Haigs Bar And Restaurant

Cibo

➤ Milton Bridge, EH26 0NX, Midlothian, United Kingdom

Carte • Food • Pasta • Pizza • Italian

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"I’ve driven past this restaurant for years but this was my first visit. From the outside it looks good and there’s a very welcoming fire and seating area as you enter. Plenty of parking right outside the door too. I thought the food was good, nothing exceptional but good. The restaurant itself was very busy which is a good sign too, even if you’d except that at this time of year. Staff were first rate in their pleasantness, but I wondered if they were a little over-stretched? A man I assume to be the owner had an angry swearing moment at a young staff member which wasn’t a great look, right in the middle to the restaurant. We were also never approached for more than our first drink (and we were all wanting to drink more, so thirst for us and lost revenue for them). The decor is nice, very open. However, the carpet looks tired and a bit 70s and the roof was leaking in the rain in several places. I appreciate Covid has hit this industry hard so money may be a bit tight, but these things need work first. It wouldn’t take much to improve this to a 4 star review and while I wouldn’t make a trip specially based on this experience, I would give give it another try a few months down the road."

Mothers Kitchen Gin

➤ 12 High Street, Penicuik EH26 8HW, United Kingdom

Carte • Kebab • Cafés • Asiatic • Mexican

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"Lovely food a good range of drinks, both alcoholic non-alcoholic. Very helpful friendly staff too. Vegetarian options: Good range of vegetarian options. Dietary restrictions: Information about dietary requirements allergies. Parking: Parking available outside. Wheelchair accessibility: Doors appeared to be wide enough for a wheelchair, but I would check first. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: £20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5"

Royal Bar Restaurant

➤ 34 High Street, Penicuik EH26 8HU, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Kebab • Mexican • Fast Food

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"After taking a walk with my dog, we were on the lookout for a quick, dog-friendly lunch spot. We were warmly greeted by Jess (please forgive me if I'm mistaken about the name) and the Bar Manager. We chose items from the snack menu—a toastie with a side of chips and a chili chicken wrap, also served with chips. The chili chicken and cheese wrap received a satisfied nod and a cheesy thumbs up from my companion, while my toastie was exactly what I hoped for: a perfect combination of cheese, ham, and red onion, featuring some of the best ham I've ever had. Overall, it was a thumbs up from me as well. Thank you to the Royal Hotel Bar for a great experience! (I also heard that the restrooms were very clean—10/10 for that!)"

Craigiebield House

➤ 50 Bog Road, EH26 9BZ, Midlothian, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Pubs • Steak • Lunch

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"We visited the recently refurbished reopened Craigie Hotel for lunch over the festive period with a group of friends. The day didn 't get off to a good start when the waiting staff couldn 't locate our lunch reservation. However, these things happen so we waited whilst they arranged a table. And waitied....... and waited......... Eventually, some 30 minutes later, we were informed by someone who appeared to be management that a table was available. Once seated, drinks orders were taken and quickly delivered to the table. The earlier wait was beginning to seem like a distant memory already. However... once the young member of staff began to distribute drinks, it soon became apparent that the order bore little resemblance to what was expected by our party. Beers were bottled instead of draught, wine was red instead of white. Ice was served in drinks when it was specifically requested without. Drinks returned, it took a further 15 minutes before everyone seated actually had what they had asked for. Things can only get better now right? Wrong. The food was a disgrace for a hotel which masquerades as a venue nearer the upper end of the taste and class scale. The sandwiches were reminiscent of a 4am hotel room service snack both in presentation and taste, and the salads looked like they had been plucked from the 'whoops ' section of a supermarket aisle. By this time enough was enough, and a member of our group spoke with a manager. However, despite detailing our disappointments at what had been a very below par service, the 'manager ' offered no explanation and seemed very condescending. Given our spend, I found this astonishing that someone employed in the service industry could behave in this manner. I will be taking this up in writing with the hotel GM at the earliest opportunity. Needless to say, my friend and his wife who were on the verge of booking their summer wedding at this venue have now categorically ruled it out. I would suggest anyone considering the Craigie for lunch, dinner or a wedding reception consider their options very carefully."

Giovanni Bistro

➤ 7 The High Street, EH26 8HS, Midlothian, United Kingdom

Carte • Sushi • Kebab • Seafood • Mexican

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"Have been coming to Giovanni’s for years as a family. But the last few visits have been very disappointing. Came a month or so ago and found the service very poor nobody checking whether meal was okay or if we needed anything else. Brushed this off as a bad day for staff. Returned last week and won’t be returning. Ordered a child’s fish goujons for an elderly relative and these arrived so overcooked they were inedible. We sat with empty plates for 25 minutes before these were cleared and I said to the waitress about them being over cooked and she rather rudely said I should have said something and the chef ‘just makes them crispy’. When I explained that nobody came to check how the meal all I got was an eye roll. Very disappointing as it’s one of the only nice places to sit in and eat in Penicuik."