The Guildford Arms

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·3 weeks ago

  “Easily my favourite bar in Edinburgh. Beautiful decor, lively atmosphere and exceptional ales. The Thirsty Cross cider also good. Few tourists which was a surprise. Well worth seeking out.”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “I ate really well, such a unique and authentic experience. Make sure to go past the pub to find the restaurant upstairs. That part is tiny, but very cozy. If people did not smoke in front of the door it would be even better, but it cannot be avoided. We got amazing treatment, a bit of history when it comes to old ways to preserve fruit and why they have certain types of dishes, and even got a thanks in our receipt (I kept it as a memento). Make sure to book your table!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Just had drinks, but if you are looking for an authentic Scottish pub appreciated by locals and tourists alike, then this is the spot. Sat next to a work group out for a Friday drink, and a couple from Oregon. The place is flat out gorgeous and legitimately old. Beautiful ceilings. The best part? Very reasonable prices!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “A great place to come if you want to try a variety of cask ales in a beautiful relaxed setting. We are tourists traveling from America, we walked in on a Tuesday evening after dinner and it was pretty packed. We were luckily able to find a table for two in the back. The whole first floor has many seating options for walk-ins. There is a very wide variety of cask ales, the bartenders are all very knowledgeable and helpful when deciding between the different ales. We had a great time, made new friends. I would certainly like to come back, maybe in an earlier time when it’s less crowded.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “We had a wonderful meal at the Guildford Arms. If you're looking for an authentic Scottish pub, this place ticks all the boxes. The building is beautifully decorated with plenty of character, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The standout dish for us was the Beef & Ale Pie — absolutely amazing. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavour, it was exactly what you'd hope for from a traditional Scottish pub meal. A special mention to Matilda, whose service was exceptional. She was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome throughout our visit. We chose to dine in the charming Gallery Restaurant upstairs, which offers the same menu as the public bar downstairs at exactly the same prices. It's a lovely option if you're after a slightly quieter dining experience while still enjoying all the great food and atmosphere. Highly recommend a visit if you're in Edinburgh and want a genuine Scottish pub experience with fantastic food and service.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Great food and drinks. The interior made the time spent there very much worth it. Service was helpful and pleasant to interact with.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Traditional and very casual pub with a lively atmosphere. It was full of people when we visited, so making a reservation definitely makes sense. The food was good, the service was surprisingly fast despite how busy it was, and the location is super convenient and easy to reach.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “The atmosphere was really unique and dreamy chic. The staff was really helpful for informing and offering beers to taste. do not miss the cowder fish soup (you will not regret). lamb leg was so-so, crispy chicken was good.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Grabbed a gin and tonic and beers with friends one night in Edinburgh. It was so busy it was standing room only. Great decor and vibes. Loved the thistle wallpaper.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “A charming place, although the experience felt a bit uncomfortable. It seems to be a spot mostly frequented by locals. We arrived around midday and no one indicated where we should sit, so we took one of the only free tables on the raised deck. Shortly after, a group of regular customers arrived and repeatedly complained that we had taken “their table.” The waiters and even the manager apologized to them right in front of us, which made the situation quite awkward. If someone had simply asked us, we would have happily moved — but by then we were already halfway through our meal. It was a strange situation and it made us feel pressured to eat quickly and a bit uncomfortably. That said, the food itself was very good in terms of quality — although the overall experience left a slightly bitter aftertaste.”