Victoria Street, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a picturesque and winding cobblestone lane, it exudes timeless charm and architectural diversity. The street’s colourful facades, reminiscent of Flemish-style buildings, curve elegantly and cast a spell on visitors. Rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, Victoria Street is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans, architecture enthusiasts, and Instagrammers alike.

It connects the Grassmarket, one of Edinburgh’s oldest areas, to the George IV Bridge, and lies just off the Royal Mile, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers. Along this historic street, you’ll find charming bars, restaurants, and shops and one of the most beautiful dining spots in this area - the Commons Club at Virgin Hotel.

REVIEW OF THE COMMONS CLUB, VIRGIN HOTEL, EDINBURGH

The Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of elegance and modernity. As you descend the stairs into what were once sealed cellars, you’ll find two distinct dining experiences. The first - The Chefs Table - boasts clean white lines, an open kitchen, and a chic, contemporary ambiance. The decor is minimalist yet inviting, creating an oasis of sophistication.

The second, exposes the cellar vaults with vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls contrasting with rich lush fabrics that create an intimate and alluring atmosphere.

The A la Carte menu celebrates Scottish terroir with four main sections, excluding the raw bar and starters. Each section offers three dishes: “From the Land,” “From the Sea,” “From the Farm,” and “Signature Cuts.” The raw bar features luxurious seafood, including tuna with truffle aioli, caviar blinis, and oysters. Starters showcase creative combinations like Belhaven salmon with buttermilk, burnt apple, and celeriac, or Baked Tarbert scallop with champagne velouté and caviar.

Amuse Bouche of Duck Eclair

Chef de Cuisine, Emma Hanley comes over to say hello and brings us an Amuse Bouche of glossy shiny and very pretty Duck Pate filled Eclairs. It hits all the right notes bringing richness, creaminess, umami and butter to the palate.

To start : Burrata, charred endive, peach and walnut Salad (£10.00)

The salad is a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The luxurious, velvety texture and rich creaminess offset by the bitter leafy green that was slightly charred giving it a smoky flavour. A simple masterpiece of high quality ingredients.

From the Raw Bar: Fruits de Mer (Market price which was £55)

This seafood platter promised much but fell short. Our expectations were high, envisioning an abundant display of ocean delights. However, reality disappointed—a single oyster, a small langoustine, minimal tuna, a crab claw, a few cockles, and two razor clams. While well-cooked overall, the razor clams were chewy and hadn’t been cleaned properly. Definitely not value for money.

From the Signature Cuts there’s a Barnsley Chop or Cote de Boeuf. I chose the Isle of May creel caught Scottish langoustines with garlic butter (3 for £45). Three beautiful bright coral coloured langos drenched in garlic butter. My only regret, not ordering more.

From the Sea : Halibut, chicken butter sauce, brown shrimp, macadamia, roast cucumber (£28)

The fish had a sweet, mild taste and when paired with a chicken butter sauce, it becomes even more flavourful. The buttery richness complements the tender, flaky halibut, while the brown shrimp enhance the sweetness and the macadamia rides on the wave of buttery creaminess. It’s a delightful combination that feels both elegant and comforting!

Charred Asparagus, oregano, shio koji and almond (£11) beautifully cooked still retaining a slight bite.

Garlic mash potato (£11) was my mash potato heaven!

Chocolate and Pear, 70% chocolate cremeux, tahini, pear sorbet (£9)

If you adore chocolate, you’ll love this. A hard set cremeux, more resembling more a ganache that slightly overpowered the sweetness of the pear. A small but mighty dessert

Salted caramel tart, clotted cream and smoked maple (£8)

Simple and elegant. Loved this!

The Commons Club offers exceptional service from warm and engaging staff. They are attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming.

After dining at the Commons Club multiple times, I find myself favouring the Chef’s Table, priced at £75 per person during July and August. Nevertheless, the restaurant itself consistently delivers impeccably presented food and if you’re seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of Edinburgh, then look no further than the Commons Club Restaurant at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE COMMONS CLUB

• They can cater for allergies and offer vegetarian and vegan options

• Disabled accessible with an elevator down to the restaurant

• The Commons Bar offers a beautiful space to drink cocktails

• The restaurant is open to hotel residents and non-residents too

1 India Buildings Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2EX www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/commons-club/

My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

I was invited by Commons Club to review their menu.

Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events),  is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.

Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk