The New Bell
This restaurant has ceased trading.
- Food served: Mon–Wed 5.30–10pm; Thu–Sat noon–2pm, 5.30–10pm; Sun 12.30–2pm, 5.30–10pm
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Sun 5.30–7pm (last entry 6.45pm)
- Bar open: Mon–Thu 11am-midnight; Fri/Sat 11am-1am; Sun 12:30pm–midnight
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 5
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Classic Rock and folk – Crosby, Stills and Nash on repeat
- Opening times: Mon–Thu 11am––midnight; Fri/Sat 11am––1am; Sun 12:30pm–midnight
- Capacity: 60
- Largest group: 55
- Open since: 2000
Send us more details about this place.
The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
With its higgledy-piggledy chairs, wooden candelabras and a frankly ridiculous number of paintings on the walls, the New Bell has the feel of an old pub trying its hand at the antiques trade. It’s charming, but perhaps a little grubby round the edges. Still, the food is more up-to-date than the interior, and that's what keeps this place busy. The menu is a mix of the timeless and the contemporary, with Scottish produce as its driving force. A delicious dish of seared scallops with parsnip purée and pancetta ‘powder’ is all sweet, smokey flavours and contrasting textures, while maroon-rare venison haunch is succulent and intense. Not everything is as successful, however. A trio of pork – loin, belly and a cheek croquette – sounds marvellous but just ends up dry in three ways. Desserts are on firmer ground. A silky chocolate mousse and buttery shortbread show that when the kitchen pulls off simple dishes with confidence, the New Bell rings true.
- High point: Feels like dining in a curiosity shop
- Low point: The urge to give the carpets a good shampoo
The LIST Card C46
This restaurant offers the standard 2-for-1 LIST Card promotion for:
Lunch: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Dinner: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Exclusions: Bank Holidays, Valentine's Day, Hogmanay, special set menus (ie. Xmas menu)
Remember: book by phone (0131 668 2868) and ask for a LIST Card booking.
The New Bell
The following information has been provided by the restaurant.
The New Bell Restaurant, situated in the heart of the Southside, boasts an extensive menu catering for varied tastes in relaxed and welcoming surroundings.
The frequently changing menu provides well-balanced Modern Scottish cuisine, each dish oozing with fresh flavours and beautifully presented with style and flair.
Using as much Scottish produce as possible the menus are a blend of traditional and innovative dishes with creative flair from round the world.
The wine list has been chosen to complement and enhance the menu whilst retaining reasonable prices.
The LIST Card is a dining scheme that gives you promotional two-for-one offers at a range of restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond. Find out more.
Reviews of The New Bell (233 Causewayside, Edinburgh)
- 7. Y.B, Edinburgh – 5 May 2010, 10:05pm
The New BellReport -
We chose to eat here because of the good reviews and because it was recommended by family. The starters took a while to arrive but when they did they were very tasty. We then waited a VERY long time for our mains. When they arrived the duck and sea bream were both over-cooked and my broccoli was cold. I said to the waitress (who had only just started working there) so she took it back to the kitchen. It came back and the broccoli was mush so I ended up not eating it. The manager came no-where near and only offered a half-hearted appology at the end once we'd ask for the bill. We chose not to order a dessert because we didn't want to spend any more money in the restaurant. Luckily I have a list card which means I got my main course for free but we will certainly not be back.
- 6. A. R., Edinburgh – 14 August 2009, 5:48pm
The New BellReport -
Had a table for 4 on Sat 8th August. The staff were very welcoming and the service was excellent. The menu was very interesting and innovative. Each of us had different starters, mains and desserts and we all agreed that the food was delicious. What great food and atmosphere. I will definately be going back again.
- 5. FD, Edinburgh – 12 August 2009, 5:58pmThe New BellReport
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The food is ordinary, the prices high, and the staff extremely unfriendly and unhelpful. I've eaten there twice in recent months and wouldn't go back. The food should be fantastic if people are going to treat you so shabbily. Very disappointing.
- 4. Dr C, Edinburgh – 11 August 2009, 11:14pmThe New BellReport
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I've just had the WORST restaurant experience EVER at The Bell. Snooty, and unfriendly staff. Horrible food, bad choices, and EXPENSIVE.
I ordered a rocket and parmesan salad - it came without any parmesan and the waitress acted like it was an inconvenience to amend this.
The vegetarian (only veg option, everything else some sore of faux 'game' style) flan was bland, and came with NOTHING else (which had to be ordered extra). I asked for a simple green salad, without onions. It came laced with onions.
They are not professional enough to accept AMEX, but worse, they were rude about it. Several people waited on our table and NONE were friendly.
I would advise, STAY AWAY.
- 3. Nina, Edinburgh – 24 December 2008, 1:58pmThe New BellReport
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I forgot to give the restaurant a star rating! See below.
- 2. Nina, Edinburgh – 24 December 2008, 1:54pmThe New BellReport
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Over the past 10 years, I have been to various restaurants in Edinburgh and this one is my favourite. The food is delicious. The venue is cosy. The staff is warm and friendly. Last time I have been we felt so comfortable that none of us wanted to leave!
After your meal, you have the option to go the the Old Bell which is the name of the pub below the restaurant. A lovely and cosy place too with a fireplace during the winter.
- 1. Min, Edinburgh – 30 August 2008, 7:23pm
The New BellReport -
Had a really lovely anniversary dinner here last night.What a find.The food was delicious,the staff were charming and unobtrusive,and the venue was very cosy.Great menu and extremely good value for money.Loved it!
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