The Botanist
The Botanist is a popular chain in the UK, known for its botanical interiors and their creative cocktails. They recently opened a spot in Edinburgh’s city centre so I went along to see how the Sunday lunch menu holds up against similar locations nearby.
You’ll find The Botanist at the St James Quarter, just beside the “Leith Street Eats” section. When you enter, the staff are super on the ball and will take you upstairs to the dining area, straight past the dark and cosy downstairs drinking area. This would be the perfect place to sit afterwards as they have live music and cracking drinks!
Their “Great Sunday roast” menu is priced* at:
- 1 course – £17.95
- 2 courses – £23.50
- 3 courses – £29.50
Because we couldn’t resist, we ended up ordering a starter each to share between the table. Their houmous, although not as smooth as I personally prefer it to be, is delicious and served inside a gardening tool alongside some flatbread.
We also shared the calamari which is presented so beautifully. I wouldn’t say it’s the best calamari I’ve ever tried but for a chain restaurant, it’s pretty great. Crispy and fresh — just how it should be!
Now, for the roast, there are five different options to choose from meaning there should be something for everyone. It’s important to note they did have one option which is both vegetarian and vegan.
I chose the Roast Sirloin of beef and my partner ordered the Slow Roasted Honey Glazed Pork Belly. These both came with a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes maple glazed carrots and minted greens. I can’t say for sure how these would be served if only one person was ordering the roast. However, as there were two of us the vegetables came beautifully served on a wooden board to share which also had a pot of pesto and an extra jug of gravy each.
The meat was tender as can be and there was just the perfect amount. The Yorkshire pudding was light and fluffy, with the right amount of crisp, and the gravy was delicious. The other veg was nice too but the greens were nothing to rave over and the roast potatoes could have been much crispier.
With that being said, it was still a lovely roast dinner that I’d happily go back for at some point. There was also an option to add on sides to share such as cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets which sound great. Considering The Botanist is a chain, the value for money here is pretty reasonable…plus the setting in itself is so vibrant yet cosy — perfect to enjoy a lazy Sunday roast.
*Prices are correct at the time of posting
- The Botanist
- St Andrew's House, St James Quarter, Little King St, Edinburgh EH1 3AR
- 0131 322 2205
- www.thebotanist.com
- Walk-ins or reservations
- £20pp+
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