the dogs

i am genuinely gutted at having to write such a negative review, but my visit to the dogs on my birthday is up there in my most unpleasant dining experiences to date. i'll try to keep this brief. 

the food was very nice, as expected. i had the hake for my main, and a berry & maple tart for dessert. top marks to the chefs! sadly, my memory of this restaurant is the terrible service we received from the owner, rather than the food. i have never in my life encountered such a rude, hostile and arrogant individual working in the 'hospitality' industry. 

i was embarrassed and disappointed at how rushed and unwelcome our group was made to feel from the start. due to the inclement scottish weather, some of our group ran a little late (10 minutes) and as a result we were made to feel like such an inconvenience. we didn't complain when half of the group weren't asked for their drinks order, or when one of the starters was mixed up, causing a short delay. these things happen. however, the way we were spoken to by the owner in his request to have the table back was unbelievably rude. not to mention he had happily taken our order for an additional three bottles of wine just minutes before. i then watched as he stood ranting and pointing towards our table from behind the bar in full view of the whole restaurant. this was definitely not the birthday experience i had hoped for.

as mentioned before, the food was really lovely. there are however many places inedinburghwhich serve a similar or higher standard, with the warm, welcoming service which you would expect. the behaviour of the owner was completely inexcusable and left me wishing i had chosen somewhere else. such a let down.

when we were asking foredinburghrecommendations, the dogs came up time and time again. marina o’loughlin was one of many that gave it the thumbs up was, anything that gets her seal of approval is usually a pretty safe bet. founder david ramsden has created a very cosy little place, hidden up a staircase dotted with dog paraphernalia is a cute and delightful restaurant.

i feel like i’m saying this a lot lately, but it really was like being in someone’s house. a high-ceilinged period building, slightly worn around the edges, if the dogs was in london it would most almost certainly to be found in shoreditch. we sunk into our window seat and ordered a carafe of brise de france merlot £12.95 whilst i willed my stomach to feel a hunger pang. just four hours earlier we’d had a heavier than planned lunch at the scran & scallie despite walking aroundedinburghin between meals i was still stuffed, the dogs deserved more than this.

read the full review and see more photos at: http://welovefood-itsallweeat.com/2014/02/01/its-the-dogs-110-hanover-street-edinburgh-eh2-1dr/

me and my fiance went there once, while visitingedinburghon vacation. this restaurant has amazing! great value and just superb food. i would strongly suggest getting the "meat plate". outstanding! had a great experience!