Problem: I really liked the Guilty Lily, which was owned by the same people as The Espy with a very similar style and nearly identical menu, but alas it closed down at the end of 2012 and was reborn as the decidedly normal Bonnington. However, for my kooky, vintagey needs I can always go to The Espy. Situated on the Portobello esplanade (hence the name) it's that little bit far for me to come regularly, but it's right by the beach so can easily be combined with a pleasant post-prandial promenade. The interior is a bit mismatch in a good way, old-school film posters and Aussie influences, and it's a welcoming looking place. Last night we were unfortunately seated at a table on a platform next to the loos - not the best seats in the house (but all that was left) - but still okay and with a view over the rest of the pub. Our waitress was new but friendly and attentive, although the food took a while to arrive - this used to happen at the GL too. We weren't in a rush, but the Spanish couple next to us had two small children and, upon arriving at 8.45pm, were warned that they'd have to leave by 10pm due to the licence. This would have been fine had their mains arrived earlier than 9.50pm! They had had a starter, but that's still too long await especially given they had a set time to be out by... We all went for burgers - myself the Espy (beef burger with camembert and onion jam), my boyfriend the MacEspy (with haggis) and my sister had their vegetarian offering, which was very crumbly. The burgers aren't perfect, and they're too thick to eat properly, but I have a real soft spot for them - the meat tastes good and I just love the slightly melted camembert. Drinks are all pretty reasonably priced, I was driving so had a diet Coke which was less than 2, and cocktails are around the 6/7 mark. Boyfriend finished off his meal with a Zombie, made with his favourite rum Kraken. It's served in a cute Tiki mask glass and yes, it's on fire. We don't come here often as it's not the most convenient location for us personally, but when we're in Portobello we'll stop by for a burger and a pint and generally have a pretty good time.
How would this review be described?
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A: positive

Problem: The wait staff was nice and put effort into their failing restaurant, but even if you put a bow on a pile of shit, it still looks and smells like shit. Let me give you a little idea of how our visit during a typical lunch hour went: 12:10: arrived and ordered drinks 12:18: received drinks 12:19: ordered food 12:49: appetizer #1 (wings) delivered, also told by wait staff that they only had 1 burger patty left (the place was completely empty, it was not busy at all) and that they also did not have "beef" for the gyro 12:52: person #1 food delivered 12:54: appetizer #2 delivered 12:56: person #2 food delivered 12:58: person #3 food delivered "just kidding, we have beef for the gyro" 13:00: person #4 food delivered (pizza special) 13:25: check received I had a burger, it was awful. The worst symphony of flavors I have ever tasted masked by spice. I was hungry and couldn't even eat more than half of my food. The fries were good though... The gyro meat, looked like a shoe tonque that was lit on fire and not meat. The pizza looked like Red Baron, for being a "special" I'm not sure why it took 40 minutes to be served... I think we all know how they get away with the price for all you can eat. It would take 3 hours to eat 6 pieces of pizza and no one would want to be sitting in this place for that long. I don't know what the appeal is... this is supposed to be a bar. NOTHING to look at. Even if I drank enough to have beer goggles.. I would struggle in finding anything even remotely appealing. What I am saying is, this is the worst restaurant I have ever been to that is still open.
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: Great atmosphere. Great coffee. Horribly boring and bland food.
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: The best bagel shop I have been too. Cream cheese is the best you will ever try, and their bagels are delicious with many flavors to choose from . I love the breakfast and lunch sandwiches! Their coffee is also better than Starbucks and cheaper too :-) If you are in the area i would recommend trying them out. Everyone is very friendly with a big smile on their faces .
How would this review be described?
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A:
positive