SETTING Hotel du Vin is right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, occupying the site of a former lunatic asylum and you’d be mad not to visit this recently opened hotel and bistro for its excellent food and great atmosphere. The décor is sumptuous inside and out - check out the glamorous wine glass chandelier in reception and for the smokers, it even has a cosy cigar shack outside. With classy wooden tables and wine memorabilia adorning the walls, you’re immediately transported to a rustic, French bistro setting, with efficient and knowledgeable waiters as well as excellent sommeliers who will help recommend some different wine choices. Alternatively, book the chef’s table for a novel dining experience.

FOOD Chef Matthew Powell has created a mouth-watering menu of mainly French influenced dishes with choices from a Simple Classics Menu, which includes smoked haddock fishcakes with hollandaise; beef bourguignon and celeriac mash; or their Table d'hôte Menu with choices including moules mariniere; eggs Benedict; or the very Gallic frogs’ legs with sauce gribiche – a kind of sophisticated tartare sauce. Meanwhile the Isle of Mull soufflé, which is made to order in 15 minutes, is worth the wait and a thing of beauty on the taste buds.

The coq au vin with pomme purée is sublime – the chicken meat falling easily off the bone and balanced by a good helping of salty lardons, whilst the scallops served with a pea velouté are perfectly accompanied by the best hand cut chips I’ve ever eaten.

Their desserts are generous and classic – pear tarte tatin with Dunsyre Blue ice cream; crème brûlée or a selection of amazing petits fours. Until 30th April, you can enjoy two courses, a bottle of wine and coffee for £29 per couple; available through their website.