We had quite a bit of time to kill while waiting for the all-clear to board our train to Edinburgh. That was on me; I didn't know how busy the station would be, or how long it'd take us to walk from our hotel, so we left too early.
I had initially thought we'd have to make a dinner out of crisps and soda from the WH Smith inside the station, as our First Class train tickets didn't include a meal, and it looked like all the restaurants inside the station were closed. But, we did a quick door check (if it opens, they're open!) at Ness & Thistle, and were happy to find the door opened.
We got a table near the windows, where we could keep an eye on the departures board. There were two women working the bar that night, and one came out with menus and water. I really hate that I didn't get her name, because she was so fantastic.
At any rate, I wasn't starving, but as our train stopped in Edinburgh after midnight, I knew I would need some kind of sustenance. After reviewing the menu, I picked the Mac n Cheese meal. I thought it sounded like a good, small meal. My husband chose the Battered Fish & Chips.
I had a chance to take in the surroundings as we waited for our food. The interior is a lot...fancier...than I'd expected, given it's inside a train station. There are a few comfy looking overstuffed benches, as well as an inviting bar area. They allow enough space for luggage between tables, which is key for an establishment like this. The bathroom was nice and clean, as well.
So, remember how I ordered the Mac n Cheese because I thought it'd be a small meal? Nope! I had to laugh when our sweet waitress brought our meals to the table. The mac was smothered in ooey, gooey cheese, and served with a side of chips and garlic bread. I barely made a dent in the mac! My husband tried to help out, but we never even got through half of the meal. I felt like such a wasteful person because I couldn't take it with me (4 hours on a train and into a hotel room with an uncertain fridge status). Still, the mac was very tasty. The cheese oozed, which I loved, and there was an extra zip to the sauce that spiced it up so that it was more than just a regular cheese sauce.
My husband finished most of his meal, but I think he hit his "fried food threshold" about halfway through. The fish was expertly fried, and it came with chips (duh) and peas. He did finish off the fish and most of the peas but left a large pile of chips on his plate. He said it was some of the best fried fish he's had.
We were pleasantly surprised by the meal, and by the service. And, before we left, we were shocked at how busy they got so late at night. There were four different parties posted up at the tables and benches by the time we left, all of them looking like they were ready to party. read more