
McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium
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Quick info
About McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium
McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium is a bar in Edinburgh at 49-50 George IV Bridge, open daily. The back bar offers hundreds of gins and whiskies to choose from, and gin flights give gin drinkers a way to try more than one. Beer and cider are on tap, and the cocktail list is made in house. The kitchen serves classic Scottish dishes with vegetarian options, including haggis, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. The soups change, with fish soup, tomato soup and a soup of the day on the menu. Live music plays in the background on some evenings. A pub quiz runs on Wednesday nights and is free to take part in.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gin flights, haggis, fish soup and bangers and mash.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gin flights, haggis, fish soup and bangers and mash.
Customer Review Summary
Soup comes up most often, with diners singling out the fish soup, the tomato and smoked fish soups, and a very good soup alongside haggis that reviewers call rich and tasty. Close behind are the bangers and mash, which one reviewer calls the best they have eaten, and the chips and fish and chips. Gin flights are described as tailored, and one reviewer praises a bramble and another a cocktail. Staff are repeatedly called kind and attentive, and several mention live music and a lively atmosphere. One reviewer notes a fun Wednesday pub quiz, and another says the place is very vegetarian friendly. Complaints are minor but specific. Two servers could not say what the soup and pie of the day were and had to go and check. One reviewer found the cranachan disappointing, served as shortbread with raspberry jam. Another felt a chill from a draft through open windows and wanted more sauce with the bangers and mash. One reviewer suggests showing a hostel coupon before ordering, which makes it easier for the staff.
Customer Review Summary
Soup comes up most often, with diners singling out the fish soup, the tomato and smoked fish soups, and a very good soup alongside haggis that reviewers call rich and tasty. Close behind are the bangers and mash, which one reviewer calls the best they have eaten, and the chips and fish and chips. Gin flights are described as tailored, and one reviewer praises a bramble and another a cocktail. Staff are repeatedly called kind and attentive, and several mention live music and a lively atmosphere. One reviewer notes a fun Wednesday pub quiz, and another says the place is very vegetarian friendly. Complaints are minor but specific. Two servers could not say what the soup and pie of the day were and had to go and check. One reviewer found the cranachan disappointing, served as shortbread with raspberry jam. Another felt a chill from a draft through open windows and wanted more sauce with the bangers and mash. One reviewer suggests showing a hostel coupon before ordering, which makes it easier for the staff.
Featured reviews
- efetha ainea
“Haggis and fish soup were both very rich, delicious and filling. The chips were the best I've had in a long time. The gin flights were very tailored and a welcome experience. 100% would recommend. Ps, if you have a coupon from a local hostel, show it before ordering, it makes it easier for the staff.”
- Kelly S
“My family (husband and two daughters) and I came here for dinner. The staff was very welcoming and we were glad that they allowed children for dining when we arrived at 18h00. Plenty of classic Scottish dishes and my girls really enjoyed the soup and mac n cheese. My husband enjoyed his gin flight and there were a decent number of beer and cider options on tap. The restaurant was well staffed - they took our order promptly and checked on us often without being overbearing. Truly kind people! A solid choice if you are in this area for dinner!”
- Jes Clark
“Best dinner we had in Edinburgh. Our server was so kind and charming! We had the fish and chips and my daughter had the burger and chips. Best food, great atmosphere, lovely musician playing in the background. Fantastic bramble! We were so happy to end our trip here!!! Food and atmosphere 💯❤️❤️❤️”
- Dan Mark
“Excellent food. Interesting decor. Nice comforting ambience. The staff is very kind and attentive. We were served by a total of four different waiters/waitresses. The two we asked questions about the food - what is soup and pie of the day - did not know and had to go back and investigate. I believe they should know it upfront. But that was a minor detail of our very nice visit here. An absolute must to visit in Edinburgh.”
- V Bon
“The Bangers & Mash is truly the best one I’ve ever eaten!! Super sweet crew and lovely cocktail. Will definitely recommend to anyone that loves good food.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Purveyors of fine malts and delicious botanicals. Hundreds of Gins & Whisky’s to choose from, deliciously crafted cocktails, local ales - there is something for everyone. Serving an ever changing menu of excellent Scottish produce, prepared fresh, every day until 10pm.”
- AccessibilityAssistive hearing loop · Wheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Location
Bars near McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium
- George IV Bar4.43,1610 mi
fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding, local draft beers
- The Cow Shed4.3270 mi
live music, whiskey, casual vibe
- Dropkick Murphys4.39970 miWheelchair accessible
guinness, live music, dj and dance floor
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium | 4.6656 | — | gin flights, haggis, fish soup |
| George IV Bar | 4.43,161 | 0 mi | fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding, local draft beers |
| The Cow Shed | 4.327 | 0 mi | live music, whiskey, casual vibe |
| Dropkick MurphysWheelchair accessible | 4.3997 | 0 mi | guinness, live music, dj and dance floor |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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