To work out the bill just look at your watch

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION CENTRAAL 32 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, 0131 667 9951

Centraal? Centraaaal. You can just imagine this rolling awkwardly off the tongue of the gawky one in Smack the Pony. But there is nothing ropy about this new operation: a bar and restaurant open from noon—I am and serving food until at least 1 1pm. Centraal is one of those multi-functional venues inspired by European insouciance.

Students are just as likely to be lounging for most of the day in the bar area on soft low-slung sofas as diners are to be found in the evening tucking into some hearty grub.

Centraal is set in the underground site once occupied by Maxie‘s Wine Bar. Manager Roisin Fitzgibbon says that customers ‘can't believe how big it feels now'. No walls were burst through to create more space. The bar has been shifted from the centre of the two-chambered basement. however. Located in the front room now. it looks onto a lounge of primarily soft seating. with a stainless steel fire on one wall and a fish tank sunk into another.

A dining area is in the rear. although Fitzgibbon is quick to say that eating and/or drinking can be done thrOughout Centraal. There are no restrictions. The back room has hefty tables (so as to handle the heavy crockery) and chairs, with a small raised space at the back wall behind a low balustrade.

The menu's highlights include rotisserie roasted chicken (half or whole for sharing). pots of mussels (with choice of broth) as well as steaks and pomme

frites (served with sauces such as Belgian blue cheese. chive butter and teriyaki).

There are ‘house favourites' such as the all day breakfast or seared wild salmon plus salads and sandwiches. Some 95 lagers and ales are sold (a beer book is planned for publication). not to mention a dozen wines and cocktails such as daiquiris. kamikazes and cosmopolitans.

Fitzgibbon, formerly of Negotiants, has a few tricks up her sleeves in terms of promotion. too. Nothing as simple as a happy hour: rather something more fun. ‘Beat the clock' is her dream scheme. The deal is this: dishes priced between the hours 4.30—7.30pm to correspond with the time in question. Order at 5.30pm and y0u'll pay £5.30. Inspiration for that is surely Scottish in origin. (Barry Shelby)

I Sunday Lunch

()n Sundav afi‘ernoon our eljefi prepare a superb and innovative menu. Relax : and enon' a wonderfulfiner-course lune/J ana’ agalass offizz.

Excellent value at £17.50 per person.

.n :3 12 Ashton Lane '11) 0141-334 5007

WIN £500 IN

MARKS& SPENCER

vouchers

Marks & Spencer has the vital ingredients to make any summer party go with a swing.

To kick-start the summer, the leading high street retailer has teamed up with The List magazine to give readers the chance to win £500 worth of food and wine to host their very own hot, summer party.

The quality range of foods at Marks & Spencer is not just incredibly tasty but created to make cooking and entertaining as easy as possible.

There is no messy, time consuming preparation -— just the pleasure of tucking into tasty, ready to cook marinated kebabs, fresh meats, ready to eat dressed salads, fabulous desserts and some delicious healthy eating alternatives and various vegetarian options.

In addition to nine existing barbecue classics. such as ready to cook Zest Lime and Coriander Chicken Kebabs and Mint & Sweet Honey Lamb Shoulder Chops, the winners can choose from 14 new and improved recipes. Even if the sun doesn't shine, then Marks & Spencer's barbecue range can be cooked outdoors or indoors, either under the grill or in the oven.

To enter the competition and be one of the three lucky winners. simply answer the following question: How many new improved recipes have been introduced this year in the summer range?

PRIZES

Ist prize £300 2nd prize £150 3rd prize £50

Answers on an email marked ‘M&S' to promotionselist.co.uk or on a postcard to The List, 14 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TE. Deadline for entries is 14 May 2002. Please include a daytime telephone number.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: There is no cash alternative. Offer is subject to availability. Vouchers valid at all Marks & Spencer stores nation wide.

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