I popped in here for a drink before seeing a movie last week. It is a sort-of-quirky, but now looks slightly commercial bar owned by the Nicholson chain. I have encountered this before at the Eagle & Child in Oxford. It is just standard pub food and typical beers on tap. I definitely think this is a tourist stop, not really a locals stop and they were out of a few beers on tap. Which is no big deal, but left few nice options for an afternoon pint. They do have the Nicholson's Pale Ale, which is good, but I don't think I would return here for a meal or another drink. Nothing wrong with it really, just isn't especially unique considering its history or potential, as it felt a bit dreary. I think I expected a bit more for some reason, but it was also mostly empty so maybe it is a nice spot to tuck in when busy. read more

A great place to stumble into if you're trying to escape the morning rain (and in our case, to recover from a long coach trip). The atmosphere is quite cozy for a pub, and the Arthur Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes decor is an added bonus. It felt very authentic all around. I indulged in the traditional Scottish breakfast with apple juice, which ended up being a bit much -- hello, food coma -- but it was all great. read more

The Conan Doyle - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The bartender here made our experience! She was so friendly and was able to give my mother and I several restaurant recommendations. They have Aspall Cider on tap, which I absolutely fell in love with and have since had shipped to my house in the US! read more

The absolute perfect place to go for an intimate dinner when it's rainy and cold. The atmosphere is super cozy and the squishy chairs make you feel like you're dining in someone's library. The food was delish (I had the salmon en croute and my husband had the lamb shank pie). The roasted potatoes and veggies were cooked to perfection. We shared a dessert - which was the perfect size after a big meal. Toffee pudding. Yummy! I knocked off a star because the restaurant is so small! It's hard to get a table if you don't come early. We were able to get a table on our third attempt. We had to order a drink at the bar in the meantime, but it was worth it. Very fun. Great location too. read more

This used to be the closest pub to my old flat, so we would often pop over for some afternoon relief. Its your standard pub, nothing out of the ordinary here folks. The prices are quite good, at one stage they did a 99p glass of wine. Although with ever changing licensing laws, that probably doesn't happen anymore. I used to get a Kopperburg for £2.85 which was pretty reasonable for Edinburgh. This pub is located just along from Edinburgh bus station, so its a good stop off if you have time to kill before you hop on a bus. Just a relaxed pub which is good for a quick after work drink or a catch up with a friend. read more

I love Arthur Conan Doyle's work, and although I knew from the offset there would be little of Sherlock in this pub I thought I'd stop by for a drink anyway. It's nice, cozy place to grab a pint of beer, an ale or a whisky. I agree with the other reviewers and felt as though this pub was attempting to lure the tourists in by looking like a quintessential Scottish tavern, but there's nothing wrong with that. It does well catching the trade that comes off the thriving Royal Mile, and although I wouldn't say it's got anything different to offer than the similar pubs nearby, it's nevertheless very homely and a comfy place to relax over a beer. read more

Given its name you might expect to find this pub covered in Sherlock Holmes memorabilia or themed on a 19th century London townhouse. It isn't really. Instead it's just a traditional pub. The Conan Doyle isn't a bad pub by any stretch of the imagination. Given its location of the East end of Princes St and near to so many hotels it can get a bit touristy but I've never been in when its too busy. Apart from that the clientele tend to be middle ages with the odd student group. Drinks are reasonably priced and the usual sort of food is served, although this can be a bit slow between ordering and receiving. As there are two theatres nearby this might be a good choice for a pre-theatre meal, just don't expect anything too fancy. My only other complaint about the Conan Doyle is it does smell a bit funny. Could maybe do with a wee refurbishment? read more

Recently had a refurb and looks good for it. Cheap drinks and food although not great was decent for whatt we paid. Bar is quite easily filled and you will have too wait on a table at times but given it's location this is acceptable. read more

If I could give less than 1 star I would. While visiting Edinburgh, we stopped in for drinks and a meal. Both times, the staff were rude and not attentive at all. After not having our table cleared from the prior guests for 15 minutes, we left. read more

It's got the name. It's got a charming interior. It's got decent food -- if you can get it. They are utterly unable to manage their tables. Have been there several times over the last 4 years and, unless you luck out on time, it's rare that you can get in -- and not because it's packed -- it's because they claim everything is reserved and it isn't. Went this evening, saw several foursomes sent packing because they had "reserved tables." They sat me down and 25 minutes later hadn't even taken a drink order! And the "reserved tables" still hadn't shown. Left after letting them know no one appeared to take an order. Not a word of apology or regret. Not again. read more

Excellent and quick service, had the 10 ounce ribeye steak and chips, the steak was wonderful and prepared exactly as ordered. Glad I stopped by. read more

Located near enough to the bus station for one last pint before leaving town. The staff was friendly and the clientele were fun. Great interior! I'd definitely return. read more

This Nicholsons is below average in the looks department, when compared to other pubs I know from the same chain. Not that keen on the location either, but a delicious pint of Harvieston Gold and the lovely barmaids made things better. Didn't know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was from Edinburgh, but indeed he was born nearby. read more

I found the Conan Doyle to be really touristy when I visited although the person serving me at the bar seemed to emphasise the fact that they were a very local pub. I'm not sure what point he was trying to make there but I grabbed my pint and took a pew. It's a nice place to sit for a drink, but I was on my own so I was drinking up quick, sad case that I am! The pints were reasonably priced, the atmosphere was inoffensive and it was quite busy. I sort of expected a bit more from it because of the iconic name but it really was quite regular. Just a pub, nothing more, nothing less! read more

Great atmosphere, had to wait 20 minutes on a busy night. Most menu items were not available. How does a restaurant run out of salad (and salmon and calamari..). Servers shift ended at 21:00 and he left with no notice. We had to plead with remaining servers for help. Last time going there for dinner! read more

Cozy place to pop in for a drink and a simple bite, not far from the main downtown attractions of the city. Nothing amazing on the menu, but lots of choices so should please everyone. Filled with a nice mix of people the night I was there, and staff were friendly and helpful. Not somewhere I'd seek out again, but I might stop by if I were in the neighborhood and thirsty. read more

Brilliant place for a pint or three, good interior and atmosphere. Would be there all the time, if it weren't for the price - with Playfair just across the road, it's cheaper moving for that second drink! read more

My wife and I were intrigued by the name so we stopped by. The decor and location were delightful. The menu is the same as other pubs owned by Nicholsons. Good solid food at a decent price. read more

The legendary man deserves every bit of adoration he gets, in this writers humble opinion, and naming a pub after him is about the best start I can think of. Situated on a corner overlooking a busy intersection, its green walls, big windows and the happy faces in them cajole one inside. This is often a busy pub, due to serving good food and regular drinks promotions, among other things. The quiz night is popular, and the bar staff are friendly. The Conan Doyle has the remarkable ability to seduce one into thinking that having a pint there is an intellectual activity unto itself read more

The Conan Doyle is situated at a busy intersection at the top of Broughton Road. The place has large windows so one can really watch the world or more likely commuters go by. Some entertainment can be had by watching the pedestrians run across the road in front of cars on a fast blind corner. It is not just a big open space thus one can really have a bit of privacy as the place as different rooms and areas. The bar feels modern but has that opulence of class. I have always found the prices reasonable and the place clean. I would recommend anyone try this place out as it really is an oasis between the pricey george street area and the less moral establishments on Broughton Road. read more

I would revisit it only for the comfy seats and the unique atmosphere. Although the pub contains personal belongings of the famous Scottish detective story writer, Arthur Conan Doyle, it is not the original place where the writer used to live. The house has not been preserved, it stood at the opposite corner of the street where the pub is now. The menu is a typical pub choice of meals, including traditional haggis. Nice service. Quite busy at weekends. read more

The place has a nice interior and it was quite cosy on a cold october night. The food though didn't live up to our expectations. Venison sausages were burned and their taste was bad. A stake was almost tasteless which whisky sauce couldn't remedy. The entrée with haggis and different kinds of mash was very good though, but it went downhill food wise. Maybe we were unlucky. Though again ambiance was very charming and the waitress was nice and very polite. read more

I was here on 2010 and it was a great place, fantastic atmosphere and the drink was reasonably priced. Since then after Nicholson's have taken over its gone downhill and way overpriced, will not be back. An insult to the Conan Doyle pub read more

My wife & I had lunch in early afternoon, so not too busy. We managed to get seated by a window, which was delightful on our first day in Edinburgh. We were very pleased with the service & our waitress was prompt, pleasant & personable. Our menu selections were adequate & nothing special about the fries. My spouse had the "shrimp scampi & chips," which consisted of "hush-puppy-like" morsels of tiny or ground shrimp w/ fries. I ordered one of the specials of grilled chicken w/ bacon & cheese. It was tasty, but chicken was dry & BBQ sauce tasted like "Sweet Baby Rays" & again the fries w/ a small side salad that was palatable. Food was okay, but nothing special & no real incentive for a return visit given the many other 4 & 5 rated restaurants nearby. read more

I used to like the Conan Doyle but the last time I was in for a pre-theatre drink the place was stinking of fat. I can only presume that all of the food available is deep fried and there is a problem with the ventilation. It was certainly not a nice experience standing there inhaling the fumes coming from the kitchen. We I left the pub I could still smell it on my clothes. read more

After frequent visits ( more than they deserve) to this pub I now feel the need to write about the terrible service in this establishment. Although the food ordered was of decent quality and value, this was overshadowed by dirty tables, unclean surroundings ( some sort of moulding fruit on the radiator!) and terrible service from both the waitress and bar staff. A little manners go a long way. Unfortuantely it appears everytime I've been in here, regardless of who is working, the bar staff are very rude.. including what I assume was the manager.. leading by example I see! read more

My partner and I like this as a pub and a place to meet up and enjoy a few drinks and something to eat so we were very put out when we sent back the wedges we had ordered and said they were hard as they were not cooked properly. The staff said to order something else as the "chef " was very tempramental and fresh ones would probably be the same and guess what they were. We refused to pay for them and the staff said this was fine but you would have thought that the manager would have made sure that the " chef " would have cooked the second lot properly after our complaint. (who runs the pub the " chef " or the manager ?) Very unsatisfactory. Will think twice before eating there again but it won't stop us going in for a drink as the bar staff are really good. read more