Hectors, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Blackthorn _ left this review about Hectors

Conveniently located in the heart of the upmarket Stockbridge district, first impressions were that this looks more restaurant than pub. Both the appearance and the name seem more restaurant like, although fortunately once inside it became apparent that his is indeed a proper pub with plenty of pumps on the bar.

Décor wise it’s quite elegant in a contemporary sort of way, with sanded wooden boards on the floor along with some white tiling around the bar counter, a mixture of pale green paintwork at the front of the pub and pale grey at the rear, as well as very dark grey wood panelling on the lower part of the walls. Seating was a mixture of regular tables and chairs, high stools, and back to back padded bench seating, all upholstered in some sort of orange colour leather. A few portrait pictures were dotted around the walls, including one that looked very much like Blondie, whilst at the rear something of an ornithological theme dominated, with duck infested wallpaper and duck stencils on frosted class. A couple of TV screens were dotted around showing the snooker, but fortunately the sound was off so this was not too intrusive.

The menu offered a decent selection of “pub grub” dishes, with options such as fish & chips, sausage & mash, mac ‘n’ cheese, etc., with most of the main courses being somewhere around the £12 - £15 mark. My Fish Pie was a pretty good dish with a lovely cheesy mash, although the accompanying carrots and tenderstem broccoli looked a bit sorry for themselves.

Despite six hand pumps on the bar, unfortunately only two were in use dispensing Nicholson’s Pale Ale and Stewart’s Jack Back. The solitary cider meanwhile was Weston’s Vintage. On the plus side, service was exemplary, with all the staff seeming to be genuinely friendly and engaging.

On 29^th April 2024 - rating: 6
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