Seemor
Rose Street BreweryB+Worth Trying
55-57 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NH
· Pub
· 4.4/5 Google (2391 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery
Reliable New Town pub with hearty Scottish classics upstairs and a lively bar downstairs; good value for the area, with occasional service hiccups and inconsistent kid policy clarity.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Rose Street Brewery competes well with Edinburgh's neighborhood pub-restaurants through solid food quality anchored by reliable fish and chips and Scottish classics, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution on sides and occasional pie quality issues prevents a higher grade, while the charming Rose Street location offers cosy character without destination-level appeal. Worth visiting for traditional Scottish fare in a welcoming pub setting.
Restaurant Summary
Set on bustling Rose Street, this pub-restaurant delivers cosy upstairs dining and a lively bar downstairs, the sort of place where a server remembers your ale order and the walls tell Edinburgh stories. Diners describe an easy warmth—"service was welcoming even when packed"—and plates that lean hearty and Scottish. On busy nights a draft through the door reminds you this is an old building with real pub character. The kitchen sticks to tradition with confidence. Expect haggis and Balmoral chicken, fish and chips with crisp batter, and a rotation of award-noted pies. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: familiar pub fare done well rather than cheffy experiments. That suits travelers craving the classics as much as locals after a proper plate. Families will find mixed signals. The menu fits kids—fish and chips, simple pies, mash—but reviews split on policy and toddler movement. If visiting with children, request the upstairs dining room and plan for kids to remain seated; it is more comfortable than the bar at peak times.
At a Glance
- Reliable Scottish pub classics with standout fish and chips and Balmoral chicken
- Friendly staff with helpful recommendations and swift seating when possible
- Inconsistent experiences on kid-friendliness and occasional rude interactions
- Quality dips reported on some pies and sides (cold peas, watery filling)
- Peak hours pack out; upstairs dining is small and may require a wait or booking
What Sets It Apart
- Upstairs dining room for full meals
- Deep selection of Scottish comfort dishes
- Historic Rose Street pub setting
What People Love
- Hearty, classic Scottish flavors done right
- Welcoming staff who guide beer and dish choices
- Cosy, historic setting in a prime location
- Reasonable prices for central Edinburgh
Points of Concern
- Occasional service missteps, including perceived rudeness or inattentiveness on busy nights
- Inconsistencies in dish execution (a frozen pie incident, watery fish pie, cold sides)
- Upstairs dining room is small; drafty tables by the door reduce comfort
- Mixed kid policy experiences; children expected to stay seated which can surprise families
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Nicholson's Fish & Chips for value (~£13).
- Balmoral Chicken (~£13) is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
- Vegetarians can opt for the Veggie Toad in the Hole (~£11.50) or Vegan Hot Pot (~£10.50).
Perfect For
- First-night-in-Edinburgh Scottish comfort meal
- Casual pint and hearty mains after sightseeing
- Pre- or post-match gathering with pub energy
- Solo travelers seeking a friendly table-service spot
Location Insights
Area: Bustling pedestrian street in New Town popular with pub crawls, tourists, and after-work crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked; busy evenings with occasional rowdy pub energy.
Nearby: Steps from Princes Street shopping, hotels, offices, and other historic pubs along Rose Street.
Rose StreetRose Street is a lively street famous for its numerous pubs, casual dining spots, and boutique shops. It attracts a diverse crowd looking for relaxed socializing and informal dining, often bustling in the evenings with both locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery
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