FOOD : Innis & Gunn, Edinburgh - Bottomless Steak and Frites
What pairs with beer? Well it’s a little bit more scientific and particular than you would expect, breaking down types of beer – pale ales, lagers, sour beers, porters, stout and pilsners and pairing them accordingly to a perfect food that either enhances or contrasts the flavours.
It’s even more difficult to pair with great food when you have a menu as large as that which you will find at Innis and Gun Taprooms. With over 50 craft, draft and bottled beer; they definitely needed a dish that would hit all the notes of savoury, sweet, salty and umami to be able for customers to lick their lips in delight and keep coming back for more.
They’ve managed this with their Steak Frites, that have returned after great success in 2023.
REVIEW OF STEAK FRITES AT INNIS & GUNN TAPROOM, EDINBURGH
Innis & Gunn Taproom is located on Lothian Road and although it looks small from the outside, it’s a mighty space inside with plenty of large tables and benches. You might find yourself sharing with others though. They have live music on weekends and welcome well behaved dogs!
Most of the staff are friendly and helpful with several check backs and topping up of drinks. We headed out on a Wednesday night and it was extremely busy, so I would definitely encourage you to book a table if you are going to eat.
But lets get back to the amazing deal that is Steak Frites.
For seven days a week you can enjoy their Steak Frites for £19.95.
For this you’ll start with a glass of The Original with the chef’s starter and then a chargrilled 35 day dry aged Scottish steak, garlic butter fries and The Original steak sauce. The fries are bottomless so you can ask for as many as you want whilst you can dine on a second steak at no extra charge! I reckon this is a foodie bargain of note.
To start, our Bruschetta Bite was tasty. Piled high with a finely diced tomato salsa, drizzled with balsamic atop a thin crunchy bread base. Not a crumb or morsel was left.
Soon after washing down the Bruschetta with large glugs of beer, the Steak Frites arrived. Lying between the thin crispy well seasoned, garlic butter fries, and the tender chargrilled 35 day dry aged Scottish steak, lay a valley of The Original Beer steak sauce; almost like a very mild extremely creamy pepper sauce. Fries bring the crunch, steak brings soft succulent umami and the sauce brings it all together in a luxurious hug.
We ordered a side of Charred Hispi Cabbage with red wine jus glaze and crispy onions (£7). This was utterly gorgeous. And the Salt and Vinegar Onion Rings (£6) - crunchy with soft sweet silky soft onions inside.
The Vegan/Vegetarian offer is Mushroom Steak Frites - herb and applewood crumbed flat cap mushrooms with garlic ‘butter’ fries and a red wine jus for £17.95
This truly is the perfect pairing with beer so I’ m off to enjoy another steak and a Mango on the Run!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT INNIS AND GUNN TAPROOM, EDINBURGH
• They do cater for vegans and vegetarians
• They are dog friendly
• They serve spirits and wines too, not just beers
• They are wheelchair accessible
Innis and Gunn Taproom, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AW www.innisandgunn.com/taprooms/edinburgh/city-centre
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Angles Share to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
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