and possibly ginger) wrapped in a slice of bacon each. They were cooked just right (when I make ‘pigs’ the bacon usually ends up too crispy) and sat on a bed of creamy mash accompanied by some thickish gravy.

The chilli in the sausages did give the dish an extra kick which was welcome – sausage and mash is usually a pretty inoffensive dish, which can border on boring. I always assume that pub mash is microwaved from those frozen pellets caterers use, but if it was it tasted just fine.

The food was unspectacular but tasty enough and the surroundings boosted the dining experience. Over sized fixtures and fittings such as a giant mirror, huge light shades, a shiny bar area and the oversized chalkboard menu’s were all nice touches, as were the mints with the bill.

Mrs Fish had: Fish and chips in a bag, pickled onions and chippy sauce, tap water

Mrs Fish: Well they weren't 'in a bag', but these were the tastiest fish and chips I've had for a while. The batter was crunchy and golden, the chips were chunky with a crisp skin, the mini pickled onions were sweet and sharp and the chippy sauce was better than the real thing, fruity and a perfect portion. The 'bag' (piece of paper) got in the way a bit and tore unless one was genteel with one's cutlery (nope), but I wasn't too bothered by this because the food tasted so good.

The bar really is a nice space, if not slightly squished and the cocktail menu definitely warrants further exploration (when I'm feeling flush).

Entered, seated and drinks order taken at 1300
Ordered food at 1310
Food arrived at 1325
Food finished at 1335
Paid and left at 1340