Seemor
Makars Mash BarA-Worth Trying
9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
· Scottish restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (9383 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Hearty Scottish comfort dishes centered on mash with standout lamb, beef shoulder, and scotch eggs; excellent hospitality for most, but expect long waits and occasional host-desk friction.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Makars Mash Bar delivers exceptional food quality anchored by tender lamb shank and beef shoulder with rich gravies, supported by friendly, attentive service and appealing Old Town location. However, consistency shows variability in seasoning and gravy portions, and operational friction—notably long walk-in queues and polarized host interactions—prevents grade A territory. Reliable comfort-food execution and strong value make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, best enjoyed with advance booking.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, split across two cozy levels with wall menus and Scottish quirks. Servers are often described as friendly and attentive, checking in on mash choices and sauces. One diner summed it up well: "We queued a while, but the lamb and mash made the wait fade away." High demand creates friction at the host stand for some, so expectations matter. The cooking leans classic Scottish comfort with a modern polish—lamb shank, beef shoulder, scotch eggs, and both meat and vegan haggis over customizable mash. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: rich gravies, soft-yolk scotch eggs, and big, satisfying portions rather than flashy techniques. If you like hearty, slow-cooked meats and creamy potatoes, this is your happy place. For families, this is a solid pick: simple mash and familiar proteins work for cautious eaters, even without a listed kids menu. Consider classic butter mash, plain beef shoulder, or chicken without heavy sauce. Portions run big, so share or skip starters to avoid overload, and note that queues can be long at peak hours.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally tender lamb shank and beef shoulder with rich gravies
- Generous portions and customizable mash flavors
- Long waits for walk-ins and occasional host-desk inflexibility
- A few reports of under-seasoned mash or muted mushroom flavor
- Book ahead for peak evenings and weekends to avoid 45-90 minute queues
What Sets It Apart
- mash_flavor_customization
- vegan_haggis_option
- two-door_walkin_and_reservation_flow
- house_scotch_egg_focus
What People Love
- Fall-off-the-bone lamb that feels special
- Mix-and-match mash flavors that make plates personal
- Scotch eggs with runny yolks and crisp coating
- Warm, cozy rooms that feel like a modern pub-meets-bistro
- Staff who explain the menu and check back without hovering
Points of Concern
- Queue management can feel rigid; walk-ins may wait 45-90 minutes or be turned away during peaks
- Host-desk interactions polarize opinions; a minority report curt or dismissive tones
- Some diners find mash under-seasoned or vegan mushrooms bland compared to the meats
- Isolated complaints about order delays and seating near restrooms during busy service
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair lamb shank with cheddar mash for richness or classic butter for balance
- Choose horseradish gravy with beef shoulder and a plain mash to let the sauce shine
- If plant-based, try vegan haggis and confirm sauce components for vegan suitability
Perfect For
- A comforting, hearty Scottish dinner after sightseeing
- Groups that want generous portions and unfussy flavors
- First-time haggis tasters seeking a friendly intro
- Cold-weather comfort cravings with rich gravies
Location Insights
Area: Historic Old Town corridor near the Royal Mile with heavy tourist footfall, pubs, and heritage attractions; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled tourist zone with high foot traffic; occasional crowding and queues outside.
Nearby: Steps from Royal Mile sights, pubs, shops, and other casual eateries; two nearby entrances for reservations and walk-ins.
Bank StreetBank Street is a bustling part of Edinburgh's Old Town, featuring a mix of traditional pubs, modern bars, and diverse dining options. The area attracts a varied crowd including tourists exploring the Royal Mile, local office workers, and university students, creating a dynamic and sociable dining atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–20:00
Tuesday12:00–20:00
Wednesday12:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–20:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–19:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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