As the 5pm Dining blog scribbles this post, the skies are blue, the sun is shining and we might even be brave enough to go out in a T-shirt.

Put another way, it feels as though summer is waiting in the wings.

You can make the most of the longer days and warm evenings with the new al fresco menu at Edinburgh’s Hotel du Vin.

Tucked away in the Old Town, the boutique hotel has a smart little courtyard which catches the sun rather well. It is a very pleasant spot for a long lunch, a pre-theatre bite or a romantic, open air dinner.

Lighter, seasonal dishes

Using lots of delish, seasonal ingredients, the al fresco menu offers lighter interpretations of bistro classics.

Stand-out starters include the summer squash salad and a classic fresh soup au pistou – a light minestrone garnished with a Provencal sauce made with garlic, basil and olive oil.

Naturally, steak frites put in an appearance as does a Normandy chicken Cobb salad with Roquefort cheese, soft boiled eggs, brioche croutons and avocado.

Puddings include tropical fruit Pavlova, a traditional rhubarb fool with ginger crumble biscuits and an artisan cheese selection featuring the finest fromages from France and Britain.

If you are tickled by the idea of enjoying an al fresco meal then you can bag an offer: £17.95 for two courses with a glass of pinot noir, blanc or rosé.

Not available after 7pm on Friday, all day Saturday or during Sunday lunch.