Red Squirrel

21 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ

Telephone 0131 229 9933
Bar open Mon–Sat 9.30am–1am; Sun 12.30am–midnight
Food served Mon–Sun 9am–midnight
Average price £12 (set lunch); £13.50 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.fullerthomson.com

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.

Red Squirrel follows a recipe of premium burgers and beer similar to its older sibling Holyrood 9a – indeed the menus at both bars are practically identical. Substantial burgers, including three vegetarian versions, dominate the menu and provide a filling meal for under a tenner. The feel here is perhaps more diner than pub, with slightly bright lighting, long pews at the front and booths towards the back of the bar. This is not to say it’s not also a drinkers’ bar, as the impressive beer selection and substantial after-work crowds attest. A dozen or so cocktails and wines by the glass should also keep non-beer drinkers happy. Handily located for several nearby arts venues, and with little notable local competition, Red Squirrel is also a welcome spot for a pre- or post-show drink.

High point: An oasis amid the drinkers' desert of Lothian Road
Low point: Less consistent than its sibling Holyrood 9a

Number of wines sold by the glass: 13
Provides: Children's high chairs, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: Laid-back acoustic mix, with some unusual covers
Capacity: 60
Largest group: 60
Open since: 2011
House wine: £13.95 per bottle

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Comments & ratings

4. McMoto – 24 Dec 2012, 5:18pm Red Squirrel Report

I seem to be spending alot of time in here lately! I like that it is based right on Lothian Road, has comfy leather seating (but can be cold) and has a wide choice of beers and burgers. Breakfast is available thro' out the day (nice for office workers and lazy weeekends).

Not so nice: when they run out of selected beers and spirits (it's a pub man, stock up!) and the menu could do with more gourmet varieties for those not crazy about burgers and cheat option of nachos (I quite like a deconstructed burger without the gigantic bun and more veg - one lettuce leaf is just not enough).

All in all, good atmosphere, drinks menu and funky feel.
Don't let standards drop!!!

3. HeatherJ – 17 Dec 2011, 11:38am Red Squirrel Report: Can someone PLEASE explain exactly what we have here?? THE RED SQUIRREL
I frequented this bar a couple of years ago when it opened as 'The Vat & Fiddle' personally myself and Partner loved the atmosphere, the staff and of course the food and drink which was much more reasonably priced then. We stopped going every week only because of a change in our financial status due to THE RECESSION, just like millions of other people in this country we could not afford to go out as much 'DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE BOTH WORK'.
Friday 16th December 2011 we had our 1st proper night out in many months which included going to HMV picture house to see the one & only 'SAXON' we were very excited and really looking forward to the night.
We had visited The Squirrel previously so knew it had changed hands and went a bit upmarket, with its proximity to HMV we called in for 1 pint before going to the gig specifically because we know drink prices in HMV are ridiculous and did not intend to drink much in there at all. During the concert we had 1 plastic cup each not even a full pint of alcohol(Guinness & Cider) @ £8.40 in the 3 hours.
As the gig approached the end I offered to go back to the Red Squirrel and get us a drink in before the rush started, which i did so & Sat at a table contently waiting for my Partner who arrived at the door 5 minutes later. You can not imagine the look on my face when I noticed THE BOUNCER having words with a group of men and then my Partner who just happened to be behind them. When I asked what was wrong THE BOUNCER said he was refusing my Partner entry into The Squirrel for which he could give 'NO VALID EXCUSE' when asked again 'why' the BOUNCER just replied 'NOT TONIGHT' I had just paid £7.20 for our two drinks (Pints) which I could not drink on my own while my Partner waited outside in the cold.
To say the least I was furious, It completely ruined the atmosphere and enjoyment of our evening. In all fairness the Manager offered me a full refund for the drinks I purchased which I obviously accepted before leaving.
There was absolutely no VALID reason and this can NOT be good business practice for the venue. In fact I can only assume that
The BOUNCER was simply being discriminative towards my Partner who has a problem with walking from an accident in his childhood, or he simply did not like the way he dressed or looked. My Partner is a gentle Lamb who would not hurt a fly and does not even look aggressive.
WHY HAS THIS WHAT USED TO BE A VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY BAR GONE DOWNHILL, IF THIS IS GASTRO UP-MARKET YOU CAN KEEP IT!!
WE WILL ONLY BE BACK TO GET THE NAME OF THE BOUNCER AND THE COMPANY ADDRESS AS I WILL BE TAKING THIS MATTER FURTHER.

2. Mikejambo – 20 Nov 2011, 9:27am Report

Unfortunately we didn't have the same amazing dining experience as Hannah21 in fact quite the opposite. Although they had taken a booking for a table for 2 none were available on our arrival. We managed to squeeze into a corner beside other drinkers and looked at the 'extensive' menu. It might be big in size but it is certainly small in what it offered with the 'starters' particularly limited.

We eventually settled for the olives and a couple of burgers and were delighted when the small bowl arrived after only a few minutes. We weren't so happy an hour later when we were looking at the empty bowl and an empty bottle of wine with no sign of either our main course or the waitress. When she did appear it was with mains (burgers) for a couple that had arrived after us ! I managed attract her attention long enough to order a carafe of wine to help us pass the time. When she returned 5 minutes later to ask if it was a half or full carafe I wanted my patientce started to be tested to the limit. A further 10 minutes passed and our burgers eventually arrived but yes you've guessed it no wine. When I asked about it I was told that they were having to wash the carafe !!

The size of the roll suggested there might have been a 'giant' burger inside but after looking inside we were once again disappointed. The cheese topping for which we had to pay extra looked as though it had been expertly cut with a razor blade and could not disguise the fact the burger itself was over cooked.

The bill was quick to arrive but not as quick as we were in paying and leaving.

3-10 for food and service but 10-10 for the most original excuse for the non appearance of wine.

1. hannah21 – 29 Sep 2011, 10:23pm Red Squirrel Report

Visited this pub for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and have been back three times since then! With an extensive menu of gourmet burgers, you really are spoilt for choice. They don't skimp on size or quality either - the giant burgers on soft sourdough buns are served on a wooden board, with skinny fries and slaw on the side. The first time I visited I had the guacamole burger, served with bacon and cheddar - I'm not exaggerating when I say it was amazing! If you can manage anything afterwards, I'd definitely recommend the warmed chocolate brownie, served with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream. At two courses for £10, the prices are extremely reasonable - especially in its city centre location.

As for its drinks, this is where Red Squirrel really gets top marks. With their wide range of contemporary beers, the only difficult part is choosing what to go for. But the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help advise you. And if you still can't decide, they offer a 1/3 pint taster for only £1. And if you're not a big beer drinker, you can look towards the delicious cocktail menu. Excellent value at £3.95 each. Or if it's just an afternoon cuppa you're after, they offer coffees, tea, suki teas and a great hot chocolate.

With its dark wood fittings, low level lighting and atmospheric music, Red Squirrel is a great place for catching up over a coffee, grabbing a quick lunch, meeting for a pint or sitting down for an evening meal. Top marks.

Average rating 3.5/5 from 3 reviews of Red Squirrel.

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