The Guildford Arms - Edinburgh

Welcome to The Guildford Arms: A Classic Edinburgh Pub Experience

The Guildford Arms, located at 1 West Register Street in the heart of Edinburgh, is a classic Scottish pub that has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1855. This historic establishment is not merely a place to grab a drink, but a true embodiment of Edinburgh's vibrant pub culture, offering a warm atmosphere, exceptional food, and an impressive selection of beverages.

Main Services

• Pub and Restaurant: The Guildford Arms is renowned for its extensive drinks menu, featuring a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Their food menu is equally impressive, with a focus on traditional Scottish dishes and modern European cuisine. The pub's restaurant area offers table service, providing a comfortable dining experience.
• Great Beer Selection: As a true pub, The Guildford Arms takes pride in its beer selection. They offer a rotating selection of cask ales, craft beers, and imported lagers, ensuring there's something for every beer enthusiast.
• Wine List: The pub's wine list is equally comprehensive, featuring a curated selection of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from around the world. They also offer a selection of wine flights, allowing customers to sample different varieties.
• Food at Bar: In addition to the restaurant, The Guildford Arms offers a food menu at the bar, perfect for those looking for a more casual dining experience. Their bar menu features a selection of pub classics, sharing plates, and light bites.
• Dine-in, Takeaway, and Delivery: The Guildford Arms offers a variety of dining options to cater to different preferences. Customers can dine in the pub's cosy atmosphere, take their food to go, or have it delivered to their doorstep.

Location and Access

The Guildford Arms is situated in the vibrant West End neighborhood of Edinburgh, close to some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Edinburgh Playhouse, the Scottish National Gallery, and Princes Street Gardens. The pub is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus stops nearby and Waverley Station, Edinburgh's main railway station, just a 10-minute walk away.

For those traveling by car, there is a wheelchair-accessible car park available at the nearby NCP car park on St. James Crescent. The pub also has a wheelchair-accessible toilet, ensuring it is fully accessible to all customers.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Interior: The Guildford Arms retains many of its original features, including wooden paneling, a horseshoe-shaped bar, and a stunning mosaic tiled floor. These historic elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is uniquely Edinburgh.
• Cosy and Trendy Vibes: Despite its historic roots, The Guildford Arms has a modern and trendy feel, with contemporary art and decor throughout. The pub's cosy corners and comfortable seating make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
• Outdoor Seating: On warmer days, customers can enjoy al fresco dining in the pub's outdoor seating area, which overlooks West Register Street.

Practical Information

• Address: 1 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA, United Kingdom
• Phone: 1315564312
• Website: guildfordarms.com
• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to customers.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With 4026 reviews on Google My Business, The Guildford Arms maintains an impressive average rating of 4.5/5. Customers consistently praise the pub's welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and high-quality food and drink. Many reviewers highlight the pub's historic charm and its unique position as a traditional Scottish pub with a modern twist. Some of the most common positive aspects mentioned in reviews include:

• Friendly Staff: Customers frequently comment on the friendly and attentive service they receive at The Guildford Arms.
• Delicious Food: The pub's food receives high praise, with customers raving about the quality and taste of the dishes.
• Great Beer Selection: The Guildford Arms' extensive beer selection is often highlighted, with customers appreciating the variety and quality of the beers on offer.
• Historic Atmosphere: Many customers appreciate the pub's historic interior and the unique atmosphere it creates.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Several reviewers mention that The Guildford Arms is an excellent choice for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality food and drink.

In conclusion, The Guildford Arms is a true Edinburgh institution, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. With its exceptional food and drink, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient location, it is easy to see why this classic Scottish pub remains a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a cosy corner to enjoy a quiet drink or a lively spot to celebrate a special occasion, The Guildford Arms is an excellent choice.

👍 Reviews of The Guildford Arms

omercebeci8

1/5

This place turned my Edinburgh trip into hell! I saw this place on maps and decided to give it a go since it had good reviews. I ordered the fish and chips and a lager to wash it down with. The fish was a haddock and it tasted nice. It had a nice crisp and wasn’t greasy. The pees were horrible but the meal was quite enjoyable overall. All until I had projectile vomiting 2 hours later followed up by a fever and chills for the rest of the night. I’ll give you that much. This meal was the only thing I had that day so it could not have been anything else. I suspect it was the tartar sauce. It was such a disappointment. My short Edinburgh trip turned into a nightmare.

Kurt B.

5/5

I was looking for a nice pint of cask ale and they had a great variety of them (the biggest I've seen around). I was offered a proof of a few of them and made my decision. The ale was tasty and the service was great. The atmosphere is that of a traditional pub but with no music, just the sound of dozens of voices echoing around. I strongly recommend it for the ones who enjoy a nice local beer.

Johnny B.

5/5

Didn't eat so cannot comment.
The food that came out looked and smelled pretty good though.
What I am qualified to say is what an inspiring institution the GA is.
Incredible decor, superb range of beverages, and staff who are an absolute credit to this establishment and the City of Edinburgh.
Lived in Edinburgh all my life until moving to Australia 6 years ago.
Nothing cheers my heart more than coming back to this wonderful place.
Please don't ever change!!

Beril S. D.

4/5

The atmosphere is beautiful and full of character, the staff were friendly and attentive, and the drinks were excellent. They offer a great selection of cask ales and many different types of beer, which makes it a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys trying something new. Highly recommended!

Mike W.

5/5

For those travelers looking for an authentic Scottish Pub, visit The Guildford Arms! The bar is lively with many excellent ales, lagers, and stouts. The food is excellent as well. I had the fish and chips and it did not disappoint. It is a very lively and enthusiastic crowd. would recommend this pub to my friends and family.

MAXIM P.

5/5

A great pub with outstanding old-style interiors. Fish and chips were delicious!

Aidan B. (.

5/5

Cannot rate food as didn't have any however fabulous pub 10 real ales good keg lineup as well was here a few days ago and it felt like I was in my home pub in Lincoln 5 stars should be more

Kristýna B.

5/5

We had the best time here, the service was very helpful, kind and just really lovely! Food was delicious.
If you’re in Edinburgh, this place is a must:)