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Ghillie Dhu

Ghillie Dhu
2 Rutland Place
Edinburgh, EH1 2AD
Phone: 0131 222 9930
Email:
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  • Food served: Mon–Sun noon–10pm
  • Bar open: Mon–Sun 11.30am–3am. Extended in Festival
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 12
  • Private dining: 350 (auditorium)
  • Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Live music, Free wi-fi
  • Music on stereo: Folk, Scottish, Acoustic
  • Capacity: 200 (pub)
  • Largest group: 350
  • Open since: 2010

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  • Average price:
     £10.95 (set lunch)
     £16 (evening meal)
  • House wine: £12.95 per bottle
Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

You might have misgivings about visiting a Scottish theme pub, but Ghillie Dhu manages to pull off the shtick without resorting to the expected tartan twee. Instead, the interior is reminiscent of a simple Highland shooting lodge, with exposed stonework, aged pine and muted colours. The food is, unsurprisingly, a largely Caledonian take on typical pub meals: pan-seared chicken breast with haggis and venison and redcurrant sausages and mash are enjoyable although unspectacular and their very own craft beer – the Ghillie Ale – is worth sampling. There’s a definite party atmosphere, particularly as the week progresses. Bigger groups are well catered for, with plenty of booth seating (including nifty private snugs, complete with saloon doors) and there’s live music each night, ranging from folk and roots to contemporary pop and rock. Those keen for a birl round the dance floor can head upstairs for a full-scale ceilidh come the weekend.

  • High point: Hidden booths behind the bar, complete with private service hatches
  • Low point: Main courses are more expensive than in similar establishments
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Reviews of Ghillie Dhu (2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh)

6. KLC, Edinburgh – 2 February 2012, 4:53pm5 starsGhillie DhuReport

Went to Ghillie Dhu with some friends for dinner and drinks, ended up staying the whole night. Food was delicious, atmosphere great and best of all live music was fantastic!

5. StephenJACK, Glasgow – 2 February 2012, 4:20pm5 starsGhillie DhuReport

A great venue, fast service and delicious food in big portions!

4. Bobs, Edinburgh – 2 February 2012, 4:02pm5 starsGhillie DhuReport

I have visited Ghillie Dhu quite a few times, and have always been very happy with all aspects of the visit.
The food is great, and reasonably priced. I have had a few different meals, but the macaroni is definitely worth a try! They always have live entertainment, which is great fun if you love a dance. The staff are friendly and happy to help.
The best part of Ghillie Dhu is the stunning surrounding, their Auditorium is just beautiful. All in all I would recommend a trip to Ghillie Dhu!

3. Browser, Edinburgh – 21 January 2012, 8:33pm1 starGhillie DhuReport

My wife and I had lunch here on Friday 20th January and were less than impressed. Leak and potato soup for starters should have been a no brainer but was poor value for money at £3.95. Quite a small helping and lukewarm as well. My main course battered fish was greasy and the portion of chips again on the meagre side. Worst of all though, having asked for a fresh orange and soda, we were presented with pints of same laden with ice ( in January!) and charged the princely sum of £3.40 per pint. A total rip off compared to the price of a pint of beer, Government duty and all. Total bill for two courses for two people circa £28.00. I don`t think that we will be back in a hurry.

2. Ed Diner, Edinburgh – 31 January 2011, 1:58pm1 starGhillie DhuReport

Has gone downhill fast. Dreadful service. I've been here on about 4 occasions and all has been well, however my last visit, mid January 2011, was terrible. Service very poor, when the table was booked we asked for a table of 10 only to be given 2 tables of 5! If I didnt want to sit with my friends I would have asked for separate tables myself. Reduced menu on the night that we were not told about and the waitress demanded our bill be paid before 10pm because she wanted to 'settle everything up' even though we had not finished eating. Complaining has proved useless. I've sent 3 emails and not one has been responded to. I won't be going back.

1. Lancewales, Kildare,Ireland – 4 May 2010, 5:29pm5 starsGhillie DhuReport

Myself and my partner were on a romantic 3 day weekend in Edinburgh for the May bank Holiday. The first place we visisted was the Ghillie Dhu,
We found it to be one of the best Pub\Bar\Resurant in Edinburgh.
The staff were very pleasant, and the food very lovely at reasonable prices, we would definatley recomend to anyone

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