The Abbotsford
Rose Street
Edinburgh
What is it? The Abbotsford is one of the country's finest examples of an old Edwardian pub. The bar itself is king here and is one of the most unusual-looking island bars I've seen. Carved from Spanish mahogany, with a elegant Jacobean ceiling, it's authentic and old-school in every sense.
Interesting fact The Abbotsford was named after Sir Walter Scott's baronial mansion in Roxburghshire. Originally the Abbotsford Arms (1887) stood on the site. In 1902 the original bar was demolished and Jenners, which was making additions to its store, commissioned renowned pub and brewery architect PL Henderson to design the new Abbotsford. Pubs like this were built during the height of the temperance movement and their defiantly opulent character was in marked contrast to the dark and dingy bars of Edinburgh past where the ceilings were often not beyond the reach of a man's arm.
Verdict Henderson also created other well-known Edinburgh establishments including Deacon Brodies (1894), Leslies Bar (1896), The Central Bar (1899), and The Mitre (1901) and I love that history and heritage. The staff are straight to the point but I also like that and there's always a nice mix of tourists and regulars. This is one of my wee hideaway pubs for when I get sick of the cocktail bars of George Street.
Drinks Good beer and whisky selection. I had a St Mungo beer from Glasgow's West brewery, which was £4.25.
Food The restaurant is on the first floor and offers a more imaginative take than you might think on a selection of Scottish classics. I went for the twice-cooked confit of pork and black pudding sauce at £9.50.
Price Not too bad as it has to keep the regulars happy as well as the tourists. Malts from £2.50 and a glass of wine from £2.80
Children Allowed into the restaurant if eating.
Alfresco Just out on Rose Street if you fancy a quick smoke, although it is a great street for people watching.
Avoid if you prefer you bars slick and modern with a big selection of cocktails
Perfect for if you are like me and love a good old pub with original features.
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