Sandeman: Ideal stop-off for classic pub grub

Feb 15 2008 By Lady Who Lunches

RENDEZVOUSING for a bite to eat with a teenage relative can turn into a minefield of problems.

From food fads to wouldn’t-be-seen-dead-in surroundings, finding a place to take a teen to eat is as difficult as that impossible fashion feat of the eighties: looking good in a jumpsuit.

The thought of attire which only looks in place in an airplane at 15,000 feet sends as much of a shiver down my spine as the prospect of a table for two with a teenager.

This was the challenge presented to me last week when I bumped into my 18-year-old niece Stephanie.

I had been browsing the ski wear in town, incidentally – while we are on the subject – the one-piece ski-suit is a definite faux pas for the fashion conscious taking to the slopes this season and probably most other foreseeable seasons, when I spotted Steph skulking around the snowboard attire.

As is the norm with me, talk quickly turned to après-ski which was swiftly followed by the subject of food.

Willing to pay, but unwilling to choose, I threw the gauntlet down to Stephanie to pick where we should to go for a bite.

She quickly decided to head straight across the road and into the public library-turned-public house establishment The Sandeman.

Stephanie gently guided me into a bright and airy area with comfortable seats and fabulous floor to ceiling people-watching windows.

The menu is the usual pub-chain choice of safe family favourites which include servings of lasagne, burgers, baked potatoes, curry, pie or fish and chips.

We placed our order at the bar.

I opted for a hickory maple chicken wrap and salad, Steph plumped for a hearty baked potato with pineapple and cheese and, despite being impressed with the selection of wine on offer in the cavernous city centre barn, we both went for soft drinks.

The food was fine; ultimately you get what you pay for.

The wrap was a bit dry but came with a mountain of salad.

This is perfect for my present figure-watching phase, while Stephanie confirmed the baked potato hit the comfort food spot she was searching for on such a sodden day.

But the stumbling block for me came when I went to powder my nose.

The state of the toilets left me slightly hot under the collar and relieved I had already eaten.

The Place: The Sandeman, Kinnoull Street, Perth.

Cost: £12.50 for two, including a soft drink each.

Food: Classic pub grub fodder

Service: Friendly and efficient

Decor: Stripped down splendour and squashy sofas

Verdict: Perfect for snake-bite swigging students and comfort food cravings