The Magnum Restaurant & Bar
- Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10pm; Sun 12.30–3.30pm, 6–9pm.
- Bar open: Mon–Thu noon-midnight; Fri/Sat noon–1am; Sun 12.30-11pm.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 15
- Private dining: Up to 24 covers
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Ecclectic (manager's iPod)
- Capacity: 40
- Largest group: 80
- Open since: 1981
- Average price:
£11.95 (set lunch)
£21 (evening meal) - House wine: £14.25 per bottle
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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.
Over thirty years The Magnum has become a sound New Town institution, providing a warm welcome in a cosy setting. Dark wood, soft fairy lights and simple décor (including some ancient skis), gently wash away the day’s worries alongside a pre-dinner drink from the well stocked bar. The menu offers similar comfort. Warm, spicy Stornoway black pudding is strikingly set off by sweet roasted butternut squash and slightly caramelised red peppers. Arbroath smokie pâté is so light you scoop rather than spread it onto your oatcakes. Mains are satisfying, whether the seared prime côte de boeuf in port reduction or the moist pheasant breast swathed in crispy pancetta. Granted, the duck breast could be pinker and the wine list more exciting (a refreshed list is due as we go to press) but these quibbles melt away as your fork sinks into the cranachan cheese cake and through the tart pool of tangy raspberry compote. The teamwork between the kitchen and the front of house is clear and crisp, allowing patrons to feel gently pampered.
- High point: A local landmark with a flair for making the ordinary special
- Low point: The wine list could easily be much more fun
Reviews of The Magnum Restaurant & Bar (1 Albany Street, Edinburgh)
- 5. cymbeline-scotland, Edinburgh – 31 January 2012, 10:01pmThe Magnum Restaurant & BarReport
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Farrow and Ball colours greet you upon entry into this gem of a pub/restaurant. It is firmly in the New Town but only 2 minutes walk from Harvey Nics. The owner/manager Chris is the epitome of charm and knowledge when it comes to his wines and food, the latter being tasty, wholesome and good value for money. However book early for a table in the restaurant at the weekend. Wish I lived round the corner!
- 4. NK, Ediburgh – 8 September 2011, 5:32pm
The Magnum Restaurant & BarReport -
We walk past Magnum every day and thought it looked great. We saw it was hitlisted so booked a table for Sunday lunch with my partner and his parents.
I had envisaged Magnum to become my regular eatery (as it does look sooooo inviting and the location would have been perfect for us) - but unfortunately the food was rather dissapointing. The roast was dry as were the veg - I would have cooked better myself.
The staff was good as was the dessert (although perhaps nothing beyond M&S).
The food was passable and it your standards are not too high then Magnum is great for athmosphere. But if you go out for the taste of the food then the overall price-quality ratio did not seem right.
Haven't been back and not intending to.
- 3. Sean Tierney, Edinburgh – 11 July 2011, 10:45am
The Magnum Restaurant & BarReport -
I walk past The Magnum several times a week and had never been.
One Friday evening I decided to book a table for two. I arrived 20 minutes early and waited on my companion. The waiting staff were friendly, and found me a table - despite being there before my booking.
We bi-passed the starters and went straight to the main courses.
I had the venison burger - which was cooked beautifully. Packed full of flavour and accompanied by a beautiful side salad and hand cut chips. My dining companion went for the tempura of haddock, which was light, crispy and fresh.
We shared a cheesecake to finish, which was creamy, crunchy and light - which is unusual in a cheesecake. Delicious.
The intimate atmosphere, the service and the location (5 minute walk from Princes Street) make The Magnum a great little place to have a tasty, good value meal.
I wouldn't hesitate in booking again.
- 2. Christopher_Edinburgh, Edinburgh – 14 August 2009, 1:53pmThe Magnum Restaurant & BarReport
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As we haven't been into the Magnum for a couple of years, we decided to pop in for a quick lunch. We found the staff to be friendly, the service to be fast and efficient and the food to be very tasty.
My personal concern was the limited offering for vegetarians, but I had a very nice vegetarian haggis, neeps and tatties and left satisfied. My friend enjoyed an excellent haggis spring roll, followed by an enjoyably large plate of haddock, mushy peas and rustic chips.
A very good venue for a tasty, affordable and timely lunch!
- 1. Helen_Edinburgh, Edinburgh – 7 September 2008, 9:17pm
The Magnum Restaurant & BarReport -
We walked past this restaurant and thought how nice it looked inside with good atmosphere. Booked for dinner as a result and we were not disappointed! Delicious food and attentive service. Couldn't fault it - we'll definitely be back.
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