FOOD : Nor'loft Picnic on the Terrace

I was so looking forward to this - sunshine, champagne, sweet and savoury bites and that view over Edinburgh’s iconic skyline. In the lead up to the mid week picnic, the weather had been all sunshine and blue skies! It had been HOT HOT HOT!

Alas, on the day of our Nor’loft Picnic on the Terrace, the heavens decided to open up and chuck it down for the duration of our picnic. Welcome to Scotland! But we didn’t let it rain on our parade (picnic) and sat inside instead.

A REVIEW OF NOR’LOFT , EDINBURGH - PICNIC ON THE TERRACE

Nor’loft is a Champagne Lounge on the 7th floor of Market Street Hotel. There is an air of elegance and sophistication with the lounge's chic interior setting the tone for a wonderful time sipping champagne or a dram. The extensive champagne list boasts an impressive selection, from renowned labels to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Besides serving up impressive views, breakfast and brunch and lite bites, Nor’loft is using their balcony and those views to its full potential with a twist on the traditional and a hint of nostalgia, they’ve introduced the Picnic.

Their Picnic is a combination of sweet and savoury delights, bite-sized delicacies served on a traditional picnic table whilst taking in Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks. Ideally you’d want to sit outside on their balcony which boasts uninterrupted 180 degree views from Calton Hill to Edinburgh Castle, but on our visit it was not meant to be. Luckily Nor’loft is filled with gorgeous seating areas that still allow you to enjoy this moment of indulgence to its fullest.

Nor’loft also have a prime dining area, essentially a 3 sided glass box that runs adjacent to the balcony so you can remain dry whilst still experiencing those views. We were luckily to have been seated here and it really did provide the ultimate Edinburgh backdrop for our picnic.

As Nor’loft is a Champagne Lounge we enjoyed a glass of champagne with the Picnic. Tea and coffee can be ordered but you will need to pay for these separately as they are not included.

The picnic table arrives and it is laden with sweet and savoury goodies.

For SWEET we had

  • Buttermilk and Golden Syrup Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam

  • Chocolate Salami

  • Pistachio and Rose Cake

  • Coffee Meringue Kisses

  • Heather honey and Edradour whisky posset

  • Apricot daisy cookies

The Pistachio and Rose cake was not only beautiful to look at, it also tasted beautiful with a light delicate flavour of rose and the pistachio crunch. The meringue kisses were sweet and melt in your mouth, I loved the Apricot daisy cookie as they remind me of stained glass but unfortunately the whisky posset was over whipped and slightly lumpy; however the flavour was there and worked well.

For SAVOURY we had

  • Crayfish Brioche Bunnychow

  • Apple & Chorizo Sausage Rolls

  • Serrano Ham and pickles

  • IJ Melliss Alp Blossom Cheese

  • Walnut and Date Crackers

  • Chicken Liver Parfait with almond brittle

I loved their take on a bunnychow (I spent 20 years in South Africa, so I know a bunnychow when I see and eat one!) - a wee sweet brioche roll stuffed in the middle with a decent amount of crayfish. The sausage roll was insanely delicious, just wish there was more of these and I really loved the cheese. I couldn’t get my head around the chicken liver parfait with the nut brittle but I am not a fan of pate or parfait.

With so much to eat and nibble on whilst sipping champagne; some light conversation, a lot of starring at the clouds and the iconic skyline, you could easily loose an hour or two just lounging here.

Yes their Picnic is essentially an Afternoon Tea with no tea or coffee, but I like it. I love the picnic table stand and the two sides, so you can’t fight over the scones!

Their Picnic is available between 2pm and 5pm daily and is £55 for two people.


THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE NOR’LOFT PICNIC

  • They cannot cater to any dietary requirements but the menu does list all allergens

  • You must book a minimum of 48 hours in advance

  • Nor’loft is accessible with a lift from the ground floor to the 7th floor. Disabled and wheelchair users might not be able to get out onto the balcony, but do check

  • They are not dog friendly


Nor’loft, Market Street Hotel, 6 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE www.marketstreethotel.co.uk/norloft


My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

I was invited by Nor’loft to review their menu. Food and champagne were complimentary but we paid for the tea and coffee. The views are very much my own.

afternoon tea, eat and drink, Edinburgh restaurant, latest blog postBy Adele ConnNor'loftafternoon tea, norloft edinburgh, picnic on the terrace, picnic