Don’t worry, we’re not covering barbers and hairdressers now! The Whistle Stop Barber Shop is a bar and diner which opened in 2015. It’s where the short lived Rascals was – not sure what happened to that place as it was all the rage and it just seemed to die a death. Anyway, it’s Whistle Stop now, and the food, while similar, is much better.

Promising ‘East Coast flavour, slap bang in the middle of Edinburgh’, they more than deliver.

We started with a couple of sharers: Chicken & Waffles (pictured above) and Southern Fried Shrimp (below)

I had the Chicken & Waffles at 52 Canoes (now closed) and was a bit disappointed, this version was much better with properly seasoned chicken, fresh waffles and plenty of maple syrup. It only comes as a starter size portion. My advice? Do not share.

The Southern Fried Shrimp was served in a spicy batter with hot sauce on the side. I thought perhaps the flavour of the prawn might be lost, however I was pleased to find it fought back admirably.

Alex ordered the creatively named Notorious P.I.G – a hot dog topped with pulled pork and bacon bits. It was seriously good.

I ordered some of the Buffalo Chicken Wings which were excellent value at £3.50 for six. I forgot to take my own picture but Whistle Stop kindly gave me one of theirs.

We also indulged in a few sides as they all sounded so good: Maple Baked Beans, Mac N Cheese, Pork Belly

The food is outstanding at Whistle Stop Barber Shop, I couldn’t find anything that I didn’t like about it. What’s more, men can go for dinner and beer and get their hair cut downstairs on selected evenings – no need to book. They have different guest barbers each week.

Finally, a quick mention for Olly who really looked after us, makes all the difference to the overall experience.

The Whistle Stop Barber Shop
Location: 66-67 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1LS
Price: Sharers £4.95, Hot Dog £8.50
Good for: Authentic American food