A quest for the perfect fish and chips - Tailend Restaurant

Front display

Tailend Restaurant - Leith Walk
A pleasant looking Restaurant and Fish Bar halfway down Leith walk.  I was expecting very good things from here as I had been told that it the fish was freshly caught.

Just before we went into order our dinner, we met one of the brilliant locals who gave us a rendition of Simon says, upon learning that our friends name was Simon.

Interior

The interior of the place was very clean and sporting the drinks cabinet and an ice cream cabinet.

Just before I went there I had been working in the garden so my hands were a little muddy.  I asked to use the facilities, whereupon two confused looking waitresses told me, rather rudely that the toilets were for customers only.  I replied that I had just ordered food and this was then changed to restaurant customers only.

Not to be deterred by their lack of customer relations, I set about my meal.  Fish n chips with salt and vinegar.  The chips were mediocre, the last quarter were very crispy and  it was impossible to eat with a fork.  The fish started out quite well as it was also crispy but then it turned out to be a little burnt.  At a total cost of £7.50 for a can of Irn Bru and the meal, I would expect a bit better in terms of service and food quality.

* Edit: I have been informed by one of my friends that the reason you avoid fish on a Monday is because they add lime to freshen the frying process and extend the life of the fat.  Adding a thicker batter hides the taste but creates a browner colour instead of golden.  It also destroys the chips as the acid goes through the potato and makes them soggy inside.

On average:
5.5

A quest for the perfect fish and chips - l'alba Doro

l'alba Doro, Henderson Row
A sudden adventure to Stockbridge after my friend's date bailed.  We had a pleasant jaunt down from Princes Street.  The exterior of the shop is very well presented.
 The interior is also very well presented and the staff were very friendly.  They seemed very eager to impress, although this could be because we told them that we were doing chip shop reviews.

The chips were without a doubt the best chips I have had so far.  From what I understand the potatoes are the highest of quality.  My fish was also excellent, although Ryan did not enjoy his as much as I did.  From what I understand the food is not fried using traditional vegetable oil.  It is fried using rapeseed oil, which I think gives it a very different flavour.

At £6.90 for a supper, it is on the more expensive side but for the quality, the friendly staff and the fact you can sit in and eat, it is well worth the price.

On average :
7.5/10

In Search of the Perfect Fish and Chips - l'alba Doro

Outside of the shop

L'ALBA DORO, HENDERSON ROW


Spacious, well presented chippy with sit in bars and award recognition's covering most of the far walls. However, the fish didn't quite live up to the billing, the 2-3 minute wait seemed a little too fast to be cooking it. The chips were fantastic though and the friendly service made it an enjoyable night out overall.


7/10

Ryan's Pub Reviews - The Orchard

THE ORCHARD, HOWARD PLACE
Pint of Lager - £3.60
First night back doing the pub trail and it was a good start. Came across this huge bar/restaurant when leaving the chip shop down the road. Right in the heart of Canon Mills, it is spacious and diverse, with a huge range of alcohol on show and two large televisions on opposite walls.

The pint itself was fresh and tasty,and well worth the price. Two weed smelling jakeys came in halfway through to put a slight downer on the experience but can honestly say its good to be back.

7.5/10

A quest for the perfect fish and chips - Dersim

Dersim Kebab and Pizza House 
Again not strictly a fish and chip shop but it is the best that Dalry has to offer. The staff were quite friendly and before I ordered they told me that it was a frozen fish. If you want fresh then this is not the place for you.
The fish was well cooked despite being frozen. The chips were excellent and a little crispy.
At £4 the meal was the same price as Derya Kebab but the meal, staff and cleanliness of the place offered much better value for money. It was not quite as good as The Station so if you are heading to town anyway or don't mind the extra walk go to The Station.
On average :
6/10