What & Where the Doctors Eat — Dr. Rob Lawson

Re-Find Health Posted By Re-Find Health on April 13, 2017 / Comments


We all talk a good game about how to eat, what to eat, and the importance of preparing our own food from quality ingredients. The truth is that everyone faces the same dilemmas from time to time. Whether it's travel, working late, business lunches, social outings, or simply not being interested in cooking, there are many reasons that eating that home cooked meal may not always be possible.

I've decided to pose a series of questions to our members on a weekly basis on what gets them through these situations. You might be surprised at some of the answers and others might be exactly what you expected — either way, I'm hopeful that this will help you navigate your way through the myriad of awkward, inconvenient, or simply lazy situations you find yourself in.


This week's interview:

Rob Lawson from Edinburgh, Scotland

Rob Lawson

Rob Lawson
BSc, MBChB, MRCGP, FRCGP

Edinburgh, Scotland, GB



CA: Do you put much thought into where you eat out? Or do you simply go anywhere and try to make do with what's on the menu?

RL: Depends. Horses for courses really. When travelling we take our chances — some work some don't. We have a lot of good eateries with 30 minutes travel so we follow our mood or those of our friends with special taste buds!

CA: Most memorable restaurant meal in (or near) Edinburgh?

RL: Again I have to say it depends. At my first visit to: 21212, I thought it was overly pretentious. However, subsequent visits have been fabulous gastronomic experiences. Great for a special occasion. Meanwhile, for pre or post-theatre meals 'a deux' Café Grande hits the spot. Tasty, sensible portions, locally sourced food and well presented.

CA: Most memorable restaurant meal outside of Edinburgh?

RL: Istanbul. In Cengelkoy a small village on the Asian side of the Bosphorus there lies Bizi Unutma, a small fish restaurant with old fashioned atmosphere and lovely views across the water. At our visit it was full of locals. The male of a couple nearby burst into a rendition of an old Turkish love song which captivated our fellow diners. He never took his eyes off his partner and they seemed oblivious to those around them. A deserved round of applause.

Just up the road is another special place, Sumahan on the Water — accessed by water taxi from the European side. More expensive but beautiful location. Great for a wedding anniversary!

Find More Member Recommended Restaurants Near You

CA: For people with special diets, how do you suggest they talk with restaurant staff in order to get what they need?

RL: We are flexitarian bordering on vegetarian with tendency to lower carb. We choose accordingly. For friends — we advocate phoning ahead — always works.

CA: Do you prepare an emergency meal when you travel? If so, what do you include?

RL: Fruit, unsalted nuts (usually almonds and walnuts) and dark chocolate.

CA: Your favorite quick meal to prepare at home?

RL: Frittata is quick, flexible with ingredients, tasty and filling.

CA: In terms of food, what is your guilty pleasure?

RL: Creamy Coronation Chicken. And marzipan — but not together!

More About Rob Lawson

Rob LawsonDr Rob Lawson is co-founder of the recently constituted British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and founder of the UK Shared Medical Appointment Contact Group. He has been a proponent of Lifestyle Medicine principles for over 26 years — beginning in 1991 with his founding a charity supporting activity and mutual support for those with long-term health conditions.

He is now retired from NHS General Practice in the UK, where he lead his practice to serial Quality Practice Awards, but is Director in his own small Limited Company which offers a LM clinical approach and a CORE HEALTH network of Associated Health Professionals who subscribe to Lifestyle Medicine principles.

Dr Lawson is a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners, serves as a Membership Assessor and is on the Board of the South East Scotland Faculty.

Read More Q&A's from the "What & Where They Eat" Series