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The Doric, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH1 1DE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Doric
A traditional pub located just opposite the station, it has a slightly dated style perhaps, but is nonetheless a decent enough boozer and makes an alternative to the more obvious Wetherspoon’s if you’re looking for somewhere to have a pint whilst waiting for your train.
Internally it’s all one open plan room with very dark boards on the floor that have been worn smooth over the years and unusual large globe lights that looked a little like flying saucers. The ceiling was painted a very deep red with some white cornicework whilst dark wood panelling was on the lower part of the walls and cream paintwork above. A number of old brewery mirrors were on the walls as well as numerous portrait photographs and old advertising signs for brands such as Bisto, and even a large fish mounted on a board. A barrel was provided to rest your pint on when drinking vertically and there were also leather padded benches to the left and stools at the bar. A small TV was on the wall at the rear, but this was not in use on our visit.
Beers on tap were Tryst Raj IPA, Cairngorm Stag and Jaw Brew’s Drop, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Aspall’s Harry Sparrow, which went down surprisingly well. Overall, a solid enough boozer and worth popping in if in the area.
On 5th April 2019
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1947 recommendations about 1860 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about The Doric
Located close to Waverley train station. Old style interior serving 4 real ales. Didn't visit the bistro upstairs.
On 4th February 2019
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Doric
Small, square pub with various traditional Scottish pub features including real ales served from four brass 'tall founts', a wooden gantry behind the bar housing a display of whisky bottles and narrow tables just big enough to accommodate a few pint glasses. There is plenty of memorbilia on the walls and three interesting Art Deco lanterns providing illumination. Coulsons EPA, Deuchars IPA and two from the ever-reliable Stewart Brewing: 80/- and the seasonal Three Wise Men (£3.50) available. Overall, a decent place for a quick pint if you are waiting for a train at the nearby Waverley station. NB - The upstairs Bistro (not visited) also spans the adjacent Hebrides bar.
On 28th January 2012
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Doric
When I lived in Edinburgh in the mid 90's this place was a bit of a shabby mess. After a fairly recent refurbishment (2009) it's now a decent place to avoid the tourists. It's close to Waverley station, so avoid rush hour as well. It's now all "aged" wood and fairly random breweriana, but it's quite comfortable with a couple of nooks & crannies. 4 ales on the bar and my pint of Stewarts Copper Cascade was a decent pint if a little pricey even for Edinburgh. There's a bistro upstairs offering overpriced food with decent views of Thunderbird 3 (the Scott Monument) and the surrounding gardens. It's a good place to call in for one, but I wouldn't stay all evening.
On 20th December 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3223 recommendations about 3134 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Doric
Built in the 17th Century, the pub’s great claim is that in the 18th Century it became Edinburgh’s first of we now term gastropub. My purpose of visiting was less gastro and more pub although as a final stop on a long crawl my memories are limited to some scribbled notes and blurry photos.
The main bar (refurbished 2009) is a single room The décor included masses of random pictures, retro advertisements, brewery mirrors and even mounted fish. A pair of flat screens were well positioned, one over the entrance porch and one to the right of the bar. Upstairs is a wine bar and restaurant that I was both unaware of on this visit and probably incapable of finding. The place was busy and bustling without being uncomfortable and there was a good Saturday night ambience about the place that uis rarely found in pubs with major railway stations as neighbours.
4 ales were available, a brace from Stewarts (80/- and Copper Cascade), Caledonian Deuchars and Coulson’s EPA. All the ales were expectedly steep as far as prices go at £3.50. There is a selection of bottled beers (£3.50-£4.25) and about 50 specialist whiskies ranging from £3.80 to £30. The worst value is probably Kalibar at £3.30 a bottle but then anyone who chooses it deserves what they get. Ales are poured from air pressured fonts rather than hand pumps and served in dimpled mugs which is always a nice traditional touch.
It is very handy for a decent pint before catching a train at the adjacent Waverley station although commuters should be warned, the clock behind the bar is craftily (though I doubt deliberately) 3 minutes slow so you may end up missing a train and returneing for an additional pint. I would certainly return and hopefully fill in the missing gaps.
On 25th November 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Doric
A pub bistro on two levels, a small bar downstairs which takes up half the ground floor, and a larger bistro upstairs. The buildng is fine Georgian structure just below the Royal Mile and convenient to the station. It claims to be Edinburgh's best gastro-pub, but as I didn't eat there I couldn't confirm or deny that - certainly the ground floor bar retains its charm and pub ambiance. High, ornate ceilings, a collection of framed pictures, a quiet tv screen and the availability of newspapers all contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. A couple of well-known, mature celebrities were enjoying a quiet drink in the corner. Staff were a bit surly, and a lot foreign, but otherwise it's a good place to spend the afternoon. There were 4 ales on - I had a pint of Coulson's EPA which was in very good condition. Well worth dropping in when passing, worth including in a crawl and I will probably eat here next time the opportunity presents itself.
On 21st October 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3280 recommendations about 3245 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
dragonfly xxx left this review about The Doric
neighbouring pub to the hebrides.another good traditional pub just off princes st.good selection of ales and spirits,with a bistro upstairs that does a good selection of food.a bit quieter than the hebrides mostly due to a good more space in front of the bar,less cramped and more relaxed
On 15th February 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 21 recommendations about 21 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Doric
Excellent traditional beer house at side of Waverley station, with a range of 5 or so local beers. Upstairs however is a very popular bistro with some very tasty dishes - and you can still enjoy the beer from downstairs.
On 17th August 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]