Super sharing platters at EH2 Tempus Bar, George St
There’s no doubt that sharing platters and tapas style dishes are gaining in popularity across the bars of Edinburgh. This shift towards a greater variety of dishes and informal dining is long overdue; no longer must an evening’s drinks be interrupted by a restaurant trip or an expensive order from the a la carte menu, when hunger strikes. Tempus Bar (or “EH2 Tempus” to quote its full name) is part of Edinburgh’s George Hotel. Its sharing platters are the best I’ve experienced in Edinburgh so far.
The service at Tempus bar is generally very good. There’s lots of available seating, with my preferred area being the curved and comfortable booths at the rear. Usually the table service works well, although this being George St, the bar can get busy, so on occasions I’ve had to resort to ordering at the bar. Though, generally Tempus Bar is one of the more accessible bars on George St, where you’re likely to find a seat and be able to have a conversation and still be heard.
The Lounge menu at Tempus is excellent, with the star of the show being the £3.95 mini-dishes. Choose from fish & chips, haggis balls, burgers, prawns and chicken fillets. The plum sauce which the haggis is served with is heavenly, while the miniature burgers are fantastic. Creating your own platter for £12.95 (three dishes and a bowl of chunky chips) is my preferred option. The chunky chips really are superb. However, what really elevates the Tempus sharing platter is the excellent sauces and relish all the dishes are served with.
The addition of desserts (all around the £5 mark) is welcomed, although the chocolate fondant we sampled failed to hit the dizzy heights of the mini burgers and chunky chips. The fondant was small and very underwhelming, although the sour cherries and ice cream were good. Maybe next time we’ll try the banoffee pancake stack. Tempus offer good bubbly by the glass, with De Castellane champagne at £4.95 or Perrier Jouet at £6.95. There’s an accomplished wine list, reputable cocktails and Peroni on draft (my personal tipple).
For drinks over nibbles EH2 Tempus bar is an informed George St choice. Recommended.
EH2 Tempus bar is located at 25 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 2PB
Telephone: 2021 240 7197
