A cozy, busy Rose Street pub-restaurant that shines on Scottish classics, haggis, fish and chips, and whisky, but reservation pressure and inconsistent service/food execution keep it from being a universal slam-dunk.
The Auld Hundred delivers reliable quality on its house strengths—haggis, fish and chips, steak pie—with warm, attentive service and genuine Edinburgh pub character that appeals to both locals and visitors. However, inconsistent execution across the broader menu and service variability during peak times prevent it from reaching higher territory. It's a solid neighborhood favorite that excels when you order the classics and book ahead.
The Auld Hundred feels like a classic central Edinburgh pub that happens to serve a serious dinner upstairs: warm, busy, a little snug, and full of people chasing Scottish comfort food and whisky. The recurring mood is easy to picture — one reviewer said they simply spent their wait “at the bar having a few pints,” which is pretty much the vibe this place trades on. When it’s firing, the room feels lively rather than chaotic, and the staff are often described as friendly, attentive, and happy to help with allergies or menu choices. On the plate, this is a traditional-first kitchen with a few broader crowd-pleasers. Haggis, fish and chips, steak pie, Sunday roast, and sticky toffee pudding get the loudest applause, while burgers, sandwiches, and a butter chicken curry widen the appeal a bit. The cooking is comfort-forward rather than experimental; it’s the kind of menu that suits visitors who want Edinburgh classics, not culinary gymnastics. That said, the kitchen can wobble: roast vegetables, dry burgers, or a bland roast show up often enough that the smart move is to order the house strengths rather than wandering off-menu in spirit. Families can absolutely make this work, especially earlier in the day or with a reservation. Kids should be fine with the mac and cheese, fish and chips, chicken goujons, burgers, soup, chips, ice cream, and even a milder curry or sandwich; the menu is much more family-friendly than a strict old-school pub would suggest. The only real warning is practical: this is a busy, sometimes tight space, so bringing younger children works best when you book ahead and avoid peak crush times.
Area vibe: Historic, tourist-heavy area with close-packed streets and many pubs, shops and attractions.
Safety: Generally safe with high footfall by day and well-lit streets at night though busy and occasionally rowdy around pubs.
What's nearby: Close to Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle approaches, Grassmarket, Waverley station and many tourist attractions and pubs.