Bearing the Rocco Forte trademark, the Balmoral Hotel is designed in a truly deluxe style with several renowned Edinburgh landmarks right at its doorstep, or as they say 'their doorstep is a landmark'. With a majestic clock tower piercing the city's skyline, this luxury refuge has something for everyone; from the busy business traveller to the holidaymaker looking forward to exploring the surrounding Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. For 2011, the Hotel has been awarded the prestigious 2 AA Rosettes.

The interiors of the individually designed bedrooms and suites are beguiling and themed around natural colour tones and fabrics reflecting their Scottish heritage. Step into the Royal Suite and you will soon realise you don't want to go anywhere, with a fireplace, well stocked in-room bar, double walk-in shower and breathtaking views over the historic old town of Edinburgh, all are sure to evoke a wowed response.

Hadrian's is essentially brasserie style with an informal and buzzy atmosphere, and is situated in The Balmoral, one of Edinburgh's older established hotels; it is the contemporary and chic sister to number one also at The Balmoral.

Its stylish interior has a distinct 1930s Art Deco influence, with walnut floors and a palette of lime plus a splash of African violet. The combination of colours was inspired by the natural landscapes of Edinburgh, taking the Salisbury Crags, sea and sky as influences. While the décor has been given a facelift to underline this venture, fortunately the food certainly reflects it as well. Designed by their Michelin-starred chef Jeff Bland it offers a cosmopolitan menu with a mix of Scottish dishes and innovative European cuisine.

There is an essentially comforting element to brasserie food, not entirely unassociated with its familiarity and all the usual suspects, plus some, are here. Caesar Salad with grilled chicken, bacon, anchovies and croutons jostles with chicken liver parfait with truffle and tarragon butter, apple and Sultana chutney, not to say a wide range of fish dishes, like Scottish smoked salmon with brown bread and horseradish cream.

The main menu for Hadrian's, backed up by the sample and children's menu is aimed at providing a good value. One could expect to find a choice of soups, starters and light dishes that invite you to consider classic French onion soup with Gruyère Croutons, or salad of beetroots with Lanark blue cheese, orange and cardamom reduction.

Following the strong inclination to food from the sea we find grilled fillet of Shetland salmon with spiced lentils and corriander yoghurt, alongside such traditional dishes as West Coast scallops with pea purée, spinach, tomato and bacon dressing or chargrilled Blairgowrie rib eye with chunky chips and bearnaise sauce. Vegetables at Hadrian's are different - somebody cares, as demonstrated by gnocchi with rocket and garlic cream, savoy cabbage, a welcome change from those places where dishes whose main constituent, however good, is rendered dreary by sad, limp, uninteresting vegetables.

At dessert time classic vanilla bourbon crème brûlée will keep you waiting a little longer, in which case a amalfi lemon posset with Perthshire raspberry shortcake might offer a suitable alternative. The service is professional and friendly. A good wine list should not overstretch you with their prices and the list of Hadrian stands as ample proof of that. Whilst food trends and fads change with the wind, brasserie-style food goes on for ever; long may it last.

Hadrian's has a fabulous children's menu. Michelin starred Executive Chef, Jeff Bland has created this with tasty options for children under twelve. This is full of delicious, healthy dishes that parents should approve of, such as 'five a day' seasonal Scottish vegetable soup, fresh Scottish salmon fingers with new potatoes and salad, and banana with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Hadrian's was voted 'Best for Breakfast' by The Scotsman and this lovely breakfast is served from 7 to 10.30 am from Monday to Friday, 7 to 11 am on a Saturday, and 7.30 am to 11am on a Sunday.

Check out the Website for more details about Hadrian's, the 5 star Balmoral Hotel and its many facilities.