Here in Scotland, we love perfectly cooked tatties, so it comes as no surprise we have a mashed potato bar. Makars Mash Bar specialises solely in mashed potatoes, paired with a range of meats of one’s choice. Now that’s Scottish cuisine at its best, and way better for you than the famous deep-fried Mars bars!
Makars Mash Bar is a local business specialising in revealing the best of the locally sourced Scottish larder, and they even grow their own mushrooms in the basement. The Makars website states they aim to make “locally produced food like my granny used to cook. And my goodness she was one hell of a cook !”. To be honest, we’re already sold.
The spot boasts a homely indoor space with an extension, as well as an outdoor terrace with “amazing sunsets” on one side and overlooking Makar’s Court on the other. Guests can also visit the basement, where the Mushroom Emporium is located, where the owners have created a trippy wee world lit by UV lights. The Mushroom Emporium is a small gourmet mushroom farm, later used in Makars dishes and is grown by Some Funguys.
And now, onto the good stuff. Guests can opt for several starters such as the soup of the day, Free Range Gourmet Scotch Egg or a mini portion of haggis, neeps and tatties. And for the main, mashed potato lovers can either go for the meaty options paired with their choice of flavoured mashed potatoes or opt for the home-grown mushrooms.
We love the sound of the Beef Haggis with Heather Honey and Turnip Purée, or the Makars Wild Boar Sausage in Gravy. The plant-based options grown in their basement look just as amazing, such as the Woodland Mushrooms Topped with a Rocket Crown Sat on a Tarragon Cream Sauce. When it comes to mashed potatoes, visitors can choose from a whopping nine flavours, like Scottish Cheddar, Cheese and Chive, Wholegrain Mustard, Scottish Black Pudding or Smoked Bean Medley.
Both walk-ins and booking are welcome in the bar, as Makars Mash Bar keeps some tables aside for walk-ins. You’ll probably just be seeing us there every week from now on!