Nor' Loft
Scotland, the usual unpredictable weather particularly in the winter months. What do you do on a weekend like this? Movies are great but what if there’s nothing on that you fancy? Dinners fantastic but…who’s cooking? We just so happened to be meeting my sisters boyfriend from the train station last weekend so there was no better place than Nor’ Loft to spend a few hours escaping from the dreary Scottish reality.
Nor’ Loft, undoubtedly has one of the most beautiful views across Edinburgh, located in the heart of the city a 7th floor rooftop Champagne lounge by night but a fantastic creative space during the day, mentioned on the website as a spot for business meetings, coffee and all things corporate if required.
It’s recommended that you book ahead, particularly if you are looking for a window view but no matter where you are seated in Nor’ Loft there are plenty of gorgeous nooks and crannies with comfortable seating, high mirrored walls and tables for slightly bigger parties.
Once seated, we had a look at the extensive menu which offers a whole array of champers, alongside a fantastic selection of gin and tonics. To start my Mum and I ordered a Pickering’s house gin as a go to first choice, served in a tall slender glass, plenty of ice, fever tree tonic and a juicy slice of grapefruit, giving the drink the perfect balance of fresh but a little bit boozy.
We had a lovely gentleman named Sean who served us, having mentioned to us he had worked in Monteiths on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before joining the Nor’ Loft family, it’s rare to find someone who is professional yet friendly, warm and attentive, we were also given a complimentary glass of champagne, a generous gesture.
After nattering away with my mum and taking in the surroundings before we knew it an hour had already flown by we were ready to order some of the small plates that Nor’ Loft had to offer. After much debate we decided on the following… gorgeous Coriander & Sesame Hummus with flatbread, charcuterie and cheese board, smoked Chicken Rillettes and a real highlight was the Duck Liver Parfait although small packed a huge amount of flavour not to mention it was beautifully presented.
At Nor’ Loft you can’t fault the ambience, it’s immaculate presentation, staff and surroundings. Personally, it’s a place I felt you could really relax but still feel as though you were out for something a little special. Dress code, for evenings I would recommend smart casual but during the day it is a place you could nip in for a coffee, have a glass of wine to wind down after your work day while ordering a few delicious small plates or a wonderful spot to catch up with friends for a late night Thursday tipple. I can’t imagine how spectacular it will be on the hot summer nights in Edinburgh and as an escape during the Fringe Festival…
