Seemor
The Fox and FaunBWorth Trying
101 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh EH2 4SD
· Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (905 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
A lively West End pub for generous Scottish comfort food, friendly vibes, and live music, with occasional service slowdowns and inconsistency.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Fox and Faun delivers reliable pub dining with strong food quality in classic Scottish fare and genuinely friendly service, supported by generous portions and fair pricing. However, quality fluctuates noticeably during busy periods—soggy batter, slow tickets, and crowding issues prevent grade A-level consistency. The convenient West End location and lively quiz/music nights create appealing atmosphere, but this is a solid neighborhood favorite rather than a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
Set on Shandwick Place in the West End, this pub feels warm and bustling without tipping into chaos, especially during quiz and open mic nights. Guests describe friendly staff who offer beer tips and local pointers, with one noting, "The team kept checking on us and even shared sweets after trivia." Energy ramps up evenings with live music, but afternoons lean cozy and relaxed. The cooking leans classic pub fare with Scottish touches—think fish and chips, rotating pies, and an Edinburger crowned with haggis—executed with generous portions rather than fine-dining finesse. The culinary approach is comfort-first (innovation level 3.6): hearty, familiar plates with a few vegan and gluten-free options clearly labeled. Most diners rave about crisp fish, rich pies, and juicy burgers; a minority report off-nights with soggy batter or slow tickets, so set expectations accordingly. Families are well served by a dedicated kids menu (mac and cheese, fish goujons, cheese on toast) and plenty of unfussy sides, making this easy for picky eaters. While the vibe is generally welcoming, it can skew lively on event nights; for little ones, earlier lunch or late afternoon may be best. Dietary needs are handled transparently on the menu, so those seeking vegan or gluten-free plates will find multiple clear options.
At a Glance
- Hearty Scottish pub classics with large portions and fair prices
- Friendly staff and lively atmosphere with quiz nights and live music
- Strong vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free labeling across the menu
- Service can slow at peak times and large groups may face coordination issues
- Quality can fluctuate on busy nights (e.g., batter crispness, ticket management)
What Sets It Apart
- quiz_nights_and_open_mic
- broad_dietary_menu_markings
- hearty_scottish_pub_classics
What People Love
- Crisp fish and chips and flaky pies
- Welcoming staff who offer local tips
- Fun events like trivia and open mic
- Portions that feel like real value
Points of Concern
- Kitchen delays during busy periods and events are not uncommon
- A few reports of inconsistent execution (soggy batter, uneven nachos layering)
- Operational hiccups: lost tickets and occasional seating reshuffles to fit groups
- Isolated safety/hygiene mentions (vaping inside incident, bottle mold sighting) appear rare but noted
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£26-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegan diners: Chilli Con Veggie (GF) or Vegan Nachos (GF) as hearty options
- Gluten-free friendly picks: Cajun Chicken Skewers (GF), Nachos (GF), Chilli Con Carne (GF)
- Kids: Mac N Cheese or Fish Goujons & Fries keep it simple
Perfect For
- Casual dinner before or after West End plans
- Group night with live music or trivia
- Tourists seeking classic pub food near Princes Street
- Families wanting simple kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: West End stretch near Princes Street; mixed offices, theatres, and tourist footfall with steady local traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit main thoroughfare with consistent foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Close to Princes Street shopping, bars, and transport links; near entertainment venues and hotels.
West EndThe West End is a lively area with a mix of boutique shops, trendy bars, and diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. It attracts a cosmopolitan crowd who appreciate stylish venues and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Shandwick PlaceShandwick Place is a busy thoroughfare within the West End, known for its accessibility and proximity to theaters, galleries, and shopping streets. Dining here is varied, catering to both quick lunches and relaxed dinners in a bustling urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–01:00
Tuesday12:00–01:00
Wednesday12:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–01:00
Friday12:00–01:00
Saturday12:00–01:00
Sunday12:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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