The Glasshouse, Musselburgh (now The Birdcage)

Scoop · Post by **Scoop** » 18 Dec 2006, 20:27

Going to the new place in Musselburgh on Friday night - The Glasshouse. Has anyone heard anything about it?

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 18 Dec 2006, 20:32

Scoop wrote:Going to the new place in Musselburgh on Friday night - The Glasshouse. Has anyone heard anything about it?

Read about it in Herald magazine yesterday -

"part of a redevelopment of a fishing net factory the 100 seat Bistro incorporates features from the original Victorian architecture alongside a striking modern glass extension looking out to a courtyard with fountains and sculptures. Running the show is Steve Adair, previously head chef at the tower and the gallery restaurant".
www.theglasshouseateskmills.com

Let us know what its like.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 19 Dec 2006, 00:02

Sandra wrote:
Let us know what its like.

STARTERS
Soup of the day Â£3.50
Smoked chicken liver parfait, onion compote, toasted brioche Â£4.95
Wild mushroom tortellini & Parmesan Â£6.95
Small Large
Warm confit of Scottish salmon, truffle & cauliflower puree Â£6.95 / Â£8.95
Polenta stack with broad bean & radish salad Â£5.50 / Â£7.50
Arbroath smokie mousse, pickled lemon, Melba toast Â£5.95 / Â£7.95
Seared Stornoway black pudding, caramelised apple & jus Â£5.95 / Â£7.95
MAIN COURSE
Smoked haddock & spinach fishcakes, poached egg & hollandaise Â£7.50
Wild mushroom risotto, rocket, crÃ¨me fraiche & Parmesan Â£7.95
Pan fried breast of chicken, champ mash, spinach & jus Â£8.95
Roast saddle of red deer, fondant potatoes & truffle jus Â£14.95
Seared Herring, oatmeal, shallot bubble & squeak, tomato salsa Â£7.95
Blue cheese & leek tart, watercress salad Â£7.95
Fresh linguine, basil & Parmesan Â£6.95
Char grilled rib-eye steak, handcut chips & bÃ©arnaise sauce 6oz / Â£9.95
8oz / Â£11.95
12oz / Â£14.95
SIDE ORDER
Handcut chips Â£2.50
Mash Â£2.50
Roast root vegetables Â£2.50
Avocado & sweet chilli salad Â£2.50
Rocket, Watercress & Parmesan salad Â£2.50
SPECIAL OFFERS ( AVAILABLE 5-7pm)
Sharing platter & a bottle of house wine Â£15.95
Dish of the day & a glass of house wine Â£9.95
DESSERTS
Glazed lemon tart, lime & ginger sorbet Â£4.50
Tiramisu Â£4.95
Vanilla cheesecake & summer berry compote Â£4.95
Chocolate torte, kumquat marmalade & spiced orange ice cream Â£4.95
Selection of homemade ice creams & sorbets Â£3.25
Selection of Scottish cheeses, homemade tomato chutney Â£6.95

With the notable exception of red deer the pricing looks ok. If its great food I believe there is a chance of success. looking forward to some reviews.

Scoop · Post by **Scoop** » 19 Dec 2006, 01:31

Sandra wrote:
Scoop wrote:Going to the new place in Musselburgh on Friday night - The Glasshouse. Has anyone heard anything about it?
Read about it in Herald magazine yesterday -

"part of a redevelopment of a fishing net factory the 100 seat Bistro incorporates features from the original Victorian architecture alongside a striking modern glass extension looking out to a courtyard with fountains and sculptures. Running the show is Steve Adair, previously head chef at the tower and the gallery restaurant".
www.theglasshouseateskmills.com

Let us know what its like.

Now that I've seen the menu, I can't wait. Too many things there that I like. Hope I'm sitting next to someone who won't mind me pinching a bit off their plate.

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 19 Dec 2006, 21:00

Porty wrote:
Sandra wrote:
Let us know what its like.
STARTERS
Soup of the day Â£3.50.......................Selection of Scottish cheeses, homemade tomato chutney Â£6.95

With the notable exception of red deer the pricing looks ok. If its great food I believe there is a chance of success. looking forward to some reviews.

I thought the pricing looked very competitive, look forward to hear what it's like.....just a pity they hadn't wanted to open in Portobello.

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 19 Dec 2006, 21:46

If it's in Musselburgh it will be closed because of fighting within a year.

ceejam · Post by **ceejam** » 21 Dec 2006, 14:56

I know that the fine Wine Company are supplying the wine, and the sample menus that I've seen for the Glasshouse look great!!!

Might end up there sometimes between Christmas and New Year!!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 17:06

This new restaurant in Musselburgh has been mentioned on other threads, but I thought it deserved one of its own and I'll move over the other posts to maintain thread consistency.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 17:15

From the EN:

Glasshouse flowers in old mill

From EdinburghGuide.com:

Â£1 Million Restaurant to Open in Musselburgh

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 05 Jan 2007, 17:42

...so tell us Bob, how was your lunch today?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 18:19

And now for the review. I would have been tempted by the Stornoway black pudding starter, but having just scoffed some for breakfast we decided to head straight for main course.

However, while we waited for this to arrive we were offered a chicken parfait starter, compliments of the chef. Served with toasted brioche and onion compote, it was very good.

We chose to eat in the restaurant, which overlooks the Inveresk Mill courtyard. It's bright, airy and modern and must look impressive in the evening when the courtyard is lit up. As an alternative, the comfortable bar area offers a choice of sandwiches and pannini.

Although there is no children's menu, the kitchen is quite happy to offer a smaller, simplified version of what is on offer. For Emily (6) they produced on request a bowl of fresh linguine with browned butter, and at no charge.

Mrs J opted for a 6oz Ribeye Steak (excellent), our 13 year old son went for the Pan fried breast of chicken with champ mash (he ate the lot, so no complaints there) and I chose the Seared Herring with shallot bubble & squeak and tomato salsa. The herring was rather disappointing, but 3 out of 4 aint bad.

Pudding was a mixed bag. No complaints about the Chocolate Torte or the Lemon Tart but the Tiramisu failed to live up to expectation - lots of cream but not a lot of anything else. You don't mess with a classic dish, authenticity is everything.

Two glasses of wine, a bottle of mineral water and a lattÃ© and our bill came to just under Â£60. The service was friendly and prompt and being brand new, everything is very clean and fresh looking.

So, lots of good points but one or two minuses as well. It's an interesting building in an unusual setting but any restaurant is judged on its food and the 'wow' factor they boast just aint there on this showing. It's the same menu whether you come for lunch or dinner, this week or next week and that's hardly likely to encourage repeat visits. Couldn't we have at least one or two 'specials'?

To be honest, I think the concept needs a bit more thought. The discerning diner they are aiming for is looking for variety, imagination, theatre and excitement. The Glasshouse aims high but the end product doesn't match the hype. Having said that, they have only been open a few weeks so they are still finding their way. I will be back, but I will expect improvement.

Is Musselburgh the right location? Are they too far off the beaten track? Time will tell.

How was it for you, Scoop?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:10

Bob Jefferson wrote:Is Musselburgh the right location? Are they too far off the beaten track? Time will tell.

I recognise that you are a bit of a rebel. At any point during your visit did you feel an urge to throw a stone or two?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:15

People shouldn't, apparently.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:21

Sounds quite good Bob. Where about is it - and can you get the bus there?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:27

How to get there

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:29

images

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 06 Jan 2007, 00:50

Does the prom pathway extend all the way round to Musselburgh by any chance?..

Scoop · Post by **Scoop** » 06 Jan 2007, 17:03

Bob Jefferson wrote:And now for the review. I would have been tempted by the Stornoway black pudding starter, but having just scoffed some for breakfast we decided to head straight for main course.

However, while we waited for this to arrive we were offered a chicken parfait starter, compliments of the chef. Served with toasted brioche and onion compote, it was very good.

We chose to eat in the restaurant, which overlooks the Inveresk Mill courtyard. It's bright, airy and modern and must look impressive in the evening when the courtyard is lit up. As an alternative, the comfortable bar area offers a choice of sandwiches and pannini.

Although there is no children's menu, the kitchen is quite happy to offer a smaller, simplified version of what is on offer. For Emily (6) they produced on request a bowl of fresh linguine with browned butter, and at no charge.

Mrs J opted for a 6oz Ribeye Steak (excellent), our 13 year old son went for the Pan fried breast of chicken with champ mash (he ate the lot, so no complaints there) and I chose the Seared Herring with shallot bubble & squeak and tomato salsa. The herring was rather disappointing, but 3 out of 4 aint bad.

Pudding was a mixed bag. No complaints about the Chocolate Torte or the Lemon Tart but the Tiramisu failed to live up to expectation - lots of cream but not a lot of anything else. You don't mess with a classic dish, authenticity is everything.

Two glasses of wine, a bottle of mineral water and a lattÃ© and our bill came to just under Â£60. The service was friendly and prompt and being brand new, everything is very clean and fresh looking.

So, lots of good points but one or two minuses as well. It's an interesting building in an unusual setting but any restaurant is judged on its food and the 'wow' factor they boast just aint there on this showing. It's the same menu whether you come for lunch or dinner, this week or next week and that's hardly likely to encourage repeat visits. Couldn't we have at least one or two 'specials'?

To be honest, I think the concept needs a bit more thought. The discerning diner they are aiming for is looking for variety, imagination, theatre and excitement. The Glasshouse aims high but the end product doesn't match the hype. Having said that, they have only been open a few weeks so they are still finding their way. I will be back, but I will expect improvement.

Is Musselburgh the right location? Are they too far off the beaten track? Time will tell.

How was it for you, Scoop?

Well, it was a wee while ago now but from my memory I had a lovely starter, good main course but most importantly, a very disappointing pud which was supposed to be profiteroles but they were inedible - only 3 of them (was a blessing) no chocolate sauce, and dry as a stick. I didn't / couldn't eat them, and neither could one or two others who had chosen the same. It was obvious that there was a problem but nothing else was offered in it's place. I liked it but it is putting itself forward as an up-market sort of place, and yet there wasn't any little touches that backed this up - ie. no tablet / wee nibble with the coffee. I didn't pay so can't really moan too much, but I wouldn't rush back.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 05 May 2008, 16:21

We went to the Glasshouse for the first time today.

It's smaller than I thought.

Excellent food though definitely town prices. It was quite busy but not packed for a Bank Holiday Monday.

I started with an excellent salad with asparagus and goats cheese with interesting leaves and lemon dressing. Followed by 6oz rib steak, peppercorn sauce and excellent chips with the skin left on.

BC had lambs sweetbreads with pancetta and leaves with a tarragon jus, followed by lamb rump with mint & butterbean puree (he doesn't like both normally but loved it apparently

)

We shared a trio of brulees which were spot on. (and a bottle of red

)

Will definitely go back.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 12 Feb 2010, 18:38

Received an email today from 'The Glasshouse' saying that it was closing. Shame. We ate there on several occasions and really enjoyed it.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 16 Feb 2010, 17:12

Restaurants; such a tough business to succeed in.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 16 Feb 2010, 21:09

This is what their website says so all is not lost ......

Dear Valued Customer.

Due to unforeseen circumstances which are no fault of Steven Adairs The Glasshouse at Eskmills is closed.

Steven Adair is going to be working with the same food in Edinburgh off the Royal Mile at St Giles Street.

If you would like to book you can do so via the Glasshouse website and select Glasshouse off the Mile or by phone 0131 225 4564.

Steven Adair is sorry to let the Glasshouse at Eskmills go and hopes to see you soon in Edinburgh.

Post by **wangi** » 17 Feb 2010, 11:59

http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh/39Li ... 6078105.jp

'Liquidation not flooding' closed top eaterie

Published Date: 17 February 2010
By BRIAN FERGUSON

ONE of Scotland's top-rated chefs has put an award-winning restaurant into liquidation – despite claiming he was forced to close down due to a burst pipe. Steve Adair has left behind £150,000 worth of debts after suddenly closing the doors of the Glasshouse restaurant in East Lothian earlier this month.

Callers to the eaterie, which won a Scottish Style Award and was named one of the UK's best restaurants by Eat Out magazine, were told he was forced to close due to extensive water damage. By then he was already at the helm of a new "Glasshouse Off The Mile", after clinching a deal with the operators of a new boutique hotel in Edinburgh's Old Town which had opened just a few days beforehand.

...

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 17 Feb 2010, 14:32

Poppy wrote:Steven Adair is sorry to let the Glasshouse at Eskmills go and hopes to see you soon in Edinburgh.

It looks like it let go of him!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 13 Sep 2010, 21:45

Now re-opened as The Birdcage. Don't know how long it has been open for. Anyone tried it yet? Seems to be big on cocktails.

www.birdcageeskmills.com

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 14 Sep 2010, 08:52

yes, its been open for a while and advertising all Xmas Parties. Friend of a friend was there for wedding reception and said food was fab.