Way back in March, we mentioned that the Market Street Hotel was rapidly taking shape on Market Street in Edinburgh.

It recently completed the finishing touches and is now open for business. Here at the Food blog, we're particularly interested in the Nor' Loft Champagne bar on the hotel's seventh floor.

We're not entirely sure how their motto - Champagne is a way of life - is going to go down with our Human Resources people but we certainly do feel very warm and welcoming to their philosophy that you needn’t wait for special occasions to enjoy Champagne.

From independent growers to prestigious Champagne houses, they have more than twenty labels on their Champagne Table; half of which are available by the glass. 

Wines, beers, cocktails and spirits are also available.

Eye-popping views

When it comes to afternoon tea, you can forget old school sarnies. Among other treats, the afternoon tea at Nor' Loft features Scottish smoked salmon tartare with crisp skin and an oyster emulsion plus a dish of aubergine caviar choux buns.

There is also a small plates menu with options such as monkfish and Serrano ham with tartare sauce or Twee Valley diamond steaks with chimichurri.

Of course, the seventh floor setting means that visitors to the Nor' Loft can enjoy eye-popping views from the rooftop terraces and through the full height windows.

The main pic shows the exterior of the hotel among Edinburgh's roofs. It's to the right of the City Art Centre. Pic from Facebook.

Dangal opens in Corstorphine

Across town, St John's Road on Corstorphine has a new Indian restaurant.

Dangal is dishing up all the Scottish Indian dishes you might hope for plus a select list of Dangal specialities.

Think along the lines of Punjabi lamb and a mixed seafood karahi.

Tacos and tequila at Mezcal

We've already mentioned Mezcal, the smokin' new Mexican taqueria which is coming together on Glasgow's Hope Street.

Their Facebook is now promising a mid-September opening date.

Look out for 'contemporary Mexican-inspired street food - and of course, a wide range of cocktails from Margaritas to Horchata... tacos, tequila, live DJs and neon lights galore!'

The team behind the nascent venture already feed Glasgow with their Halloumi restaurants plus Rioja, La Rotunda and Pickled Ginger.