Wow the Links bar got all grown up....! I have to admit I have been avoiding this place for the last few years purely on the presumpotion that well I was a little too old to hang out here now!! Those heady days of being 25 and hungover and in need of nachos and a screen showing rugby/football etc a distant memory. So I was truly astonished to find myself sitting outsidre here a few weeks ago, glance at a menu and see "seafood platter"!! This cannot be the same place where I once downed a dirty pint standing on a pool table while a rugby team chanted at me questioning my sexuality based on the duration of the "downage" of the pint....!? But in fact it is, its been Marchmontised I'ld say, and to be fair its really great. Lovely spot to enjoy a sunny day with a qaulity craft beer. Highly JD Recommended!!! read more

A grand bar that seems to change its mind every now and then about what it wants its clientele to be! I've seen it stundenty, sportsy, a bit more upscale and back to studenty! The crowd is always friendly, the bar staff too. We've been in a few times for a pint on a Friday night and we can usually get a seat, the pint is grand and at an alright price. Last time I went we were with some folks who were staying in the hotel and so were in 'the other part' (More to the right...possibly a residents bar?) It was quiet but I hear there was a bit of live music the night before! Something which surprised me as I didn't think it was that kind of place. Apparently the manager was talkative too and knew friends of friends of friends (Ireland is a surprisingly small place). All in all, it's passable but nothing special. read more

Well, I had my work Christmas lunch here yesterday and have some constructive criticism... First of all, the staff are incredibly friendly and accomodating. We were originally seated in the bar area (which is famiy friendly up to a certain hour) but when one of our group brought her baby, they offered to move us somewhere quieter, and gave us a lovely table in their gorgeously done-up dining room. But then we got the menus. For a place which is trying to give off an upmarket image, both the apperance and make-up of the menu lets them down. First of all, it's printed in such a way that says "this menu will never change with the seasons" as it's a folded piece of thick, shiny ... I don't even know how to describe it but it makes me think of the old Links (student Links) menu. Secondly, for all of the gorgeous decoration in that dining room, the restaurant menu appears to be no different from the bar menu and serves up burgers, stromboli, sausage and mash, pie, etcetcetc. Pub fare. It had a couple of nicer sounding items, but when we all received our menus there was a silence that said "oh, I was expecting something nice than this" and not "ooooh it all looks so good I just can't decide" I ordered the stromboli (which had been baked too long and was pretty dried out) which came with (underseasoned) chips, (tasteless) onion rings and coleslaw. Seriously. Usually you don't get all three of the fatty sides, and usually there is at least an *option* of salad?? I realise it's not the classiest of dishes to order, but they could easily class it up a bit to fit with the surroundings. Seriously, all they need to do it serve it with salad and, say, sweet potato chips and it immediately becomes more interesting and less beige. For all my whingeing, my coworkers enjoyed their starters and mains. Maybe I chose poorly? Maybe I'm just picky? It wasn't bad, it just didn't fit. Additionally, the price of our meals (mine was £8) was very good, and as I said, the service was lovely and friendly. I would return, but with much lower expectations. I would return for a pub meal, and not a restaurant meal. read more

Good Location, new bones (recently had renovations), just a average old' gal with a pretty face really. Service is okay, Washrooms were warm (I swear, edinburgh rarety), Food.. meh.. read more

This place as had a bit of a face lift! Last time I was in here (back in my student days) it was a sports bar, rugby tops and framed team shots plastered across the walls. Thought I'd stepped into the wrong bar when I came here for a function event recently. It's been done up! New big print trendy wallpaper, new furniture, contemporary design and full glass doors, it's stepped up a notch or two in image. But sadly I have to agree with Nic G. there is just no atmosphere in here. At least when it was a sports bar there was a bit of a buzz. Now it's just... blah. Still, it's really cosy, heating is up high! Our function area, consisted of two rooms at the rear right and with very our bar, although it was barely manned. Service in the main bar was alright though. We had Indian snacks and potato wedges served at the function which were all really tasty and barely lasted 5 minutes. Although the drinks are pricey, I had a bottle of coke as I was driving, £2.95! Almost the same price as an alcoholic drink. Ouch! read more

The Links Bar shouldn't really be as good as it is, after all it's a hotel bar... The thing is it is also a pleasant pub, with a large patio to the front overlooking the Bruntsfield Links, and they have a good range of beers and spirits. The bar staff are friendly and if you decide to eat here the food comes out reasonably quickly and is tasty, the tapas menu would be ideal for a large group of people too. All in all a good bar to drink or eat in and on a nice day the ideal location just to people watch and while away the afternoon. read more

A very grand looking bar that never lived up to the name I thought it had. As Sara C. said, the bar has changed it's target audience, I had always been told that the Links Bar was a student pub. Being told it was a student pub struck one thought in my head and that was "bingo! Somewhere for a cheap pint after work", not quite the case. I headed here after work one night on mt quest to try as many pubs in Edinburgh as I could. Me and my fiancee got to the bar and sat down. I noticed that the pub had a very grand, almost overwhelmingly so, feel to the place. 1 pint of Deuchars and 1 small white wine was £7.40. I don't know what to make of that because I am still getting used to Edinburgh prices but it was around this time that I realised I wasn't in a student bar. The pint was nice and the wine was cold so really I can't ask for more than that but if I was to ask for something it would be for not to have to ask to have a little less foam on my pint, that's just being picky though. Overall quite a nice bar and I did enjoy myself. Nothing special separating this pub from any other pub/restaurant apart from the fact it has a superb view of the Bruntsfield Links. Would definitelt grow on me if I went a second time now that I know what kind of clientele it has, or at least aims to have. read more

I used to go to this bar a lot back in my uni days, but recently when Sara P and I were walking to her house, and I was about to pass out because I was so hungry, we decided to pop in here for dinner. Since then, we went back again, this time with Joe A. and just for a few drinks. It has had a much needed refurb since I used to visit and looks a lot better. Pretty chilled out environment. There are two sides to the place (literally), if you turn right when you go through the door then there is more of a restaurant feel to it, if you turn left then there is often sport of the TV and a couple of regulars propped up at the bar. Staff are pretty friendly and attentive. The first time we went, we were served by a very helpful lady who went out of her way to serve us. The second time the men behind the bar seemed pretty decent. Granted it was a weekday both times we visited, but it was pretty dead. It used to be full to the brim with students and every day is a weekend for them so I don't know if they are trying to move away from being a student pub a bit now. The menu is quite attractive and when I ate there I had a steak pie and it was pretty tasty. I think this place is what it is. They are always showing sport, the drinks are pretty cheap and they serve pub food. One thing though, in the summer it is usually mobbed as they face out onto the Bruntsfield Links and have lots of tables outside so it is great to sit in the sun (if we ever see it again). read more

This place used to be my local, and I spent a ridiculous amount of my life (and student loan!) eating and drinking here. There is a good sized outdoor area to the front, so in summer it's a great place for lazy sunday afternoons with a pint of cider or a glass of rosé, although this does also double as the smoking area which means if you're a non-smoker you may not love having to walk right through the middle of it to get into the place. That said, once you do get inside I reckon it's worth it. Drinks are reasonably priced, especially if you're a student and you sign up for their Student Recommended card. The food offers really good value for money too: I don't think I've ever seen so many different burgers on one menu before. I haven't yet managed to work my way through all of them, but so far so good. It's the usual pub grub that you'd find anywhere (fajitas, fish & chips etc) but it's does well and it usually arrives really quickly. The pub quiz on a sunday is definitely worth doing, although it doesn't start until 9pm, which means you usually end up finishing just in time for closing time at 1am... not ideal if you struggle with monday mornings! The prize is always a £30 bar tab, and they always have a prize for the losing team as well, which varies every week. I'm pretty sure it's just whatever the quizmaster finds in the boot of his car... last week we were the unlucky losing team, and our efforts were rewarded with a box of firelighters! At least when the bbq season gets underway we'll be prepared... read more

I was always told that when I went into second year, The Links would be the new Crags. I was lied to. yeah the Links is just like the Crags, same management and same menu and drinks deals. But something is just not right,... I came here recently with my dad on a nice summers day, we wanted somewhere cheap and cheerful for a burger with outdoor seats. The Links seemed perfect. However my burger was horrible, really greasy and my dad's was just plain disgusting. I asked for lemonade, which was just fizzy water, and my dad's lager was cider. The staff weren't very attentive, we had to get everything we wanted inside ourselves. I wasn't overly impressed with the Links!! It's ok for a couple drinks or to watch the rugby, but the food is p*sh. read more

Over the past year, the Links Bar has become one of my new places to drink in Edinburgh. With living in Bruntsfield it is quite close and this place has become the bar of choice for many students in the surrounding area! The bar has a couple of pool tables and widescreen televisions for those important football matches. During semester, this place is very busy when the football is on, so if you want a seat, come early to avoid disappointed. For students, the prices of drinks are more expensive than your typical student union, but what bar isn't? The food is alright, not the best, but certainly not the worse. Students can also enjoy two main meals for the price of one, so it is ideal for students who want to go out for a meal on the cheap! Service can be slow at times, but overall it is pretty good for an evening's entertainment! read more

This was pretty much my home in 2nd year of uni, and it did the job well. The pub is pretty big, with a good outside seating area for a bit of summer drinking and smoking. The staff are friendly and it is on the SR card, giving you drinks reductions (admittedly not as good as a few years ago but better than nothing). Packed with students, the Links is definitely a young persons bar. The drinks there are all good, and pretty cheap as well though. Steer clear of the Guinness though, as it has played havoc with everyone's stomach the day after. They also sell Sahara nuts, which are so more-ish, I must have spent hundreds on them. They have two pool tables at the back, which used to be free weekdays from 2 till 6. This offer isn't there anymore, but I have been told it is coming back. As well as this they have a pub quiz that is always pretty good fun, except it is the worst I know for people cheating on iphones. Overall a good cheap pub for students, especially celebrating after exams, but for others there are better ones around the Bruntsfield area. read more

The Links Bar is an excellent venue to watch major sporting events on their large screen. The cost of pints and drinks are the regular rate, although there is student discount. Furthermore, they do provide high quality food as well if you feel like a pub lunch or dinner. There are often events at the Links Bar such as Poker night on Tuesday and Karoke Friday (which is always worth a listen!). There are pool tables as well which is good fun, especially when you have had a couple of pints. The main problem is that on the days of the big matches it is very crowded and it can take a long time to get served and be difficult to get a seat. The Links Bar is also a good place to meet up with people before you head out as it is not too far away from the Meadows. This eventually (10 minutes) connects you with the Cowgate where most of the clubs in Edinburgh are to be found. read more

The Links Hotel is a popular joint for big games. Unfortunately, the layout and (lack of) logic make it a difficult space to be in during high times. If my friends weren't already settled with their drinks, I probably would've left. It took forever to get served because there were not only occupied bar stools lining the entire length of the bar, but there were people standing eating at the bar. Of course, this make it impossible to even look like you were waiting to be served as there was a crowd 5 people deep lining the bar right the way round. There is actually another bar round the other side of the pub but it took equally as long to get served really. Good thing was the big projector screen making it good viewing. Also, has a bunch of pool tables at the back. Be prepared to get frustrated...and sober up between drinks. read more

The Links Bar is an oddity! It's a quiet, out of town hotel bar which can turn into the biggest wave of activity at the drop of a hat. It has lots of flat screen TVs, which when there are an array of different sporting competitions running simultaneously, can be a great thing. Though admittedly the screen in the middle of the bar is a little distracting when one is trying to converse over a pint. I didn't think I cared for cricket until one particular visit! The alcohol is fairly standard. I'm a cider drinker by trade, but find myself resorting to lager when I visit as their selection is limited. Having said that, they do keep their lines clean, so whatever you choose, you'll get a good pint. I've not had too much in the way of food since they offered their tapas selection. Since this was a while ago and they no longer serve that menu, I'm not best placed to comment. Though it does look and smell good when the food goes out. I've been in a load of times over the last couple of years, and certainly with its spacious beer garden overlooking Bruntsfield Links, this place should be on your 'bars for summer' list and if you're after a good vibe during the rugby or footie, you can hit far worse bars. read more

I've attended a few group drinks nights at The Links and have always really enjoyed myself. The service is great and they're very accomodating. They've got a few private function rooms with lovely decor. The large patio area in front is fab in the summer! read more

Really like this bar on a sunny day having a Guiness watching the world go by from their beer garden. The have a nice selction of shorts and resonable offerings on tap. The staff even managed to intoduce me to a new vodka that is now a firm favourite. Eaten here a couple of times off the tapas menu and really enjoyed what I had, as did my companions for the evening. There is a loyalty card system that gets you 10% off as well. Needless to say like all these card things I have to rely on my other half as I lost mine in 5 minutes. read more

The Links offers all you should expect from a pub/sports bar. Student discount on reasonably tasty pub grub, plenty of sports viewing screens and a tidy oak interior result in a yet another of a large list of drinking spots around Edinburgh. Nothing special and nothing out of the ordinary here, much like this review. Nonetheless, at least I've highlighted a reliable watering hole. It's currently under refurbishment (see picture) so expect a new and improved Links coming soon. read more

Food is so so. Good for watching a rugby game and having a pint.

Rather than return to a regular haunt for dinner in the Bruntsfield area, decided to give this recently renovated local eatery a try. Have to say I'm glad I did despite not getting off to the best start. I was looking forward to a pre-dinner cocktail from their small but nicely formed menu, but sadly had to re-think my options when told they were out of mint and basil, so adios Mojito and Basil Grande. Option 3 was decent enough and served through in fhe library, away from the noise of the main bar. After a quick glance at the menu we shuffled through to one of several dining areas and ordered. Our waitress was great, full of chat but not intrusively so, but obviously very busy - I didn't see anyone else serving and she was being run ragged. The food itself was good, well cooked and presented. The bread platter had a decent selection of breads, olives, dips and oils to get us going and the mains didn't disappoint. I went for the chicken supreme which was moist and full of flavour while the lovely opposite had baked sea bass. Finished it all off with a decent cheese board and a couple of bottles of white. We retired to the bar area after to listen to a bit of acoustic strumming before stumbling home. All in all, a decnt venture out and with 20% of the food bill not the bank buster I'd worried about. read more

I wasn't impressed with The Links Bar. Although interior okay it lacked any kind of atmosphere. Service was okay, we didn't eat but wasn't all that happy with the drinks i had a flat coke and my husband had a pint of beer that just tasted off he wasn't impressed either! read more

The Links bar is a great place to go for a drink, with a very friendly atmosphere. Certain drinks come cheap if you are a student and ask for the 'student recommended' card (free). Meals are also 2 for 1 on certain days and are large portions! Also a good place to visit for sports matches, on several TVs and a big screen on the left as you enter the building. Also has pool tables at the rear. read more

Nicely refurbished. You get a nice pint here and the staff are generally efficient and friendly. I haven't tried the food yet but what I've seen of it looks nice. And the beer garden's great on a sunny day. There are a couple of bar staff who are less interested in serving and it can occasionally be hard to get served even when it's quiet but this is less the case here than in many bars nearby. read more