The Orchard
Canonmills
- Food served: Mon–Sun noon–8.30pm
- Bar open: Mon–Tue 11am–11pm; Wed/Thu, Fri/Sat 11am–1am; Sun noon–midnight.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 13
- Private dining: up to 12 for dinner
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Chilled, ambient electro
- Opening times: Mon–Thu noon–midnight; Fri/Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–midnight
- Capacity: 42
- Largest group: up to 40 for drinks
- Open since: 2006
- Average price:
£18 (lunch)
£18 (evening meal) - House wine: £12.50 per bottle
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.
This pub has had a major transformation since it left behind its status as a tired old boozer and became a relaxed neighbourhood destination. The main space is bright and open, and leather benches and tables along the walls ensure plenty of tucked-away spots. With a standard selection of ales and lager on tap, the Orchard remains faithful to those locals in search of a simple pint, but the wine list is also very appealing. Snacks such as wasabi peas and nuts are displayed in large jars along the bar, however the food from the kitchen is worth travelling for. Among the best pub food in Edinburgh, the menu is a showcase for fine Scottish ingredients. To start, Martin Wishart’s smoked salmon comes in a thick slice with a parmesan crisp and a delicate wasabi sorbet, only revealing its place outside a fancy restaurant with the £6 price tag. Mains include such rich offerings as Ardrossan pork belly or Rutherford Estate venison burger, as well as a couple of Thai and Indian-influenced dishes. Just make sure you arrive with an empty stomach if you want room for dessert.
- High point: Incredibly good-value cheese board
- Low point: Calling for a table might be necessary
The LIST Card C18
This restaurant offers the standard 2-for-1 LIST Card promotion for:
Lunch: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Dinner: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Exclusions: Public Holidays
Remember: book by phone (0131 550 0850) and ask for a LIST Card booking.
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 Orchard (1/2 Howard Place, Canonmills, Edinburgh)
- 8. fandb, Edinburgh – 6 December 2011, 12:56pm
The OrchardReport -
Food, service and atmosphere superb! We will have to go back for pudding another day as after delicious starters and main courses we did not have enough room for pudding! A really interesting regular menu is topped up with daily specials, of which, I was in heaven with the duck with cherry sauce. Looking forward to returning soon.
- 7. Blair, Edinburgh – 20 January 2011, 6:03pm
The OrchardReport -
Great relaxed dining venue. It is a pub first and foremost, but with restaurant quality food. I ate there on Tuesday. 2 days before I had eaten at a Scottish restaurant and been disappointed in the meal. No such chance at The Orchard.
It is restaurant quality food, home cooking sized portions but at a reasonable price for what is being served. Undoubtely there are cheaper places, but they come with a compromise. Children are welcome to eat there too although the menu doesn't cater to them so obviously.
- 6. Becky, Edinburgh – 25 February 2010, 4:56pmThe OrchardReport
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Friendly staf, comfy surroundings and great food make this place a little gem! We had friends visiting Edinburgh last weekend and we fancied something reasonably priced but tasty for a 'good feed' on Sunday night. The Orchard served up top quality food and our guests were very impressed! The pear and stilton starter was simply delicious! The steak and merlot pie is stunning, though a side order of vegetables is a must - the red cabbage is too good to miss out on! My friends also loved their mains - shin of beef and lamb hotpot - all finished with satisfaction! Too full for a desert each - a maginifcient chocolate brownie was demolished in minutes by us all!
Whether for a nice quiet drink or great pub food - I would totally recommend this sopt!
- 5. McD's, Edinburgh – 23 October 2009, 12:50pmThe OrchardReport
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Went for lunch on Saturday. They were absolutely full but the very attentive and friendly guy behind the bar sorted us out by creating a mini table at the bar for us.
Food was really good for lunch - steak sandwich is to die for. Chocolate cheesecake sounds much better than it actually tastes but the warm pear tart was delicious - could have eaten 2! Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size.
It is such a lovely space to be in and while the hours away particular with the sun beaming through the windows. It was my first trip and definitely not my last.
- 4. sara, edinburgh – 24 September 2009, 5:56pmThe OrchardReport
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Went there with friends to wind down the day with a yummy bottle of Riesling. We ended up having our tea there too! I had the lamb - melt in the mouth - it was cooked to perfection. My friends had duck - very nice and a smoked salmon salad - very fresh. This is home cooked food at its best, better then some restaurants in town! The service here is fab so relaxed and friendly - they know how to do proper table service. I will definitely be back again very soon
- 3. Hala and Jazek, Edinburgh – 16 May 2009, 12:52pm
The OrchardReport -
It is a very nice place to go for a drink with friends to chat. Better than regular noisy pub. Great interior and kind staff. But foodwise, it is much overpriced. Burger and fish&chips were not worth 9 pounds each. I will be back with my friends, but not to eat out.
- 2. R Dineen, Edinburgh – 21 October 2008, 1:23pm
The OrchardReport -
Went there 17/10 - no potato skins on the menu, which was a shame as really wanted them after reading the review - this place has turned into more of a gastro style pub which, on this occassion, was not up to scatch. They advertised jumbo chips - what they meant was large chips brought from the supermarket - cheeky (which werent jumbo). Was part of a largish group so maybe that caused a strain on kitchen. Service wise, everyone friendly and pleasant. I would say a little over priced for what they offer but am willing to give one more chance to see if they can redeem themselves.
will let you know what happens.
- 1. Julie, Edinburgh – 25 April 2008, 12:14amThe OrchardReport
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Went here with a friend for a hangover brunch/breakfast. Had the french toast with maple syrup. So filling, so lush, so good. Service was quick and staff was lovely. Definitely going back soon!
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