Last year I had problems with sciatica and an inflamed muscle attachment with the result that I couldn’t sit comfortably. November to March I did what I could to avoid sitting. I got a standing desk at work, found a space at home where I can stand and work. As someone who loves eating out, not being able to sit is a problem. So, where to go if you want to stand?
Cheese board with herbs of the season enjoyed at Bar a vin.
Standing for coffee
I still prefer standing, to be honest, so am pleased that we have places like Artisan Bruntsfield, Söderberg The Meadows, Filmhouse and the Waterstone’s café where there are tall tables. The last two can serve you food too.
Hanging at the bar
For light snacking and wine, I like The Fat Pony and Bar à vin. Both have excellent wine lists and serve snacks and cheese. You’ll find me standing and Christopher sitting at the bar at the establishments more often than you should. We don’t go to Stockbridge very often, but if we did, Good Brothers would serve us well.
Lamb’s tongue and sauce gribiche at The Fat Pony
Eating up
There are a number of places with tall tables that serve dinner although most of the ones I’ve seen are pub or fast-foodish: @pizza and Foundry 39, for example. Bars that do food are great: The Basement and The Caley Sample Room have tall tables too.
Yes, I put everything I could think of – apart from olives, because that would be overkill – on my pizza. Christopher showed more restraint.
Eating out(side)
During the summer, The Pitt and the Food & Flea markets is all about standing and scoffing (v. limited seating). Come August, I see myself hovering around tables in George Square Gardens eating and drinking cider while my friends sit.
I haven’t gone to all the restaurants and bars. If you can think of somewhere else I could eat on my feet, let me know!
I see that an my I’m immediately thinking of ways to get more chimmichurri into my diet.
