EAT : Voyage of Buck, Edinburgh
When it comes to culinary hidden gems, Edinburgh is a city that never fails to impress. Tucked away in the quaint alleyways and historic streets, there are a plethora of undiscovered treasures waiting to be explored. One such gem is a cosy cocktail bar and restaurant nestled snuggly in the West End - welcome to The Voyage of Buck.
REVIEW OF VOYAGE OF BUCK, EDINBURGH
Step into its welcoming ambiance and be transported to a culinary wonderland of traditional Scottish fare with a contemporary twist. A place that exudes warmth and charm, delighting patrons with its mouth watering carefully curated menu and extensive cocktail list.
When it comes to cocktails, The Voyage of Buck offers vibrant and diverse drinks that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The cocktail menu here takes you on a tour across five major cities that were very poignant in the life of William ‘Buck’ Clarence, philanthropist, polo player and travel companion of Prince Albert Victor, the infamous grandson of Queen Victoria. ‘Buck’ returned to Edinburgh Scotland in 1900 and lived in the house that is now the Voyage of Buck until 1935.
Travel around the globe with cocktails from Venice, such as the Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini, the Black Opium Negroni from Shanghai or the Sumac Paloma from Istanbul. Maybe a wee trip to Monte Carlo is what you fancy with Bugatti Highball.
For our drinks we stayed local with a mocktail using local Talonmore; and we also hopped over to Jamaica with the Calypso Sour. All the drinks are very well balanced, not overwhelming on the alcohol and a delight to drink.
Voyage of Buck’s Autumn/Winter menu is all about sharing. For me, sharing plates are more than just a dining trend; they are a communal experience that fosters connection and enjoyment. The beauty of sharing plates lies in the opportunity to sample a variety of flavours and textures, transforming the act of eating into a journey of exploration.
As each dish arrived at the table, a sense of excitement filled the air, as we both reached across the table to claim our portion, with many an ‘oo’ and an ‘ah’ of delight as we savoured the offerings.
The Hummus and Sourdough provided the perfect appetiser whilst we changed our minds several times over what to order. The creamy, smooth hummus paired perfectly with the tangy, chewy sourdough.
There’s a choice of four starters :
Ricotta raviolo, cinnamon pumpkin velouté, toasted pumpkin seeds (v) (£7)
Buck’s game pie, hot water crust, quince and bramble chutney (£8)
Slow cooked ox tail, truffle potatoes, sourdough croutons (£10)
Red wine poached cod cheeks, mushrooms, pancetta (gf) (£11)
We chose the Ricotta Raviolo and the Oxtail. Both dishes equally delectable. The raviolo was beautifully crafted golden pockets housing creamy cheese and sat in a pool of pumpkin veloute. The cinnamon flavour was very prevalent.
As for the slow cooked oxtail, it was a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy hidden underneath a blanket of the creamiest and lightest of truffle potatoes.
A choice of five mains dishes
Oven roast monkfish, pancetta, butternut squash, crispy sage (gf) (£18)
Beetroot risotto, raw apple salad, beetroot crisps (gf v) (£17)
Chicken breast, crispy potatoes, chicken and mushroom jus (gf) (£17)
Confit duck leg, plum glaze, roasted carrots, star anise (gf) (£19)
Pan fried venison, braised endive, orange, venison jus (gf) (£22)
Very tempted by the Beetroot Risotto it was the Chicken and the Venison that got ordered.
We indulged in the succulent cooked chicken breast boasting tender, flavourful meat that paired exquisitely with crispy, golden-brown potatoes and the chicken and mushroom jus.
The venison is their signature dish and no wonder. Cooked to absolute perfection - seared on the outside whilst still red in the centre. It was melt in the mouth incredible and I have to say, possibly THE BEST venison I have eaten since the days of the Kilted Lobster restaurant in Stockbridge!
A must order dish!
Voyage of Buck offer a culinary adventure that revolves around nature's bountiful offerings. With each changing season, a new ensemble of fruits, vegetables, and herbs ignites creativity in the kitchen.
There’s two choices for dessert and a cheese course.
House custard tart, rhubarb compote (£7)
Whole St Marcillin cheese, maple roasted figs, pistachios, sourdough (£14)
Buck’s affogato; vanilla pod ice cream, espresso (£6)
We went for the Custard Tart and the Affogato. Although rhubarb is not in season, it is used here as a compote; and to me Autumn feels like the perfect time for rhubarb! Tart was well cooked and added the perfect sweet end to dinner. The Affogato was all it promised to be - coffee and vanilla ice-cream.
The Voyage of Buck offers a cosy yet stylish ambiance and knowledgeable staff which really enhance the dining experience, ensuring your visit is a memorable one.
Say goodbye to the ordinary and let your taste buds embark on a voyage of their own.
THINGS TO NOTE AT THE VOYAGE OF BUCK
They can cater for vegetarian and gluten free, and its marked on their menus
Open from 12pm till late, seven days a week
There are a few steps up to the entrance, so not fully disabled friendly
The Voyage of Buck, 29-31 William St, Edinburgh, EH3 7NG www.thevoyageofbuckedinburgh.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by The Voyage of Buck to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.