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    The Jolly Botanist

    4.1 (36 reviews)
    ModeratePubs
    Open 10:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    The Jolly Botanist Photos

    THE JOLLY BOTANIST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - The Jolly Botanist

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    Eric K.

    The atmosphere is nice and opening. Big bar big tables can't complain about the music or anything. The short rib on the tappas menu is ok. Little over done and not saucy enough. Service is really slow here so make sure you have time allotted for it. Waited over 30 minutes for both first and second drinks plus 20 minute in between ordering. Food came before our 2nd drinks arrived. Big portions and nice style. If you like gin go to this place if not don't mind it.

    A G&T based on what the bartender recommended
    Abhiram A.

    This is a nice little Gin bar by the Haymarket station in Edinburgh. We walked past it and were intrigued, so we decided to stop by for a G&T. They have a good selection of gins, and they recommend a pairing of tonic. I chose one of their recommendations. They also have an interesting cocktail selection list. The ambience is pretty nice, and you can choose it to be what you want it to be. We chose to sit inside and enjoy the bar and have a chat. My rating is 50% for the drink, 30% for service and 20% for everything else-- a 5.0 for each of these makes the rating a 5.0

    A Jolly Mess from the Jolly Botanist!
    Sadie M.

    My second trip to the Jolly Botanist was much like the first. Decent service, a great selection of gins and several types of tonic with recommendations for pairings. Both times I've visited on a Friday afternoon and both times it was nice and quiet with lots of space and attentive service before 4pm, at which point the place is mobbed with after-work-drinkers. It's the exact type of place you'd go to after work - not a dive bar, some thematic things going on (the upcycled vintage mismatched trend) and decent drinks at a reasonable price. Just jolly enough. This was the first time I'd eaten here though, and frankly I was served the best steak sandwich I've ever had. The steak was generous and thick, cooked perfectly to still be a touch pink and plenty juicy. The pepper sauce provided was an excellent accompaniment and the floury roll was just the right amount of soft and chewy. It came with lovely mushrooms and tomatoes and some chunky handcut chips, all of which were tasty too. All in all it was a great plate of food which I was happy to pay £10 for. I had two Pickerings gins (I kept wanting to call it Pickwicks but it's not that...) with fevertree tonic and also an Eton Mess (a Jolly Mess according to the menu) for pudding which was also delish. The whole meal came to about £32 each which included two courses and three drinks per person. Service was fine, servers attentive and I appreciated that all the staff were inkeeping with the hipster theme (wearing braces, bowties and some with wee fancy moustaches) even though it felt a smidge pretentious. One star off a perfect review for handing us the wrong menus and then when we'd chosen stuff telling us we couldnt have it (forgivable if it wasn't for the fact that they didn't remove the lunch menus from the menus they handed out to other customers after us), and also for not a single smile from staff the entire time we were there. It'd be a half star off if I could do such a thing but I'll have to round it off. All four of the other stars are for that sandwich. I will be back for another go around of that sandwich. 10/10, would eat again. Come for the gin, stay for the grub.

    The bar
    Rayan D.

    Visiting this for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I have good memories. We met up with some friends on a Sunday. They had some live music, but if you sit at the back behind the bar it isn't as loud. I like the farmer's barn look and feel about it, some likeliness to the Potting Shed, mixed in with the Teuchter's Landing, but suitably on the other end of the city which needs this kind of place. They have a big central bar serving all the 'Heineken' beer fare, like Affligem Dubbel, Amstel and some ciders too. Normal Edinburgh prices apply. Some of us were a bit peckish and we ordered a couple of platters. This was very nicely prepared, good food selection and just about enough. The service is very friendly, but could've been a bit more efficient. Some of the tables in this place are ideal for a nice bout of card or board playing and we had a very good time. (We played a card game) Recommended for the quiet hours in the day, as I can imagine it can get quite full and noisy.

    Lindsay O.

    So my last couple of visits has upper my star rating from 3 to 4 stars. Still on the pricey side for Morrison street, I think the location near Haymarket is the secret. Better service since I was in first but still could be better. I would like to not have to prompt everything. The junipero was very nice indeed, I would have that again. They stock fever tree tonic but didn't have the Mediterranean tonic which is the best.

    Pim R.

    Don't have too much to say about this bar. I was hesitant as first as I know it's a place for gin lovers and I don't like gin. I was so happy to see they have cocktails without! I had the tropical summer cocktail (I don't remember it's name exactly). It was so nice that I got another. I was absolutely enchanted by their cut glasses. They're so beautiful! I was there on a Friday night so it was no surprise to me that nearly every table was reserved and that it was jam packed. Still, I think it's a nice place and I would go back for another cocktail!

    Tanja R.

    It's the first time I went there on a Sunday evening and it was still very lively, but at least you could get a table easily for 6 people. And we even got a very cozy spot in the back. I sooo love the interior. It's really funky and unique with all the random teapots, bird cages, sparkly glass chandeliers and various sizes of mirrors being part of the interior decoration. The bar is good sized and holds a substantial selection of various booze. Having said this, I was quite disappointed at the lack of Heineken beer, Radler or one of Heineken's new Cider products on the market called Cloudy Apple Cider. Well, apparently it's a Heineken pub. Service was nice too. We ordered a cold meat and cheese platter, which was quite good and got served in a timely manner. In the summer the glass wall opens and you can have a drink whilst enjoying the coolness of fresh air flowing through your hair, warming up to a lovely summer breeze. I will be back!

    Souvina G.

    This place may become one of my favourite pubs to drink at in Edinburgh. I have only visited twice and on both occasions it was very busy though miraculously managed to find a table to sit at. One hiccup was when the waitress originally ask us to move as they forgot to put a table reserved sign but she was very apologetic and offered to find us an alternative table so no harm done. Some quirky decorations with an antique kinda feel, out of the ordinary drinks on the menu and very appealing food menu. Drinks at the bar were being served quickly as the bar was well staffed and liked how friendly everyone was despite being very busy. Top marks for their choices of gins, I liked their caorunn and monkey 47, I don't pretend to be a gin expert but it was delightful! One thing though their menu was puzzling to read... At that stage I was sober, I can only imagine having a few too many and staring at the cocktail menu to finally give up ordering a cocktail for being too much effort decrypting! The food was delicious, my friend and I struggled picking something off the menu as all sounded amazing so we ended up sharing. Fillet steak sandwich served with peppercorn sauce was perfectly seasoned and cooked, very tender and my personal favourite. The veggie burger with butternut squash, coriander and chunky chips was also flavoursome and very lush. As a still fairly new place I honestly believe they are doing very well at keeping me delighted in coming back. So I might well get jolly sometimes soon at Jb.

    Edinburgh Fizzes (Gin and Prosecco flavoured cocktails) at The Jolly Botanist

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Over 80 different gins from around the world, knowledgeable service, and various seating options to enjoy!

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    10 years ago

    I loved this place. Quirky and old fashioned and full of Gin. Great service, great tastes and great vibes.

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    9 years ago

    The gin list blew my mind. The staff was very nice and the food was great! I can't wait to visit again.

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    Review Highlights - The Jolly Botanist

    Cute gin bar in the west end of Edinburgh which serves a great breakfast with lots of options.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    The Diggers - What you see... is what you...

    The Diggers

    4.0(12 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    £

    They're now called The Athletic Arms, not Diggers, but you can still buy Diggers t-shirts. :-)…read more This was the only pub we've visited twice cause we liked the local vibe, assortment of drinks, and small menu of food. Service both times was friendly as well. It's a local place so nothing fancy. Just a good pub with real people. It was close to where we were staying to. I recommend if you're in the area and want a drink or just a place to chill,

    I worked full time at the Diggers in 1969 under the legendary Bill Farmer. I was only 18 and had…read morejust returned from travels in India and Nepal. I was so broke I had to be repatriated by the British government, and the Diggers was my first job on my return to Edinburgh enabling me to pay back the government at £5 a week. Bill didn't let me pour a pint for a month, until I had practised bringing hot water through the pipes. And yes - it was a skill in those days. Bill was a great boss, but never tolerated any nonsense from the staff. There was Charlie, the head barman (a very miserable man), John (from Leith), and part-timers Wullie, Stewart and Jimmy. There was a cleaner who never spoke to me again after an argument. In those days there was a small 'Jug Bar', and I always wondered why it was called a Jug Bar - until one day an old lady in a shawl entered through the Jug Bar entrance carrying a ceramic quart jug. "Fill that up son" she said, and then left the pub. I remember no women were allowed in the main bar (other than the Jug Bar accompanied by a man). Singing was prohibited (no music licence). On match days at Tynecastle in the sixties pubs opened and closed at 11 am - 2-30 pm and 5 pm - 10 pm. If it was a big game the bar staff never went home - some went to the game - others just returned at 5 pm., for the big rush! Thirteen barmen were standing at the ready behind the bar while fans thumped and hammered on the door. Minutes before opening we would fill the top of the horseshoe bar with pints of heavy (the pub only had one lager tap) at least 6 deep! Then we tossed a coin between us all - the loser had the joy of opening the doors to the screaming fans!!! Allan Foster edinburghbooktour.com

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    The Diggers
    The Diggers - Got a small nachos at the pub. Hit the spot.

    Got a small nachos at the pub. Hit the spot.

    The Diggers - Dugs welcome!

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    Dugs welcome!

    Queens Arms

    Queens Arms

    4.4(114 reviews)
    0.8 miNew Town
    ££

    Out of all the places I've been to in Scotland, I think Queens Arms was one of my favorites…read more We had reservations for this place recently and when I took one step inside, I was already in love. I mean who doesn't love a good pub? You get great drinks and great food at an affordable price. As I write it makes me think of think of when Zidane reunites with Freya in FF9. Sometimes we don't wanna eat at fancy Michelin restaurant that has small plates but charges a premium. Sometimes we just wanna cut all the BS and just get a nice hearty meal. And thats what we got. When we sat down we found out that they were doing a Trivia night. Normally I would have told my girl to pick another spot to eat but for some reason I was cool with it. There was even a table nearby with kids(yuck). And you know what? It was fine. That's because we had been sipping on some amazing cocktails. If you also partake, Gin and Mezcal enjoyers will love the Bramble and Hibiscus Crush. What color are Luigi's overalls from Super Mario? That's such an easy question. Wait...what do you mean Luigi's overalls are blue? They are green. Look at this picture onli...Oh... One of the stars of our meal was the Haggis. This was the first time I had ever tried it and after trying it at multiple places Scotland, Queens Arms I feel has done it the best. I love the complexity of the flavors of the meat with the creamy and pepper flavors of the peppercorn sauce. If you've never had Haggis, you definitely have to try it here. The best part is that it comes with mashed potatoes too! Shoutouts to the Fish and Chips if you are also into that. One of my friends ordered that and I definitely had to go back in for multiple bites. Finally the roast. The Sunday Roast should just be an automatic order if you happen to come here on a Sunday. You get so much food and it's all so damn tasty. They'll cook a roast to whatever doneness your heart desires. We went with Medium Rare and it came out perfectly. If you didn't have enough flavors with all the extra sides it comes with, they also give you gravy to pour on anything you want. Thanksgiving basically came early this night. But as I looked around and admired all the bookshelf's and all the families have a nice dinner with their loved ones, I just thought about how happy I was. I was finally here! This was the start of my trip. Queens Arms has set a high ceiling on great experiences in Scotland. We even went back there a couple of days ago just because we knew we would be able to end the night on a good drink. But in the end I think if you are Edinburgh, you have to come to this place. It is one of my favorite experiences I've had in Scotland so far and I dream about when I can come back again.

    We got 3 reservations to split up our group of 8 adults and 2 kids, so we were all able to make…read moresure to get a table and have the Sunday roast. We shared the ultimate sharing roast and everything was delicious and so filling. It was also nice to be able to sit and watch a match while enjoying the food. The coffee was pretty good too. This is definitely a good option if you're looking for a Sunday roast in the area

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    Queens Arms
    Queens Arms
    Queens Arms - Wellington upfront and Mac and Cheese in the back

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    Wellington upfront and Mac and Cheese in the back

    Dickens Lounge Bar

    Dickens Lounge Bar

    4.0(5 reviews)
    0.2 miWest End, Haymarket

    I loved this spot. I also love dive bar/old bars so inevitably I would like this spot. I walked in…read moremidday, the record player stopped as I entered, not literally but figuratively (pretty sure the locals were like what the, who is this lady?). I grabbed a beer and just relaxed in a cozy corner. The thing I liked the most about this place is it is actually like a soft little teddy bear of a place. I struck up conversation with a few people at the bar. The bar keep charged my phone behind the bar since I was running out of juice and a few locals helped me find the best spot to purchase a plug adapter. Don't let the gruff look fool you. Pop in for a beer and become good friends with a few locals.

    I can't really follow up what the boys have said since they have made me irreparably depressed…read more Gavin's journal entry, in the style of Bridget Jones (without the fad dieting, pink marshmallows and fluff about boys), depicts the kind of Scottish male who has been laid off (note to self - don't mention the Tories...oops) and consequently fills his time with booze and contemplative staring while a low hum of long forgotten pop music plays in the background. Jesus Christ, it is as depressing as it sounds. Such is the way of local boozers like this. It gives guys who need space for whatever reason the opportunity to get it. People often form friendships with the people helping them prop up the bar, and the barmaids supply some source of entertainment with chat to perk them all up. The booze is cheap (especially Bells whisky) and most guys are drinking ales and getting stuck in to today's paper. A place for the locals, which you will swiftly figure out when you try to get past the cloister of folks smoking right outside the door. But places like this need to exist for people who want a bit of downtime, peace and serenity. Pubs like this are pivotal to many people within that community because they supply sanity at the bottom of a pint of beer. You can't blame people for clinging to that if they've had a tough one at work and have been gasping for a pint all day, or people who are out of work and want to enjoy a few affordable whiskys with friends. And they have Sky Sports.

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    Dickens Lounge Bar
    Dickens Lounge Bar

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    The Jolly Botanist - pubs - Updated May 2026

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