For three weeks every August Edinburgh transforms itself into a buzzing carnival-esque backdrop for the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival; a huge celebration of arts and entertainment.
I've visited the city many times, but never for the Fringe, so we decided it was high-time we got stuck in. We travelled up on the train from London on Friday and one of our first stops had to be my favourite place to eat in Scotland's capital: Under The Stairs.
Found, quite literally, under the stairs, this basement restaurant is characterised by candle light, squashy sofas and mis-matched furniture. Oh, and really decent home cooking.
We started with a sharing board - the star of the show being the salt and pepper squid.
Followed by a burger for him...
And a fish curry for me...spicy but hugely flavoursome.
We ate and drank and cosied up, warming ourselves from the inside out before heading out to the city for a night of comedy.
The following day our lunch spot was a recommendation from a good friend who went to university in Edinburgh. With stunning views of the castle; we decided to check out The Outsider.
The interior is very different from Under the Stairs...very modern and bright, with pale wood and grey tones. Their lunch menu is perfectly formed, and really reasonable (under £10 for any dish!).
He plumped for a streak ciabatta, with chilli jam (can't go wrong!).
I tried something new: rabbit pie with mushrooms and leeks and mashed potato.
The pastry was a bit burned, but the filling was creamy and so tasty. I really liked rabbit; like a pale lamb-meat, if you ask me!
We didn't have time to stop as we scooted off to another comedy set and the staff were very quick and accommodating - can't recommend it enough!
If you're off to Edinburgh for the end of the fringe this weekend make sure you check these places out!