To say that Spit/Fire has been eagerly anticipated is an understatement. The guys behind Lothian Road’s quality beer destination, The Hanging Bat have arrived on Dublin Street with their second unit and they’ve gone to town with a full makeover to create a split-level concept of ‘Spit’, the restaurant-y bit, and ‘Fire’ a basement beer bar. Upstairs, the interior is impressive with a premium stocked gantry, filament bulb wine glass light fittings and heated tiled seats. Downstairs is a hideaway den offering bar snacks and a proudly curated selection of beers from near and far.
Louise and I went for eats on a Monday night to check it out. Towards the back of the ground floor is the feature rotisserie oven, where most of the meat and and veggies are cooked for big flavour and of course tempting smells and visuals for those sitting nearby.
The menu features meat as a primary focus, which is perhaps why our eyes ended up being bigger than our stomachs. We shared an oversized bowl of baked eggs(£5) , which were like a rich creamy, chowder of sweetcorn, chicken, salty bacon and a big runny egg yolk in the middle. Another starter of Korean pulled beef cheeks (£6), had a crispy crumb and boasted tender shredded meat with aromatic seasoning, served with a hot-sauce mayo and a welcome element of freshness for the palate from a fennel salad.
If mains were an episode of (wo)man v. food, we would have failed somewhat. A half rotisserie chicken (£11.95, quarter and whole options also available) was the star, deliciously succulent meat, a tasty stuffing I think with chestnuts and bacon, and a herbed gravy to run all over the generic but suitably crisp accompanying skinny fries. The other main of roast beef (£12.50), was a bit overdone and came with dairy-laden mashed tatties, caramelised shallots, braised red cabbage and a jus that was too concentrated. A side of rotisserie carrots, neeps and parsnips were sweet wintery root perfection and a necessary foil to the hearty beef dish.
Before rolling out the door, we shared a slice of after-eight-eqsue chocolate mint cake (£5) from Lovecrumbs, which had a stale bland chocolate pastry casing, but rather good ganache filling.
With a bit of menu refinement (them) and restraint (me), a future visit promises even better things.
Delighted to see your post. I’ve been dying to read about and see some of Spitfires offerings. Its definitely on my hit list now!! Looks so good!!
I totally ran out of space on the review, but the selection of wines is fantastic too! Well worth a visit.
Hi Leila,
I found your blog and it looks very nice, I work for Holyrood Partnership, a PR agency based in Edinburgh and we are working on a project that might interest you.
Edinburgh and West Lothian based Eagle Couriers is running a Mother’s Day competition which may be of interest to your blog/article writing and your audience.
They’re celebrating 30 years in business next week – and to tie in with Mother’s Day are asking son’s and daughters to nominate their mums.
The winning 30 entries will see their mums get delivery of a box of Thorntons chocolates and a bunch of flowers hand delivered by an Eagles driver.
One of the cherished 30 will receive a hamper, donated by Thorntons.
I hope this is of interest to you, Perhaps your readers would like to nominate their mums?
Many thanks,
Chris Fairbairn
Holyrood PR
0131 561 2238
Dear Chris
thanks for the message- apologies regarding the delayed reply. I was on hols and then had some technical issues with the blog. Sorry I’ve missed this particular campaign, but do keep in touch with other foodie things as they come up. All the best.
PS gmail is probably the more direct way to keep in touch leilappetit (at) gmail (dot) com
Leila