The Ox, Edinburgh

Official site of The Ox - www.theoxedinburgh.com

Official site of The Ox - www.theoxedinburgh.com

Interior as described below. 3 real ale taps 2 on during my visit.

Located on a prominent junction in Edinburgh’s New Town, this is a bright, modern split-level bar which seems to be aiming for a wide customer base. The bar is located on the lower, right hand side of the pub, with bare floorboards throughout and a choice of high stools and tables under the front windows or comfy settles at the rear of the room. The servery runs along the mid-section of the right hand wall and has a modern bar back which fits in with the contemporary decor and styling throughout. A TV hangs above the front door, but it’s unclear if sport ever gets shown here – England were involved in a tense finale to an Ashes fixture, but the set remained resolutely switched off, although I’m not sure cricket is quite so revered in these parts. Stairs lead up to a higher level with comfortable padded seating down the left hand wall in a format ideal for diners. We popped in here for a debrief following a wedding the previous day, and despite the fact that the couple had advised the bar that large numbers would be turning up for Sunday lunch, just the one stressed barman was on duty. To be fair, he coped admirably with the drinks orders, but as soon as we started ordering food, things went a bit crazy and some long waits ensued. My food arrived relatively quickly and was, for the most part, very good. Annoyingly, I forgot to note the three ales available at the bar, although I do remember that I was drinking a house beer, which I suspect was something local-ish rebadged, but regardless, it was a well kept and very drinkable session ale and I enjoyed a couple of pints with my meal. This place didn’t do much for me in terms of decor or atmosphere, but I did enjoy my food and some good beer, so all was not lost. I doubt I’d ever return here, but if I did, I wouldn’t complain.