Really amazing local English classic pub where you can get quality pub food. It has an upper dining area where you will have a good space to sit down. All drinks served with Crystal glassware which is just classy. Service is good but it was a one man band maybe due to the holiday. At the end we can't find the server to pay. If you haven't tried Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, They are very yum here!! read more

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What a fabulous find! Visiting Scotland from California. The tour bus left us off near here and I just happened into this place. Really very lively and just a lot of fun. And the food was really really good. Tons of choices for libations. Ate in the bar. Was served by Calum and he was so kind to accommodate me (I'm a person with a disability). Met a group of lively women as that is the atmosphere of this place. Truly memorable... read more

We found this beautiful historic pub on Google. It is very near the M&S market where we were heading to grocery shop. The interior is stunning and the food was basic but good. Upon entering, you select a table, review the menu then go to the bar and order. The staff is friendly and provide good service. We tried the fish and chips and a burger. Both were good. Beware,, the burgers only come well done! read more

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Great pub. Fish and chips were great. Additional seating upstairs. Off the beaten path. read more

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We stopped for a quick bite to eat and were quite pleased. I had a delicious fish and chips dinner which I highly recommend.

Yes, bartenders were great. Very friendly and patient. Atmosphere comfortable and cozy. We ordered fish and chips and the steak and ale pie along with our beer and cider. Fish was delicate and beer battered well but the best part was the tartar sauce. The steak although tender lacked flavor and the sauce very thin and runny. I prefer a thicker gravy. I had to salt and pepper it to continue eating. I'll just chalk it up to personal preference I suppose. read more

The Abbotsford - Steak and ale pie - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

We ate here at our last night in Edinburgh and it hit the spot as we wanted some pub food. The atmosphere was very lively - all the tables were full downstairs (there was also a separate dining area upstairs), and we didn't need reservations. The layout of the room was very cool - the bar was centered in the middle of the room and the bartenders were inside the area. Reading some on the website, this bar is one of the best preserved pubs from the "Golden Age" of Scottish pub design. I wanted to get whisky my last night and the menu was extensive, so I asked for a floral lighter whisky and was suggested an excellent recommendation. For food, I got the steak and ale pie with veggies and my choice of potatoes (I got new potatoes - tasty but a little bland. Should have gotten the mashed potatoes like my husband did with his haggis). Overall good meal at a good price! read more

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Amongst the many pubs and restaurants along Rose Street, I came to The Abbotsford for some traditional Scottish food. As you enter, you'll find a circular bar in the middle surrounded by locals grabbing a pint or two. It's quite noisy and loud, but quite the opposite once you make it upstairs to the restaurant. There is a classic and olden day feel here with not too many tables, but is quite quaint. The two of us decided to share the Steak & Ale Pie (£14.95) and Baked Scottish Salmon (£15.95). The salmon was decent with a bed of cous cous and salad as a very healthy option here. I did enjoy the steak pie a lot more as the seasoning and flavors of the ale was poignant. It was topped with a flaky puff pastry served with a side of vegetables and carbs for a good balance. Overall, the food was mediocre especially for the price --nothing all too special though. read more

The Abbotsford - Baked Scottish Salmon. - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Really good food and fantastic service. I definitely recommend the bread platter for a starter, and for dessert, the toffee pudding. They had a sweet potato soup-of-the-day that was also so delicious. Kinda tiny restaurant but we showed up (patty of 4) without a reservation and had no problem getting a table. read more

The Abbotsford - Scottish pie (entre) - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Great pub meal on our last night. We tried to get into Dishroon nearby, but the wait was an hour. We stumbled on this historic pub and were warmly welcomed. Nice array of beer on tap and all the usual foods. I had steak and ale pie w mashed potatoes and husband had fish and chips. Both super! Finished off w a special whiskey. Most patrons were local. read more

Glorious exterior, so be sure to pop in for a pint. We also went upstairs for dinner; we were hoping for some comfort food after a cold day spent outdoors, and we weren't disappointed. We loved the potato leek soup and bread, and were filled up on the tasty Mac n' cheese and beef pie. Also, get a cappuccino--yum! Wait staff was attentive and kind; overall a lovely meal. read more

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Unassuming place but the food was excellent, it all came out hot and tasty. We had the steak and ale pie, breaded fish and chips, gammon and chips and the haggis with whisky sauce, all came out hot and well cooked. The service was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for these good. Definitely go again, what a find. Prices were extremely reasonable as well. read more

December 21 were able to sit outside with all the cousins, aunties and Nanas! The patio is very spacious and lots of people watching to do. Beer and crisps were great. The pub inside was absolutely hoppin' and this was about 1 pm! Would love to go back. read more

The Abbotsford - Patio - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Glad we could get into this place. Limited tables. Great decor & atmosphere. The staff was great - fun, friendly & more than accommodating. read more

This wonderful restaurant is tucked up above a loud pub. The setting looks a bit austere, but most people dining wore casual attire. The service was top notch, very friendly. We had beer and cider and ordered the haggis, tatties, and needs appetizer. This was our second haggis. It's been great both times, but theirs was especially good, with refreshingly present spice (nutmeg and maybe mace, I'm guessing). My husband's main dish was the Caesar salad with lots of chicken, maybe two breasts, and actual strips of anchovies. He found it excellent. I opted for the wild mushroom risotto, which was incredibly good. In addition to the mushrooms--which included some adorable little ones with stems--there were tomato chunks and leek. Everything was delightfully fresh. We left stuffed and happy. read more

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Very enjoyable evening here. We loved the bar - beautiful to look at. We ordered several apps - the Grilled Haloumi (cheese) was absolutely delicious. The chicken tenders were tasty and crispy. The cider was tart and you could definitely have more than one! For my meal I had the Fish and Chips. I've only had them here so I can't compare them for you but the fish was fresh, the batter was light and crispy and the chips were crunchy. Dan got the Game Casserole and he said it was quite tasty! It is like our beef stew here in the states but with venison. It was hearty with lots of flavor. read more

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The food was delicious and our waiter Glenn was wonderful! Very attentive and friendly! Loved the feel and atmosphere! We will definitely be back on our next visit to Edinburgh! read more

The Abbotsford Bar is one of my favourite pubs in Edinburgh. Situated in the pub central area of Edinburgh, Rose Street, The Abbotsford Bar is right in the centre of the city and is a convenient place to reach. This pub is incredibly traditional and the inside is quite spectacular, it has super high ceilings with amazing art work on them and a vibrant bright pink carpet on the floor. I come here quite a bit for pre-drinks on the way to a night out and I always have a fantastic time drinking here. The Abbotsford Bar serves a wide range of beers, ales and wines and so there is something for everyone. The prices are incredibly reasonable here too, with a large glass of the house red wine costing under five pounds - bargain! Food is also served here, with standard traditional pub food dominating the menu such as steak, fish and chips, sandwiches and burgers, but there a few quirky additions to it as well such as mussels! There is always a lively and friendly atmosphere in this pub and it is great place to either go for a cheeky wee drink or if you are fully going for it! read more

The Abbotsford - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

A beautiful old pub at the start (or end) of Rose Street. There's a gorgeous, dark-wood island bar in the middle of the room and long tables with benches situated all 'round it. Great for bigger parties or just sharing a table with a stranger and possibly making a friend. Some delicious cask ales on draught and a friendly, informed staff that will allow you to sample the ales so you can find one you like. When I think of a traditional Scottish pub, this is what I imagine. read more

We landed in Edinburgh and after dropping our bags at the AirBnb were ready for a first meal in Scotland! The Abbotsford provided a great introduction to the culture and the food here. Fantastic fish and chips as well as meat pie! Its tucked into a side street close to Princes Street, giving patrons an authentic location that doesn't take long to get to. Definitely a must try! read more

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Excellent service and staff, with a cozy atmosphere and tasty veggie haggis which for me as a new vegetarian an interesting dish. Special mention to the bartender who ran after me as I had left my back pack in the outside patio. Thank you so much!! read more

The Abbotsford - Vegetarian haggis! - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Our guy Alex was as an amazing server. Took the time to explain the options. We had a few drams of the whiskey he suggested. We had a cheese plate that was good too. The uncomfortable situation was when one of Alex's co workers began to tell him he was spending "40 mins talking to clients" (we had been there for 15 mins). Made it awkward. She then confronted him in front of us on the second round. Nope lady (slightly visible in one of the pics) you were lame, not Alex. Came from very far to visit your pub. read more

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Quite hard to find but once you do it is worth while, The Abbotsford Bar was originally part of shop-monster Jenners in 1902 and really hasn't been changed. Lots of wood and ornate detail makes you feel like you're an extra in a film but it is a wee bit touristy, don't fret though I reckon this is only because of the location and during the festival. When Edinburgh's population doubles, it doesn't matter where you go because there's plastic ponchos everywhere anyway. Even though it is still associated with Jenners, it's no where near as overpriced. read more

The Abbotsford - photo from official website - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I was so intrigued at their tv screens outside the bar....are they see-through? How can you have a see-through tv? I was sure I can see into the bar but it's also showing me tv....?! Magical mysteries aside, it's a pretty ok pub. Not amazing, but ok. It's really old fashioned and cliquey. As it's on Rose street it's part of the famous rose-street pub crawl, so it can get quite busy. It's not a bad place though! read more

The Abbotsford - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Very personable bartender! Great people watching outside. Couldn't be a better visit. Will be back next visit. Didn't get to try food, but next time read more

There is history here. Scottish Brewing History. The Abbotsford is one of the few existing pubs that challenged the traditional Beer Engine (the handle beer maidens pull to put the beer in your glass). Scotland used a pre-bar delivery system. The engine is down in the cellar. Hence turning the tap rather than pulling a massive handle. There are other bits about this pub that deserve a visit. An island bar. A ridiculously great position in the town. Top or bottom of the Rose Street Pub Crawl (I would start here). Go here and don't drink. Go here like you would visit an Art Gallery Not to see the past but to admire the beauty of something perfectly conceived and constructed. Like a fine portrait that perfectly shows you the combination of Scottish Engineering, Woodworking and Brewing combined into a wonderful place to be. Study it - take it in - there is beauty here - along with history read more

Took a bus from Inverness down to Edinburgh (this was over the summer), and we were fairly famished. Once we left the bus station, we walked through St. Andrews Square and looked for some grub (did I say we were hungry). Once we crossed the Square, we went to the Rose St., a pedestrian street. We ended up stopping at one of the first restaurants we saw....the pub, Abbotsford. The interior is everything one would think of whenever they conjour up their stereotypical "pub"---nice bar in the middle, dark wood paneling/fixturing throughout, and of course, beer. It looked like we found a cool place. Unfortunately, it we were proved wrong, and this is where we were introduced to some of the "UK's legendary bad personal service". It was summer. We were hot, and we asked for water. This took 15-minutes (and this place was pretty dead). Once we ordered, we waited 45-minutes for our food---during this time we saw two other groups order and receive their food in the meantime! Once were clearly done with our food, we ended up waiting 30-min for a check...well, actually, I physically went up to the bar and asked for the check. Am I missing something here? I don't think so, because it seemed like everyone else was served "normally". So, there beverages were average, and their food was average, but their service sucked butt. I can't believe we wasted almost 2-hours here. Oh, and we also asked them for directions to our hotel's address....and they totally sent us in the wrong direction! Needless to say, a tip was not left. read more

A lovely antique looking bar which is well worth a visit when wandering down Rose Street. I love Rose Street because of the cool bars that sit along it; they are always just the right side of traditional mixed with cool for me. The Abbotsford is probably the nicest when it comes to décor, and I always love coming here for a pre shopping trip glass of vino. The ceilings are ornate and the island bar is stunning in dark mahogany. They sell every sort of whiskey under the sun, but I'm more of an Amaretto girl myself. The Californian White Zinfandel is about £4 for a large glass which is a little on the pricey side but it is City Centre. Certainly not the most expensive I have had. Lovely bar which is well worth the visit. Next time I will definitely be trying out the restaurant as I have heard great things about it! read more

The Abbotsford - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Abbotsford is a nice pub at the end of Rose Street. I went in here to have lunch and for a traditional Scottish pub experience...it didn't disappoint. The place is very homey there is a bar situated in the middle of the room and big long tables around the perimeter. The tables are designed for different parties to sit together. We ended up sitting next to a Scotch man who was with his grown daughters and nicece attending the Military Tattoo. We had a nice conversation. The food was okay...nothing special typical pub food which is what I wanted. I had a chicken burger "sandwich" with fries. The sandwich was okay. A little bland and was coated with mozzarella cheese. The fries were above average. They were nice and big and very crispy. All in all if you are looking for a good pub in Edinburgh, I would highly recommend The Abbotsford read more

Had a rather disappointing meal here at this new town Edinburgh pub with traditional Scottish dishes with a more modern twist. The location itself is very nice with the pub ground level and the restaurant itself on upstairs. We were a group of four but we were told there were only two tables for two available not even next to each other but parallel. I inquired why the two tables couldn't be just pushed together but they would've blocked another table. So aggravating. Plus the wait for a proper table would've been too long. Needless to say, we couldn't enjoy our dinner together. Ordered the venison haunch in au jus with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. First off, the portion of meat was tiny and I don't think we were served venison at all. Venison has a distinct rich flavor and this cut which came cooked medium was more like a tender beef fillet. Plus, a meat like venison often is served in a rich sauce to mask the gaminess, not au jus. Regardless, the meat was tender and the sides okay but portions were too small. Service though courteous and polite was slow and obviously unaccommodating. Worst off was just as we finished eating, we were informed that a table for four just opened up and we can change tables is we'd like. Wow! Thanks! We can settle the check as a group at least instead of dining together. Prices aren't too high luckily. All in all, a disappointment from start to finish and can not recommend this place unless just coming for a pint at the bar. read more

The Abbotsford - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I was only visiting the bar to meet a friend but it was long enough to see it is a good ol' fashioned beer bar. You could call it an old mans pub or I would rather call it a traditional bar. There is an OK selection of beers, Alchemy seems to be the brewery of choice which is always good. Its Rose Street location gives it an eclectic mix of locals and tourists and so you can be greeted by old men pretending to be French when you try and get the only remaining seat in the bar to bewildered travellers trying to understand the said locals pretending to be French. read more

Nice beer selection. Very engaging bar keepers. Food was typical pub food. Nothing special but nothing negative. Laura was very nice talking about her recent book readings with the associate I was dining with. Certainly a place a return to. read more

This is an excellent city centre pub, and especially so given its location on Rose St, which, for the number of drinking establishments it has, sometimes feels like there isn't anywhere just right for a restorative mid-shopping pint. This is a traditional pub with the kind of decor you would expect from an old Edinburgh institution. It has a good selection of real ales alongside the usual booze options, and they have bench seating arranged around the island bar. They do meals but I haven't eaten there. I usually pop in there for a quiet pint when I'm out and about in town. I particularly like that they always seem to have beer from the Hadrian & Border Brewery, which is one of my favourites. I don't know if they have a regular relationship or whether it's a coincidence, but I hope they keep it up, as you don't see these beers in too many places. Unfortunately I need to knock a star off due to their crimes against crisps. They stopped selling crisps and now only sell nuts! I could write an essay about the ruination of crisp options at pubs these days, selling you over-priced posh crisps when all you want is a pack of Walker's, but not selling crisps at all is just ridiculous. Get them told. read more

Ate lunch in the Above restaurant here last Friday and the value for money was very good indeed. Portion sizes were generous and my duck was very well cooked. The chocolate and Malibu cheesecake made me feel quite the glutton. The restaurant's acoustics can it seems make it rather loud when more than half the tables are occupied but that's a minor quibble when set against the good service and aforementioned vfm (£45 for 3 mains & desserts + soft drinks). read more

We had a hard time finding a restaurant rather than a pub our first night in Edinburgh so we were happy to stumble upon the Above at the Abbotsford. We thought the place was empty because of the football match that every pub had on the screen but as the night wore on we realized that wasn't it. I had the special which was a pork chop while my daughter had the fish n chips. My meat was dry, tough and flavorless as was the sides on the plate. The fish n chips were beyond the normal greasy. For trying to be high end they missed the mark by far. read more

I damn liked that place. A a great time there last night, people and staff are very friendly and helped with among the biiiiiig choice of whiskeys. Thanks a lot for that. Also that pub looks not that posh like other places in edinburgh, but thats totally my own opinion. Bottom Line _ if in Edinburgh try the Abbotsford read more

Situated at the beginning of the famous Rose Street, this is another traditional Victorian pub of the same genre as the Guildford Arms and Café Royal. There is the usual ornate high ceiling and lots of dark wooden panelling around the walls.The bar itself is of the central oval design and is very ornate, being of wooden construction. Real Ales are served in The Abbotsford, and there is a large selection of whiskeys. There is outside seating in the summer months. Well worth a visit to start off your assault on Rose Street! read more

This is one of those old traditional pubs that you hear about. As we entered this pub for dinner it was full of people shoulder to shoulder drinking beer and whisky ( scotch). We had dinner upstairs, and it was very quite and very relaxing. We had salmon, and fish and chips. The food and service were special, our waitress, was really a lot of fun. She mixed it up with us making us feel right at home. It's definitely one of the favorite local pubs. It was so good we went back for lunch the following day. read more

Tucked away behind the world famous Jenners department store in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, The Abbotsford Bar is truly an excellent place to visit. Originally commisioned by the store in 1902, little has changed since: the original island bar, wood paneling and ornamented ceiling are all in top notch condition, giving the place a deeply traditional, cultured atmosphere. Whether you're poison is Real Ale, Lager, Wine or Whisky, you'll definatley want another just to stay a while longer. Whether you're a commited client of traditional Pubs, a tourist seeking to experience everything that Edinburgh has to offer, or just someone looking for a nice drink, the Abbotsford awaits. read more

This restaurant turned out to be a huge disappointment. They served me RAW chicken. Unfortunately, I realized this after I bit into my sandwich. Despite immediately spitting it out, I contacted a bacteria. I became extremely ill and had to be taken to the emergency room. Due to the Abbotsford carelessness, I was ill for 2 weeks and left with thousands of dollars in medical bills. I would NEVER recommend anyone eat here. read more