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October 16, 2018

Tucked away in Edinburgh's Old Town is Hotel du Vin and its gloriously French bistro. 

We were invited to come along and try their new Autumn/Winter menu and enjoy a taste of the season. 

Here are our six top picks from the new menu (and get the great value 5pm offer below).

1. Duck rillettes

This pate offers a twist on the traditional pork rillettes using duck instead. 

Served on a toasted sourdough baguette with a carrot râpées salad, it offers a tempting starter.

Duck rillettes, carrot râpées salad, toasted sourdough baguette

Duck rillettes, carrot râpées salad, toasted sourdough baguette

2. Salt cod croquettes & romesco sauce

A popular starter from the menu, the crispy potato and salt cod croquettes come with a tangy red pepper and tomato sauce - perfect for dipping them into.

Salt cod croquettes, romesco sauce

Salt cod croquettes, romesco sauce

3. Coq au vin

You don't get a more classic French dish than coq au vin and it's the ideal dish for Autumn and Winter dining.  

Hotel du Vin's coq au vin uses Normandy chicken which is braised in red wine and served with a pommes purée, baby onions, mushrooms and chunky pancetta.

Coq Au Vin, Pommes Purée Normandy chicken braised in red wine with baby onions, mushrooms and pancetta

Coq Au Vin, Pommes Purée Normandy chicken braised in red wine with baby onions, mushrooms and pancetta

4. Hake mitonnée 

We opted for a fish option for our second main. The French influence was on show, the roasted hake was served on a crispy crouton with an aromatic broth.

Hake Mitonnée Roasted hake served on a crispy crouton with an aromatic broth

Hake Mitonnée Roasted hake served on a crispy crouton with an aromatic broth

5. Rum & raisin crème caramel

This classic dessert of set custard comes with a rum and raisin caramel to offer a perfect final French flourish to the menu. 

Rum And Raisin Crème Caramel

Rum And Raisin Crème Caramel

6. Poire Belle Hélène

The dessert menu also offers the simple but delicious combination of poached pear with vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce. An indulgent finish. 

Poire Belle Hélène

Poire Belle Hélène

All these dishes are available on the prix fixe menu bookable on 5pm for only £39 for 2 people (including a bottle of wine!). 

5pm offer - £39 2 person offer - 2 courses each on prix fixe menu + bottle of wine - book here