Abbotsford Bar and Restaurant, Rose Street, Edinburgh

The Abbotsford was named after Scottish historical novelist Sir Walter Scott's baronial mansion in Roxburghshire. Originally the Abbotsford Arms (1887) stood on the site. In 1902 the original bar was demolished and Jenners & Co who were making additions to their store commissioned famed Pub & Brewery architect P.L. Henderson to design the new Abbotsford Bar.

This outstanding example of Edwardian Pub Design features a Classic Island Bar carved from Spanish Mahogany and elegant Jacobean Ceiling. Pubs like this were built during the height of the temperance movement: their opulent character was in marked contrast to the dark and dingy bars of Edinburgh past where the ceilings were often not beyond the reach of a mans arm. Without the pressure of the 'anti drink lobby' it seems probable that publicans would not have spent the vast sums of money needed to build this pub which remains today one of the few elaborately designed and ornamented bars to have survived from the 'Golden Age' of Scottish Pub Design.

Other famous Edinburgh pubs designed by P. L. Henderson include Deacon Brodies (1894), Leslies Bar (1896), The Central Bar (1899), and The Mitre (1901). By far the most impeccably preserved are Leslies Bar and The Abbotsford, which are run by the family Company D.M. Stewart Ltd whose flagship bar is the nearby Guildford Arms (Robert Macfarlane Cameron 1896).

In the early part of the last century the Abbotsford was well known by Music Hall Artistes who performed at the Empire, Lyceum and Royal theatres. In the 1950's and 60's the bar became a favourite haunt of 'Rose St Poets' Hugh Macdiarmid, Sorley McLean and Sydney Goodsir Smith. In more recent times the pub has played host to the likes of comedians Billy Connelly and Robbie Coltrane and is a favourite of political figures such as Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown.

D.M. Stewart Ltd took over the Abbotsford in 2006 from Colin Grant the previous Landlord. Colin's family had run the bar since 1940 when his Grandmother Mrs Antonia Grant acquired the Lease. The Grant family built up an excellent reputation for quality and service.

D.M. Stewart Ltd is a family company that has owned pubs in Edinburgh for over 100 years including the nearby Guildford Arms and Leslies Bar in Causewayside. Four generations of the Stewart family have been involved in the drinks industry. 

In the spring of 2007 restoration and refurbishment began in the Abbotsford's fabulous island bar and stylish new restaurant 'Above'. We hope that this restoration meets with the approval of our regular customers and breaths new life into this wonderful Edinburgh institution.

The Abbotsford Bar and Above Restaurant offer the best in Scottish 'gastro pub dinning'. Dine in Edinburgh's finest traditional bar or in our elegant restaurant 'Above'. Enjoy the best in Scottish 'gastro pub dinning' whether you are looking for great 'Pub Classics' or 'a La Carte Specials'; we feature the best Scottish Produce.

For Real Ale fans we have adopted a 'Guest Ale Programme' that is unique in Edinburgh; all 5 traditional Scottish Tall Founts continuously rotate Guest Ales for optimum variety allowing The Abbotsford and nearby Guildford Arms to always offer different ales. Ale choice favours Scottish Independent breweries.

We hope that The Abbotsford exceeds your expectations of friendly professional Service and that you enjoy our new Ales, Wine and Dining Experience.

The Abbotsford
3-5 Rose St
Edinburgh EH2 2PR
Phone 0131-225-5276
Web: www.theabbotsford.com
email: theabbotsford@dmstewart.com

A Whisky bar of Edinburgh