The Plumed Horse

The Plumed Horse, Henderson Street - Leith

This is one of those rare occasions when BB will actually make a recommendation; rare because I am not easily pleased, but am very easily displeased. BondWoman’s son graduated yesterday – well not so much graduated, but graduated with a First – and it was only fitting that we should take him somewhere special for a meal in the evening. We have walked past The Plumed Horse on many occasions, and often stopped to check the menu; and have always said we must check it out, and what better occasion to do so.

It must be said that the location is just a little surprising, this is an area were one would more expect to find a greasy spoon cafe; but be assured a greasy spoon this is not, The Plumed Horse is at completely the other end of the spectrum. BW actually booked the table, in a rare moment of being organised, months ago, and we were met with the warmest of welcomes, always a good start with BB. The first thing that struck me, as we were shown to our table, was the quality of the decor and the artworks on the walls, both outstanding. However, I remained open minded, as so many places with good decor and atmosphere have let themselves down on the service and food fronts. But, I had a feeling in  my bones that this would not be the case here.

That feeling indeed proved to be right, from the very outset the service was impeccable, and better, if that is possible. The menu held great promise, and the wine list even greater (well, BB likes a good bottle of wine on occasions) potential. By the end of the first course I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that The Plumed Horse was, and is, something very special. The food here is excellent, if not outstanding, and cooked to perfection, with flavours combined to tempt even the most jaded palette. The wine was also of a similar high quality, and even BW’s son, who is not a red wine lover, was impressed with the Beaujolais that was ordered.

However, the thing which most impressed me was that we were not rushed through our meal, it was a complete evening experience. In so many places these days there are staff ‘hovering’ just waiting to have your plate away (sometimes even before one has finished), and one gets the feeling that they want one out to get the next customers in; this is not the case at The Plumed Horse. You are not rushed here, and there is time between each course to let it settle, and for one to reflect on it and appreciate what one has just consumed, and to anticipate what is still to come.

I am not saying that I would eat here on a regular basis (BB does after all have good Celtic blood in his veins), but for that special occasion, which comes two or there times a year, I would highly recommend The Plumed Horse. This is a highly unpretentious resturant which gives excellent value for money, fantastic service, better food and fabulous alcohol, just try the 12yr old Calvados. A star rating for The Plumed Horse is completely unnecessary, as I have come across places with more stars than one can shake a stick at which don’t even come close to this treasure of Leith.