EAT - Greenwoods, Edinburgh
Get your cameras and phones at the ready, because even if you’re not a regular food snapper, you are most definitely going to want to take lots of photos of the food here.
Greenwoods are new in town and fast becoming one of the most foodie Instagrammable brunch spots in Edinburgh, where presentation equally matches the taste. Both bang on and bloody wonderful.
REVIEW OF BRUNCH AT GREENWOODS, EDINBURGH
You’ll find Greenwoods where The Wee Restaurant use to be on Frederick Street. A cracking location with plenty footfall and just a wee wander from Princes Street and George Street. Believe me you will want to make the 3 minute detour down Frederick street to fill your belly here.
Greenwoods was born in Amsterdam where there are two restaurants, one in Keizersgracht and Singel. Both restaurants were managed by Jen (a Scot). Jen eventually wanted to return home and the lovely people who own Greenwoods decided to open a restaurant in Edinburgh for Jen.
Greenwoods are English Tearooms with a twist offering incredible breakfast, brunch and lunch options as well as Scones and Cream. They try to use as much locally sourced produce as possible and offer dishes that sound mouth watering when reading the menu.
Edinburgh’s menu includes Full Scottish Breakfasts, Eggs every which way, waffles and pancakes and caters for gluten freebies, vegetarians and vegans too.
Most of the food and drink offerings are fairly standard, as in items you would find on most menus ie tea, coffee, full breakfasts; but I love that there is always a twist!
Yes, you can order teas but how about a Lapsang Souchong or Verveine. Instead of a Latte, try an Iced Coconut Latte (pictured here at the back) or instead of a Hot Chocolate, try the White Chocolate and Lavender. Some fantastic alternative choices.
Pictured at the front is the decaf flat white coffee with a little surprise inside the mug … you’ll have to visit to find out though.
You know me, I’m an absolute sucker for a Full Scottish Breakfast. Theirs comes with two eggs, smoked bacon, Link herb sausage, black pudding, roasted mushrooms, roasted herb tomato, baked beans, homemade hash brown and toast all for £12.75.
But I can have a Full Scottish anywhere so opted for something sweet and something that would knock your socks off!
I present to you the Banana Bread Tumble (£11.95). It’s vegan but should you wish to make it meaty you can add bacon. This is three THICK slices of toasted banana bread topped with homemade white chocolate marscapone, fresh blueberries, strawberries, sliced banana, toasted almonds and coconut flakes with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Oh my giddy aunt! The banana bread is outstanding. It’s toasted so has a slight caramelised crust on it, giving way to soft melt in the mouth spoonfuls of cakey bread. You know it’s banana but there is no phony banana flavouring here; it’s subtle but also the main flavour. That marscapone white chocolate cream they should sell by the bottle as this is addictive and if I had my way, it would be the marscapone cream served with a side of banana bread! Only joking. The flavours here all work so well and every mouthful is a sweet sweet combination of brunch heaven.
Steering clear of Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale or anything too healthy like the Homemade Yoghurt Bowl; Tartanspoonie, Lotte dove straight into The Breakfast Stack Pancakes.
Three massive pancakes stacked with two eggs (poached in this case), smoked bacon, Link herb sausage, roasted herb tomato, a homemade hash brown with a dollop of sour cream, spring onions and a sprinkle of Cajun spice and a side of maple syrup (£12.75).
You need to be a wee bit hungry to manage to eat all of this. Beautifully thick fluffy pancakes with a square of butter that slowly melts over the top; hidden bacon slices between the pancakes bring the smokiness to the plate and perfectly poached eggs marry all these ingredients together. The hash brown is delectable bringing crunch and some heat to this brunch dish.
A seat at the window is what you are after when you visit, as you will need to spend some time resting after these mammoth brunches; and watching the world go by as you sip the last of your coffees is a rather delightful thing to do during the day.
The staff are great; super friendly and helpful who run a tight Covid regulated ship.
Put Greenwoods on your must visit list; and then put it on the recommend to everyone list, as well as you’re must visit every time I want brunch in Edinburgh city centre.
Greenwoods, 61 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1LH. Tel : 0131 2206799 www.greenwoods.eu/restaurant/edinburgh/
My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10
I was invited by Greenwoods to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.