Henricks Bar
- Food served: Mon–Fri 10am–10pm; Sat/Sun 10am–10pm.
- Bar open: Mon–Sat 10am–1am; Sun 12.30pm–1am. Extended in Festival
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 13
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Varied easy listening
- Capacity: 40 seated; 100 standing
- Largest group: 20
- Open since: 2006
- Average price:
£5.60 (set lunch)
£13.50 (evening meal) - House wine: £11.95 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.
Although Henricks retains its bar features such as the plasma screen and the wall of spirits stacked high, a recent change in ownership has put more of an emphasis on bridging the gap between pub and local bistro. Tables are squeezed into every corner, but diners don’t feel cramped by the proximity of standing drinkers. Neither does the menu scream pub classics, having been recently changed to incorporate seasonal produce and match wines. Fish such as grilled Dover sole stands out, as do the varied vegetarian dishes. Rib-eye steak from Perth comes with a particularly good Béarnaise sauce, and pairs nicely with ‘Ailsa’s Shiraz’. One half of husband and wife management team, Ailsa Cowe recently returned from a stint at an Australian vineyard, and the two 2007 vintages she helped to make are available here. Both owners, and indeed any bar staff, will be willing to talk through the wines, adding to the friendly atmosphere. Their cocktail list has also been revamped, with specials such as the Hendricks Martini (gin, rosewater and elderflower) alongside old favourites.
- High point: Interesting wine list for a local bar
- Low point: Squeezing past TV-watchers on the way to the loos
Reviews of Henricks Bar (1 Barclay Place, Edinburgh)
- 7. Marcus, Edinburgh – 11 May 2011, 12:30pm
Henricks BarReport -
I live quite local to Henricks and walk past many pubs to visit on a regular basis. I am proud to be called a regular and have not experienced Henricks to be closed too early. Since new ownership, Henricks has gone from strength to strength with great focus on food, wine and customer service. Just what I need when I need lunch or don’t want to cook for myself after a busy day at work. The staff and owners are always interested in going above and beyond to make sure I am looked after. I am never been taken for granted and every effort is made to make me feel special and welcome. For a local bar, making constant improvements, who cares about their customers and community; it doesn’t get much better.
- 6. Pd, Newcastle – 10 May 2011, 11:04am
Henricks BarReport -
I don't agree with the last review as the bar staff were very courteous and welcoming. We were there for one for the road and the choices of drinks were great the little girl was very prompt as soon as we entered and the bar man was a great pleasure to interact with.
It was very quiet and being from the pub back groud as an owner I would be very proud of the staff you have as they seemed to be looking out for the business!
I will be paying a visit soon to the place especially to njoy the interaction with the bar man! :-)
- 5. The New Henricks Team, Henrick's Bar, Edinburgh – 9 May 2011, 6:47pmHenricks BarReport
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@ PMcBride
We are disgusted to hear that you were asked to leave so early in the evening last Wednesday. We are currently investigating the precise circumstances, but rest assured that Ailsa and myself are very disappointed and upset by these actions.
Of course, there are some circumstances when the bar may close earlier than 1 a.m. for economic reasons, however, being kicked out at 10 p.m. is completely unacceptable and this will be addressed promptly.
We are saddened that you will not return and can only hope that in time, you will reconsider. We offer our apologies to you and any other guest on the evening who was also subjected to this experience.
- 4. pmcbride, Tollcross – 4 May 2011, 11:08pm
Henricks BarReport -
After a promising re-launch at the end of last year this bar has died.
Licensed til 1am but the staff have taken the suicidal route of closing early if it's not busy.
Last orders called at 10pm tonight! Surly staff, flat beer and the irritating tactic of opening doors to encourage punters to leave with a draft.
Closing before advertised hours kills your reputation as punters can't be sure how long they have. This is why Favorit failed. Learn from others mistakes.
I won't be back sadly. Burlington Berties for me from now on.
- 3. mcGonagall, Edinburgh – 12 March 2011, 9:02pm
Henricks BarReport -
Henricks is essentially a wine bar - the excellent range is led by the superb St Halletts from the Barossa (Henricks is apparently the only source of their whole range in Scotland). And they have a large and interesting selection of beers, cocktails and other beverages. The outstanding food is in the capable hands of talented young chef Andy Black and ranges from a Simon Howie fillet steak to a baked potato or beans on toast via some delicious Andy international and Scottish specialities, all available most of the day.
The staff is small in number but big on warmth and promptness, starting but not finishing with the new proprietors Ailsa and Chris.
The family atmosphere is calm and comfortable and there is wheelchair access and ground floor toilets - very handy for us.An open (to the sky) area at the rear can be used for smoking in winter and barbecues etc in summer.
Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable experience for lunch, dinner or just a quiet drink, which is why we have become regulars.
- 2. Tom & Belle, Perthshire – 13 January 2011, 10:15pm
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We visited Henricks shortly after the new owners took over in October 2010. We were SOOOO impressed, these guys really know how to do "hospitality". People friendly, child friendly, dog friendly - fantastic! A truly warm, relaxed, welcoming venue with a super atmosphere. Now has some amazing quality wines & an excellent selection of beers & spirits. Apparently one of the new owners has even spent 4 months working in the very vineyard, St Halletts, whose gorgeous wines are now available. The brand-new menu offers a wide choice of excellent dishes, all prepared & cooked on the premises. We will definitely continue to eat & drink at Henricks and have recommended it to loads of our friends. Tom & Belle
- 1. The New Henricks Team, Henrick's Bar, Edinburgh – 16 November 2010, 2:18pmHenricks BarReport
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Hello everyone, Ailsa and Chris are the new owners of Henrick's Bar, previously a managed brewery pub. They have taken the lease over in October and have already made many changes to the atmosphere, service and menus.
We have taken on a new head chef who has brought his experience and knowledge and we have overhauled the rather disappointing brewery menu. Some of the old favourites are still on the new menus, which include some exciting contemporary dishes and a pre theatre menu. Yes the cocktail list is the same, but we have added our little touches to each recipe, to improve the experience.
Unfortunately, we can't offer the same level of reduced pricing on the two meals for £10 and the questionable wine offers, however, we are confident that you will be pleased with our new wine list, which has been selected by Ailsa and in one case, she has actually produced and made the wine in Australia!
New Menu, New Owners, a New Experience, we hope that you can come and join us and please feel free to comment and help us out if you think something needs changing or wasn't to your liking!
A&C
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