SETTING You know how the gag goes, an Englishman, a Scotsman and an Irishman walk into a bar ...and turn it into a fabulous restaurant...but this isn’t a joke - e:s:i is everything you could possibly want when it comes to stylish dining. It may have a quirky name, but there’s certainly nothing gimmicky about this Leith eaterie. One of the newest editions to the restaurant world, it oozes personality, with a majestic high ceiling and impressive light spilling in from the large glass frontage, it has a wonderful air of intimacy as it is split on three levels, you’ll be lucky if you catch a glimpse of a fellow diner.

FOOD Even before we get a chance to look through the menu, beautifully warm bread with balsamic vinegar and spicy tomato oil is winging its way to our table - fresh and fantastic definately a stylish way to get our taste buds going. With a big open kitchen you can sit back relax and watch your dinner being lovingly prepared.

It’s a joy to watch as my main course of succulent venison with Irish boxty, green beans and sweet beetroot with juniper jus is plated up, and every mouthful sensational. My dining companion chooses confit duck with garlic mash, sautéed cabbage and roasted fig wrapped in pancetta. There’s just such a fantastic menu choice, each delicious dish has a wholesome homemade feeling, but with exciting culinary twists and turns at every bite.

Then, of course, there’s the dessert dilemma - a selection of cheese with sweet chutney and walnut bread? Traditional sticky toffee pudding? On the other hand, white and milk chocolate mousse with dark chocolate biscuit base. Time to undo that belt buckle a notch. There’s real passion behind this menu and whatever your hungry heart desires, English, Scottish or Irish cuisine it won’t be disappointed. It’s simply wonderful food served in a wonderful setting, with a cheeky twinkle in its eye - it really does make the sunshine on Leith.