Café Royal Circle Bar
- Telephone 0131 556 1884
- Opening times Mon–Wed 11am–11pm; Thu 11am–midnight; Fri/Sat 11am–1am; Sun 12.30–11pm
- Bar open Mon–Wed 11am–11pm; Thu 11am–midnight; Fri/Sat 11am–1am; Sun 12.30–11pm
- Food served Mon–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 12.30–10pm
- Average price £18 (lunch); £18 (evening meal)
Jump to comments (3)
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.
Opened in 1863 with the contemporary style of elegant Parisian hostelries in mind, and formerly housed in a forty-years-older building (now demolished) across the way, the Cafe Royal Circle Bar's aesthetic of murals, marble, wood panelling and long, curved, leather-upholstered booths makes it by far one of the most eye-catching pubs in the city. The central island bar helps arrange the room in such a manner as breeds conviviality, while seven cask ales and twenty-eight whiskies (all categorised in an impressively detailed menu) assist in loosening the tongues of drinkers who stop off here after work. The food is decent pub fare at fairly high-end prices, including fish and chips, sirloin steak and macaroni cheese, although oysters, mussels and a seafood platter from the restaurant next door add an extra dimension.
- High point: The winning aesthetic of Victoriana with a continental touch
- Low point: Awkward booth seating arrangements
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 11
- Private dining: 32 in restaurant next door
- Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: classic rock
- Capacity: 50
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1863
- House wine: £14.95 per bottle
Comments & ratings
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3.
Turncoat – 17 Aug 2010, 12:15am
Café Royal Circle Bar
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Not as good as it used to be. The interesting fish dishes have been scaled right back and the menu is very overpriced for totally underwhelming food. Tried to complain about a very poor roast beef which was presented in such an unappealing way and was such a struggle to cut through, but despite expressing my dissapointment, was left abandoned and got too bored by the whole experience to wait any longer. So, so sad to see an old gem let itself down so badly
- 2. marsbar – 28 Sep 2009, 7:49pm Report
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Don't let the scaffolding put you off! After some serious shopping, we were on our way to the usual George St offerings, but I'm so glad we decided to pop into the Cafe Royale. We hadn't been in for a long time and were very impressed. It's stayed traditional but the quality makes you feel you're somewhere a bit special. There was a good choice of wines (we had the chilled sparkling rose, mmmm) and the meze to share which was fantastic. I am now a bit frustrated about the no-booking policy as I can't plan when I'm going back!
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1.
MikefaeAberdeen – 25 Jul 2009, 8:25pm
Café Royal Circle Bar
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Had lunch here last week and it was excellent - a smoked salmon open sandwich and their cheese board offering - both were well presented, fresh and flavoursome. Quality 'pub' food! Their beer is also very well kept (best Dechuars IPA in Edinburgh?) and wine list comprehensive. Good service from efficient staff in stunning surroundings. Only complaint - who needs the piped music - just not required!
Average rating /5 from 2 reviews of Café Royal Circle Bar.
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