The Scran & Scallie

The Scran & Scallie is the more relaxed sibling of The Kitchin, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Leith. Run by the same team under chef Tom Kitchin, it is a gastropub in Stockbridge that brings the same respect for produce to classic pub cooking. The atmosphere is deliberately informal.

The menu covers classic pub dishes with a contemporary touch, built around seasonal Scottish ingredients. As at The Kitchin, the meat and fish are bought whole and butchered in-house, which gives the kitchen control over quality and lets it use every part of an animal. Expect hearty dishes that change with the seasons, from Scottish seafood to slow-cooked meat, alongside a drinks list of beers, wines and whisky. The kitchen's fine-dining background shows in the care taken over relatively simple dishes.

The pub is on Comely Bank Road, on the edge of Stockbridge, and the restaurant is on one floor with wheelchair access. It is a good way to taste the Kitchin style at a more accessible price. Booking is recommended, particularly for weekend lunches and evenings; reservations can be made through the website or by phone.

The Scran & Scallie suits families, groups of friends, couples and anyone looking for a satisfying Scottish meal without the formality of a tasting menu. It is a natural lunch stop on a day spent exploring the north side of the city. Because the menu follows the seasons, it is worth checking the current menu on the website before you go, especially if you are visiting with children or have dietary requirements, and phoning ahead if you need a specific table. The pub also sells gift vouchers, and its sister restaurant's reputation means weekend tables can go quickly, so book a few days ahead if you can.

Comely Bank Road is next to Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanic Garden, so a walk in the garden pairs well with lunch here. Stockbridge's independent shops and cafés and its Sunday market are a short walk away, as is the Water of Leith Walkway towards Dean Village. From Waverley station, the restaurant is about ten minutes by taxi. For a special-occasion follow-up, The Kitchin in Leith offers the same team's cooking at fine-dining level.