SETTING If you need a break after shopping in Bruntsfield’s boutiques or a bracing walk in the Meadows, then a trip to Bisque will be just the tonic. Snugly located underneath the Bruntsfield Hotel, this chic bar and brasserie uses subdued lighting and a calm interior to instantly relax you.

FOOD The menu changes seasonally. From the summer menu we chose crab pâté, which arrived topped with three elegant pieces of melba toast. The sharpness of the pâté is perfectly complemented by the sweet crayfish and crunchy citrus drizzled leaves.

For mains, a fillet of succulent cod was served on crushed new potatoes with a green bean and pea sauce. If you prefer a more substantial main course, the confit of duck was crisp on the outside and soft in the inside and was served with butter mash and roast fennel.

Desserts include a tantalising raspberry crème brulée with delicate tuile crisps or a tangy lemon tart with lime sorbet.