The Orchard

The Orchard
1/2 Howard Place, Canonmills, Edinburgh, EH3 5JZ
  • Telephone 0131 550 0850
  • Bar open Mon–Tue 11am–11pm; Wed/Thu 11am–midnight, Fri/Sat 11am–1am; Sun noon–11pm
  • Food served Mon–Sun noon–8.30pm
  • Average price £17 (lunch); £17 (evening meal)
  • Email
  • Website www.theorchardbar.co.uk

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Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The Orchard is a popular stopping point for passers-by heading to and from the Botanic Gardens and tempted by a refreshment in the wood panelled bar or possibly at the outdoor tables if weather permits. It also has a loyal band of regulars and is a haunt of workers from nearby offices. When it comes to food, the Orchard has built a reputation for consistently good dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Sunday diners can enjoy a traditional roast, while the seven-day menu includes starters such as tomato stuffed with aubergine, black olives, red onion and feta cheese. Among the main courses is succulent pork belly served on black pudding and mashed potatoes with crunchy vegetables, while the catch of the day nudges the food beyond traditional pub grub. To finish, desserts span a range of comforting treats such as apple crumble or sticky toffee pudding.

  • High point: Consistently quality food in a family-friendly environment
  • Low point: Temperamental online booking system
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
  • Private dining: Up to 35 covers
  • Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
  • Music on stereo: Chilled, ambient beats
  • Capacity: 60
  • Largest group: 35
  • Open since: 2006
  • House wine: £14 per bottle

Comments & ratings

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11. Fawksie11 Aug 2012, 5:40pm1 star The Orchard Report

Proudly served me a pint of Deuchars IPA which was short (despite a requested top-up), flat and sour. Told me that "it's not a lager", that they'd changed the cask the night before, that they'd been serving it all day without complaints and that an earlier drinker had commended them on its quality. Refund and exchange refused.

10. Fiona 128 May 2012, 1:03pm1 star The Orchard Report

Very poor experience, service shocking, table (worst in restaurant, despite booking) although we were moved on request. Kept having to approach the bar when we wanted anything, including menus to order and for dessert despite the fact we had booked for dinner. Main courses were average, and had to send back creme brulee, soggy on top. Not good value for money and wouldn't recommend, extremely disappointing.

9. elmosmoe20 Feb 2012, 9:47pm5 stars The Orchard Report

Lovely place. Came here using the List Card. First place we've been to with the card where it wasn't a faff to use it.

Gorgeous food in generous portions... We ran that of steam before puddings. Friendly helpful service. Will definitely be back!

8. fandb6 Dec 2011, 12:56pm5 stars The Orchard Report

Food, service and atmosphere superb! We will have to go back for pudding another day as after delicious starters and main courses we did not have enough room for pudding! A really interesting regular menu is topped up with daily specials, of which, I was in heaven with the duck with cherry sauce. Looking forward to returning soon.

7. Blair20 Jan 2011, 6:03pm4 stars The Orchard Report

Great relaxed dining venue. It is a pub first and foremost, but with restaurant quality food. I ate there on Tuesday. 2 days before I had eaten at a Scottish restaurant and been disappointed in the meal. No such chance at The Orchard.
It is restaurant quality food, home cooking sized portions but at a reasonable price for what is being served. Undoubtely there are cheaper places, but they come with a compromise. Children are welcome to eat there too although the menu doesn't cater to them so obviously.

6. Becky25 Feb 2010, 4:56pm4 stars The Orchard Report

Friendly staf, comfy surroundings and great food make this place a little gem! We had friends visiting Edinburgh last weekend and we fancied something reasonably priced but tasty for a 'good feed' on Sunday night. The Orchard served up top quality food and our guests were very impressed! The pear and stilton starter was simply delicious! The steak and merlot pie is stunning, though a side order of vegetables is a must - the red cabbage is too good to miss out on! My friends also loved their mains - shin of beef and lamb hotpot - all finished with satisfaction! Too full for a desert each - a maginifcient chocolate brownie was demolished in minutes by us all!
Whether for a nice quiet drink or great pub food - I would totally recommend this sopt!

5. McD's23 Oct 2009, 12:50pm4 stars The Orchard Report

Went for lunch on Saturday. They were absolutely full but the very attentive and friendly guy behind the bar sorted us out by creating a mini table at the bar for us.
Food was really good for lunch - steak sandwich is to die for. Chocolate cheesecake sounds much better than it actually tastes but the warm pear tart was delicious - could have eaten 2! Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size.
It is such a lovely space to be in and while the hours away particular with the sun beaming through the windows. It was my first trip and definitely not my last.

4. sara24 Sep 2009, 5:56pm5 stars The Orchard Report

Went there with friends to wind down the day with a yummy bottle of Riesling. We ended up having our tea there too! I had the lamb - melt in the mouth - it was cooked to perfection. My friends had duck - very nice and a smoked salmon salad - very fresh. This is home cooked food at its best, better then some restaurants in town! The service here is fab so relaxed and friendly - they know how to do proper table service. I will definitely be back again very soon

3. Hala and Jazek16 May 2009, 12:52pm3 stars The Orchard Report

It is a very nice place to go for a drink with friends to chat. Better than regular noisy pub. Great interior and kind staff. But foodwise, it is much overpriced. Burger and fish&chips were not worth 9 pounds each. I will be back with my friends, but not to eat out.

2. R Dineen21 Oct 2008, 1:23pm2 stars The Orchard Report

Went there 17/10 - no potato skins on the menu, which was a shame as really wanted them after reading the review - this place has turned into more of a gastro style pub which, on this occassion, was not up to scatch. They advertised jumbo chips - what they meant was large chips brought from the supermarket - cheeky (which werent jumbo). Was part of a largish group so maybe that caused a strain on kitchen. Service wise, everyone friendly and pleasant. I would say a little over priced for what they offer but am willing to give one more chance to see if they can redeem themselves.

will let you know what happens.

1. Julie25 Apr 2008, 12:14am Report

Went here with a friend for a hangover brunch/breakfast. Had the french toast with maple syrup. So filling, so lush, so good. Service was quick and staff was lovely. Definitely going back soon!

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Average rating 3.5/5 from 10 reviews of The Orchard.

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