On the second time I am here, I had the Queenie scallops with Gruyere cheese as a starter. You get 5 scallops with the Gruyere cheese grilled until crispy. The scallops were cooked nicely and the grilled cheese do provide a texture which goes well with the scallops. For the main, I ordered seabass paella and calamari. You get 2 small pieces of seabass shallow fried and 2 deep fried large calamari rings. These 2 provided good crunchy texture for the paella. The paella I thought was slightly overcooked. It may have been cooked beforehand and left too long. There were some large lumpy bits which suggested that and should have been seasoned slightly more. However buried deep within the paella, there were more small calamari and mussels which surprised me and made this plate more valuable. All the seafood highlighted here were all fresh and tasted clean. read more

The Potting Shed - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The last time I was in this building it was someone else's pop-up location. Suffice to say this is no pop up, and they're here to stay. The make over is a unique take on shabby chic, but it's clear there's been nothing shabby about the budget. Food fusion is the menu - with an emphasis on spicing up the simplest of things and making them into hot little numbers. The onion bah-gees - accompanied by onion rings - is a dish that's definitely for onion lovers. I'm a lover of quips and quirks. Hence the chalked up sign with an arrow pointing to "Lavvys" made me chuckle. The cleanliness made me smile too. Wash your hands and return to the bar. It might be the Potting Shed, but there's no emphasis on elderflower and burdock wine, though I wouldn't be surprised to find home-made nettle soup one of these days. A bit short on the soft drinks front, but no complaints from the beer drinking and cocktail quaffing clientele. If spicy isn't your bag, check out the burgers. I did, and I'm happy to recommend. The management tell me they may be spreading their wings, so watch out for a Potting Shed near you. They're friendly enough - and didn't even bat an eyelid when the lethal combination of paper napkin, candle, and Simon came to it's inevitable climax. I can confirm, all that garden shed styled interior is completely non-flammable. read more

The Potting Shed - Busy bar at the Potting Shed - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

We decided to take the in-laws out for tea at The Potting Shed. I have visited a few times and I am a definite fan! With it's quirky interior and great food it's guaranteed to be a winner with guests. The five of us were seated in the back section that resembles a lawn, including park benches. So quaint! I ordered a coffee and David selected from the wide variety of pints they have on offer, settling on the Vital Spark. They feature local breweries and well as more random and unusual brands and can be ordered in the more sophisticated size of a schooner (2/3 pint). Service was quick and efficient and we were soon ordering our food. Going straight for the mains I selected the seabass with paella, calamari and gazpacho. David went for the burger. Not long passed until our food arrived and it came beautifully presented, definitely more refined then your usual pub grub. My fish was cooked beautifully and the gazpacho dressing was very zingy and flavoursome. David's burger was good and hearty and came with a fantastic coleslaw! I was slightly jealous I hadn't ordered the lamb as Jen's looked magnificent! We managed to squeeze in a dessert and I'm glad I did. The Potting Shed Windfall. It featured chocolate soil tumbling out of a terracotta pot and was packed with nuts and raisins. The sour cherry ice cream it came with complimented it beautifully. A definite favourite for me and I'll be back again soon!! read more

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The Potting Shed is that handy place to get some dinner before pre-theatre/ballet and the food is good too. It resembles a potting shed inside and holds lots of pots and other garden implements with a shed feel. It's quite quirky! The food has been simple and tasty on the last two occasions, but the service has been quite slow, especially when trying to pay for the bill. That's only my one quibble. Otherwise everything ticks the boxes. The staff are always professional and friendly (yes you can get both!) ;) I'll be back as I've said the food is good, and the location is just round from the Edinburgh Festival Theatre! read more

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The Potting Shed is a bit of an unusual place. It's not really hipster, it's not really old man pub, and it's not quite gastro brasserie. It has a slightly strange comic-book garden shed styling which makes me feels a bit like being in a novelty restaurant at a theme park. It didn't offend me but it is a bit odd. What it does have going for it is a decent selection of craft beer and surprisingly good food. As seems to be the norm these days, there is a large menu on the wall with a selection of beers served in schooners. I can never pick but the server was happy to offer suggestions. We got a bread basket as a 'little snack' to keep us going. It was really a tray of 3 substantial bread rolls and olives. It was bready. I ate a lot of bread and immediately regretted it. For main course I had venison and haggis. It was exactly the type of warming winter dish you want. The meat was melt in your mouth and covered in a rich dark sauce. It wasn't cheap at £16 but I didn't feel bad about paying it. Dessert I had a chocolate cannoli and my friend had 'deconstructed peanut-butter cheesecake'. Deconstructed desserts are a bit passé, but although my cannoli was fine I did have some pudding envy. Overall I really enjoyed the food and I had some nice beers. I think The Potting Shed would be better if it was a bit less gimmicky and just kept things simple, but I'd be happy to come back. read more

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Sadly, I need to revoke a star. During my last visit (one of many) the place appeared to be underheated and we were all a bit chilled. This time I ordered another hanging kebab, beef. Unfortunately it was a bit dry. Definitely recommend the chicken and haloumi cheese version. The Mojito as good as ever. It's the only one so far with crashed ice. Still an awesome place to hang out! read more

Came here for dinner with a friend last spring. Was a bit pricey for a handful of tapas-style dishes, but it was all really good, so I'd say it was well worth it! The decor offers something different. It's definitely a trendy place with an outdoorsy feel. My friend and I (we're in our early 20's) really liked the vibe. We ordered the hake with spun potato and burnt onion ketchup. This was a really delicious dish, and very aesthetically pleasing! The mussel popcorn with aioli was awesome. I'd never had mussel popcorn before, and I really enjoyed it--the mussels were lightly fried and nicely crisped. The rump of lamb was also quite nice, very tender, and accompanied by a fresh mint sauce. For a nice but causal meal out in Edinburgh, I'd definitely recommend The Potting Shed! read more

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Aaah this reminds me of my dad's haphazard garden shed. A quirky collection of garden books sit unevenly along a rustic timber shelf, rough patched up walls, furniture appears to have been flung together in a rough and ready style, plant pots posing as lampshades and hessian sacks line the walls. I love it! Themed bar as it's best! There is a wide range of seating depending on what you're in the mood for. Comfy patched-up couches by the windows; a long bench tables for large groups, plus smaller tables dotted across the split-level rear area for diners. The Potting Shed have a wide range of bevy, but they have really bought into the craft beer craze! Location wise there are situation in the middle of studentsville, although it does attract a wide range clientele. We went here for a bite to eat, ordered the chicken kebabs (don't worry, it's nothing like what you'd get in a late night kebab shop) with big chips covered in garlic oil. Service was a bit slow and had finished our drinks by the time our food came. Yes, they were a bit busy (Friday night) but not many folk were eating. On arrival I was thinking the kebab looked small and I'd be needing dessert, I was proven wrong! It was nicely filling. The rest of the menu is a notch above the standard pub fare. Other food available includes typical Scottish snacks like haggis and black pudding fritters with chip shop curry sauce. Or on the other scale you can have classy crispy prawns and oriental salad. Love quirky, thrown together style of this place - I will be back! :) read more

Been here a good number of times, generally to see what's new on tap as one of my top 3-4 microbrew tasting spots. I also find its a fun place to bring out of town friends who are beer fans. This place is a bit marmite in its decor and tastes, you'll either like it or won't. It's quirky and some might say undecided on its direction but when it comes to the important aspects I can't complain. Took a friend there last night, opted for the new meatballs option on the menu. I had the pulled pork and chorizo and friend had the veggie chickpea option. Portion wise felt a little somewhere between a large starter and not quite a main but sufficed. Was considering the 12hr slow cooked beef but I'll leave that for next time :) Beers were usual good range, even if the staff seemed a little more at a loss on suggestions than are usually but did try to advise regardless. Usually have a milk stout on tap and didn't disappoint with a well kept pilot offering. Only warning is they charge microbrews prices, so don't be surprised by no change from a fiver for a pint... read more

This is one of the classiest, hipster-ish places in Edinburgh ... The decor is great, very vintage/ bohemian and demonstrates extraordinary attention to detail. Prices are a bit steep, but special cocktails are great! I've never had a problem finding seats, but it's never dead either . read more

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This place is pretty silly but fun, I suppose - fake 'rustic' decor and staff dressed in what look like sack-cloth shirts. It's more of a cow byre look than a potting shed, though! It's not somewhere I'd go all the time but it's in a good spot, and the food looks good. read more

I've only visited once, and only for drinks, and found myself torn betwen three and four stars. On the pro side, the staff were incredibly attentive and lovely. We were greeted when we walked in (not common for Friday night in a bar but I'll take it), served by a very friendly bartender, and later visited by a very friendly and understanding waitress who brought us menus so we could have a look at the options but wasn't put out when we decided against ordering. Another pro was the beer selection. In the spirit of the Hanging Bat, their beers (and their ABVs were written up on the wall) and offered sometimes in pints and sometimes in schooners. It's spacious and with a much warmer/friendlier feel than previous pubs at this location, and has loads of tables. When I was there it was full of people without feeing overly busy. All pros so far. The cons were found in the menu which didn't look terribly exciting to me - though again as I didn't eat I probably can't judge on that factor. The decor is pretty annoying, with the cookie cutter "rustic" look that someone decided was oh so fashionable and has resulted in every new opening being fitted with wood panneling and tungsten lights. The low low low were the toilets. So smelly that you were treated to a real slap in the face when you approached them, I don't know how anyone could sit near them and eat. It was the mens, though the ladies wasn't exactly pristine, and honestly you would think the space had no actual toilets in it and the men just pished all over the floor. Based on the fact that this was Friday night at around 6:30 (eg, not exactly 1am after hours of heavy drunken use), it really makes me question how well the toilets has been cleaned (ever) which of course leaves to wonder about the state of the kitchen. But maybe that's just me. So, really good venue for a group, good selection of beers, good ambiance. Bring smelling salts to get you through the toilet experience and possibly consider eating elsewhere for hygene purposes. read more

My first visit to The Potting Shed was during midweek. Came here on a voucher deal which included "hanging kebabs" and either a schooner (2/3 pint) or a cocktail. The decor reminded me of Hanging Bat, but this place seems to have more space. Same dimly lighted atmosphere, though. You enter through a wooden shed door to a quirkily decorated space with wood, lots of wood and an old piano. Sofas by the windows. We sat here, but went to the upper level to a table, as it started to be a bit chilly. I enjoyed the food. I had a chicken kebab with chips, accompanied by a small pot of melted garlic butter which you drizzle over your kebab. Other kebabs on the menu are beef, king prawn, halloumi and cheese. The food was good and well on flavour, tender chicken pieces - and for me it was quite a portion, I was definitely full afterwards. For drinks I had a 'schooner of Orchard cider' which is a craft cider. The staff were friendly but I felt perhaps they could have been more forthcoming. I would definitely return, though. They have a nice menu with some interesting options and it's been a while since I had a kebab like this! read more

The Potting Shed on Potter Row is a really good place to gape at the details they put in to the ambiance. Reclaimed wood and allotment construction materials are everywhere. The pictures speak for themselves, but I like to add that the designers have done the theme immensely proud! I am pleased to see this place (and more like these) has opened. I serves as an inspiration to others. We were here on a voucher - don't ask me which one.. I use too many to remember. We got to choose from chicken or beef kebab. And a choice of a cocktail or a Schooner of craft draft beer I chose the beef and Anita A. the chicken. To be honest I found the chicken a lot tastier, but the beef was well cooked, though a little lacking on taste. Minor thing is that the place feels drafty, a bit of a chill is there when you sit close to the Windows. I am sure that if the place fills up the combined body heat will nullify that, but when it not busy you will notice it. The service was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient to start with, but a little lacklustre later in the evening. I am still going back as this is quite a place to drink and dine in and I will recommend you to visit when n the neighbourhood. read more

I was looking forward to trying this place for a drink/pint and bar lunch. First of all it is very well done up and a lovely place to go. But the bar arrangement is not the best. You have to decide from a list of 16 beers/lagers from a black board. It is difficult to decide as most of the brews are unfamiliar. My husband was also disappointed in the fact that you could not order a pint...it only serves 2/3 pint. He said this is the first time he has been in a pub that doesn't serve pints. The food was very average (which you expect in a pub) but was a bit pricey. Overall ok but could and should do better read more

We arrived quite late for a dinner and were shown a nice place by the windows. The big, wooden door we entered through hinted at the lovely interior inside. It had a nice atmosphere and the garden-y decor certainly does it name honour. A huge board hangs by the door showing a selection of beer with fascinating titles (thought I spotted "Dead Pony" somewhere on it) but the staff is more than willing to help if you can't pick one. Service was quick and the staff nice, although it wasn't extremely full so not sure how it'd be then. Still, food was alright although some of it felt a little overpriced. There was live music that really gave it a nice feel, as well, which I appreciated. read more

First time here and I really liked it. It was Tanya's birthday and we were popping down here to have some food. Y and J were taking advantage of a voucher for kebabs, chips and a cocktail and myself and Caz were joining for full price. Although it is never nice when one of the party is under the weather with some dreaded lurgy, this worked to my benefit. Craving comfort food in the form of a roast dinner, myself and Caz opted to share the full roast chicken dinner which came with yorkies, roasties, veggies and gravy. Being gluten free, the gravy and yorkies were off limits but everything else was fine for consumption. It was £18 so £9 each and it was fantastic! The chicken was amazing - I had been offered some alternative sauces on the side (mustard, etc) but the chicken was so beautifully moist and the veggies cooked perfectly. The meat just fell of the bone and it was so easy to carve that there was little mess. Myself and Caz were both stuffed and the remainders were wrapped for Caz to take home. Y and J both enjoyed their kebabs - both the king prawns and the halloumi and veg looked lovely so next time, I'll possibly go down the kebab route. I actually like the rustic interior. I know many places are going with themes - chrome/dark wood then the inevitable wooden chopping board, but here there is lots of wood, the gardening theme continued throughout and our chicken came in it's own little veggie box. Staff were really friendly and our server was lovely - even bringing Tanya's sticky toffee pud complete with a candle. I've given it four * but this may be revised to a 5 soon - I was on soft drinks last night so I've yet to try the wine list or cocktail list but the range of beers looks good. Just something a bit different from what other places are doing. So although the Potting Shed is in the heart of student land - opposite Edinburgh Uni, I think there will be a mixed crowd and I'm already looking forward to popping back :-) read more

Revisited a few times now since my initial review and I am really not impressed. My previous list of cons still stand. - there is no atmosphere, even when its really busy - the music was strange The reason for dropping a star is due to the service. We have been in when the place is quiet and a busy both times yielded a similiar experience where you cannot get served. First time we were the only people at the bar we had to interupt a couple deeply engaged in discussion to order a drink, which were promptly shoved towards us with disdain and a roll of her eyes. Great, waited for 10 minutes while you chatted each other up and generally ignored us. The other times we have popped in for a quick pint have resulted in similar waits at the bar normally due to 50-60% of the staff actually doing nothing. The bar had people around all talking about what are these other guys were up to and why it takes so long to get served. They were pretty much walking up and down and talking to each other. Previously the staff seemed quite used to the bar and its stock, in recent visits this hasnt been the case. There was issue with knowing that Aspall was Cider recently. Erm... Also this really put me off. They had ran out of pint glasses for some reason, so new boxes of fresh glasses were brought in. These were straight out of the cardboard boxes they are delivered in. The glasses werent washed and were immediately filled and handed to customers. It has been a while since I worked in the bar trade but I was under the impression these need cleaned before being use. The place has so much promise but it reallty doesnt work for me. Plus side - pints are kept well, selection of booze is good, decor is still cool and has been reworked to make the seating more effective. Food wise still not eaten here, but I keep hearing good things. I dont dislike the pub, but I find it a hard place to like. read more

The Potting Shed is a take on the same idea as The Hanging Bat and with that goal in mind it is a success. However like the Hanging Bat the building itself has always had some issues, the Potting Shed hasn't really resolved these... It is a large box of a building with a raised area which seems designed as a sobriety test. If all the tables are full it can be loud, but somehow it never has atmosphere. Despite the bar being large, it isn't suited to standing or sitting by and having a beer. In short it is a little awkward and not really somewhere to stay all night. The reason it gets an A-OK from me is down to the beer selection and helpful staff, hopefully with time the bar can find an atmosphere to match the products and the staff who serve them. read more

This place confuses me. The chalkboard isn't a chalk board its paint. They sell Corona along side craft beer. The cocktail menu looks designed by a school kid. It lacks real character yet has comic style characters in its artwork. The interior design has spared no expense but looks a bit cheesy like Disney land. This bar has an identity crisis! Anyone into craft beer or good food can probably see through the fake facade quite easily. Still tho selling a bar tenders home brew is very exciting and hopefully a bit of back to basics with a genuine craft beer experience and craft cocktail menu it has a lot of potential to be a great bar. Didn't try the food only had a couple of beers on Saturday afternoon before swiftly moving on. read more

The Potting Shed - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Potting Shed is interesting for its interior design. I find it hard to have a clear opinion on this one as it is not my personal favourite style of a bar. They have a lot of space and it is hard to create a warm atmosphere with as much space and as little windows but I would say they did their best. The menu is interesting but the portions are not exactly big and I am not overly thrilled by the food I ordered. I would go there for a couple of drinks with friends - if they insist we go there .... sorry. read more

This place is warm, big, and pretty quiet even when full. It's pricy, my drip coffee was 2.50. I mean, what? Food is about £10 unless you get the lunch special for £5. Their beer selection is pretty good- check the bottles out. Apparently hey do hard liquor, as I rarely drink beer, so I will have to order a manhattan and judge them fiercely. Tons of my fellow students come here, but if they weren't, I prob wouldn't frequent. They have maybe one veggie option on the menu, and it's just a bit pricy. I do Ike the staff and atmosphere, so they get an extra star. I have not checked out their wifi situation, being so close to school I still pick up that network. read more

Thing this was a great meal. Well thought out menu. Great job chef. Had the beef plate. And my wife had the fish @ chips. Both very nice.

Listen out good folks of Edinburgh, if you have not yet discovered the Potting shed then go along tonight. It kicked off a good while ago and having had food there again recently...it's still good. Go for locally brewed beer, or love their small awesome light bites, coffee or cupcakes. Is kinda themed but not strictly aimed at gardeners named Ted. Sometimes your favourite place from home is a comfy spot in a bar like the potting shed. Overall it's seemed fairly quiet before 6pm the day myself and partner were in. We tried the homely tomato soup, awkward to handle prawns, skinny fries from a tin mug, barney's rye beer, coffee and cupcake and we were both filled up nicely thanks to the PS. How great is it to have original places in town you can chill out in; don't you just love it? read more

This was my first time to the potting shed. Very pleasant welcome from enthusiastic staff. However as soon as we were told of the 'concept' myself and my fellow diners all rolled out eyes. The waiter tried very hard to describe how to order (ordering food not generally something I have struggled with) and how much he thought we should order. Then one of my pet hates " the food can come at any time as its all cooked freshly" this resulted on our 'nibbles' coming after our food!. He then advised that one of the dishes took four days to prepare. The food itself was beautiful, but small tapas portions served on giant plates. Throughout lunch I was aware I wasn't sure what I had tried or how much lunch was costing. I was sure though that I was still hungry on departure. On the upside the £4 cocktails were great and the staff earned their 10%. read more

So this is a review of their Sunday lunch which was roast beef. Quality of the meat was excellent lovely flavour which didnt expire. Mashed potato I dont like so cant say if it was any good the roasties and veg were lovely. Had a large glass of tempranillo syrah which went well with it. Finished off with vanilla ice cream and coffee was double esspresso. So I would go back and I would recommend it to others. As a previous review has stated its pretty much love it or hate it as to the decor. Oh their music was good. Putting the whole package together they seem to have got it right. read more

Love this place! Cool vibe and great inexpensive lunch specials. The pork and wild boar burger is fantastic as is the crispy pork shoulder.

Been here twice, will not be going back. First time, after waiting a good ten minutes, we left after not receiving the menu's or even being acknowledged. Second time wasn't much better. The staff are second to none on my list for god awful service. Wrong drink order came first, we both ordered waters - a mojito came...? Not even an apology - our fault, naturally..! Just to single out the guy who was serving us (because I'm that kind of person), he's unmistakable - male, mid twenties, try hard hipster tattoo's, wears braces, and edgy shirts etc. Unmistakable. Food - took a while to come - I had a burger and chips, which was OK. Standard pub grub, really. Reasonable portions, but if you want ketchup or condiments be prepared to have to ask around 40 times, as the amount they bring is infinitesimal - if they bring it at all. Price - Reasonably priced too, good for lunch - though go to 56 North (better service, price, and comparable food) just down the road. The decor - Where to start. Try hard, overdone, faux, unnecessary (spades, bikes, bookshelves, fake grass...you get the picture...). In one word - terrible. As mentioned in another review also, as full as this place gets, there is literally NO atmosphere in this joint, probably owing to its large size, or the people who frequent it. TL;DR - The definition of average...apart from the staff...they're terrible. Go to 56 north instead, down the road, much the same idea, just done better. read more

I really like The Potting Shed. It's quirky and rustic and pulls off the shed theme well. The staff are really lovely- even when it was busy and their till wasn't working, an obviously stressful and really inconvenient situation. Extra points for customer service! Some people say it's pretty pricey, but they do excellent deals like lunch for £5 or coffee and cake for £3!!! And it's a pretty decent slice of cake you get. The options were a little limited, but hey sometimes the choice of chocolate and red velvet is tough enough. read more

The Potting Shed offers a great selection of craft ales. The food is good too, though a little pricy for what you get. Some nice vegetarian options and the staff are friendly. It's got a relaxed vibe, which can mean the service is slow, but it's still a great place for a chilled pint and a calm meal. read more

Very cozy ambiance, I ducked in here to escape the rain on a whim and ended up having one of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent memory. GET THE DUCK. THE DUCK IS HEAVENLY. Also enjoyed a great IPA, good craft beer! read more

Poor - the staff are too busy on their phones. Cant pour a pint to save their lives. A tall boy in there was very rude, i think i overheard his name as josh. However the rest of the staff were little better, I own a cafe in town and thought the popularity would be a bonus, turns out the hate towards the place has increased business more. Unsatisfactory. read more

I loved this bar they make a great Ron Weasley but they don't play Curtis Mayfield on demand

Delicious food, although the peas with the lamb shoulder were a bit salty for my taste. Fries and the rest of the lamb shoulder meal were amazing. Great beer selection, cocktails sounded interesting. Service was a bit slow even though it was a Thursday evening and not busy, had to flag them down to get another drink after waiting quite a long time. Although the staff was very friendly so can't complain too much. Really like the atmosphere, quiet enough to actually have a conversation without having to shout. Would definitely come back. read more

a really great find. interesting cocktails (there was a deal where you get 2 for £8 when I was there last) and a good tapas style menu. although I felt the service wasn't the most attentive but to be fair the last two times I was there it was fairly quiet so that might have been why. overall pretty good . read more

Although there is tasty outgoing food it just isn't worth the money. Plus when I went there I ordered orange juice that had become fizzy due to decomposition. If you go there order the curries, otherwise, eat someplace else read more