Venue Review: The Cafe Royal, Edinburgh

Time of visit​12.30pm, Saturday

Status​Scottish Courage managed house

Location​Off Princes Street.

Clientele​Mix of tourists, old boys knocking back the Guinness and oysters and Guardian readers having a leisurely browse.

Interior​One of Edinburgh's finest examples of Victorian architecture.

Menu​The extensive snacks and starter bar menu included dressed crab in shell (£5.50), kipper pate and hot toast (£4.50), lobster bisque (£3.50), in addition to a cheese platter (£4.25), French onion soup (£2.75) and topped arrabiata flavoured fries (£2.45). Sandwiches ranged from honey roast ham with mustard (£2.45) to hot beef and onion with horseradish and gravy (£3.45). Mains included sausage and mash (£4.25) - two pork and leek sausages served with mashed potato and onion gravy. Steak, kidney and barley wine pie topped with a pastry lid and served with mustard mashed potatoes (£6.25). Herbed baby chicken (£7.25) - spatchcock chicken roasted with herbs, served with chips and topped with garlic mayonnaise. Deserts - bramley apple and cinnamon sultana sponge served with custard (£1.95), lemon tart drizzled with chocolate fudge sauce (£2.75) and coffee and ice cream cake (£2.45)

Food​For the main course I chose clam chowder, while the significant other ordered sausage and mash. For a starter to share, we plumped for the cheese platter served with cheddar and stilton, crusty bread, grapes and chutney. Significant other complained the mash tasted like it was 'processed', while the starter arrived late with the main meal.

Service​Friendly and polite.

Verdict​Food was enjoyable but not outstanding. However, we returned again thanks to the relaxed ambiance, stunning decor and friendly staff.

Rating​ ***