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The Abbotsford, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH2 2PR
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Abbotsford
Named after Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, the Abbotsford was originally a thatched cottage that was virtually rebuilt in the 1880’s. The building was subsequently demolished and rebuilt again in 1902 and is currently owned by the same company as the Guildford Arms. The pub remained virtually untouched for over a hundred years but underwent some restoration and refurbishment in 2007 but appears to have been more of a cosmetic nature and has not affected its listing in the CAMRA inventory of historic pub interiors.
The pub part consists of a single ground floor room with a classic mahogany island bar taking centre stage. Simple furnishings hug the sides and whilst it was busy on my visit, it wasn’t as cramped as you would expect given that the pub isn’t that big. The ornate ceiling is also one of the more impressive features. In one corner is a separate snack bar although I believe this is only used at lunchtimes. More substantial meals are available on the first floor is a restaurant called “Above” where a main course will cost around £8-£16. I didn’t venture this far but understand that the restaurant has similar décor to main bar.
There were 6 ales available on my visit, Inveralmond Inkie Pikie, Orkney Island Hopping, Strathaven Avondale, Kelburn Cart Blanche, Orkney Red MacGregor and Fyne Vital Spark. Whilst they were all Scottish, there were a few that I didn’t find in the numerous pubs I visited during my week of travelling to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. The beers are all poured from some rare survivng Scottish tall fonts as opposed to hand pumps. A large selection of whiskies was also available.
As hertitage pubs go, the Abbotsford is worthy of a visit for that reason alone but the decent ale selection, good mix of customers and bubbly ambience made this one of my favourite of Edinburgh pubs. Next time I visit I’ll hopefully be able to make it a longer visit.
On 13th October 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Abbotsford
The Abbotsford is situated on a busy corner in Rose Street. It is small but spread over two levels. Downstairs is a busy high street bar, whiel upstairs is quieter and a good place to sit and eat. I had a very well cooked haggis at a fair price. There were 6 ales on - my pint of Nimbus was very well kept and most enjoyable. I wish I could have stayed for more. A good traditional pub, well worth a visit and a must for a Rose Street crawl.
On 16th August 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3285 recommendations about 3250 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
I L left this review about The Abbotsford
Superb Scottish style central island bar with long bench tables around the perimeter, wood panelled walks up to shoulder height and ornate ceiling. There were four ales on and the Strathavon Red ale was superb. prices are similar to those in London but I suppose being in a busy Edinburgh street that's only to be expected.
On 16th October 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 287 recommendations about 284 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
peter ashworth left this review about The Abbotsford
A superbly carved wooden rectangular bar dominates the interior of this pub, which is situated just behind Princes Street. Worth a visit
On 16th October 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2318 recommendations about 2274 pubs]