The Espy
Portobello
- Food served: Sun–Wed 10am–9pm; Thu–Sat 10am–10pm.
- Bar open: Mon–Thu 10am–11pm; Fri–Sun 10am–1am.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 12
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Live music, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Quiet tunes
- Opening times: 12:00–00:00
- Capacity: 55
- Largest group: Whole venue
- Open since: 2008
Tell us more about this venue.
- Average price:
£14 (lunch)
£14 (evening meal) - House wine: £13.65 per bottle
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.
It might officially be the Esplanade, but ‘The Espy’ – ideally delivered with an Antipodean twang – as it's better known, suits this laid-back beach bar better. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere it proves there’s more to Portobello than outmoded amusement arcades. Food-wise the selection of 8oz burgers is hard to beat, although the specials menu is tempting too. The choice of drinks includes some great value and tasty cocktails, while you don’t need to be teetotal to be bowled over by the homemade ginger beer and lemonade. Entertainment is also a big part of the Espy ethos, with Australia Day prompting a serious weekend of revelry, while live music, film nights and Mexican evenings are also regular events. Meanwhile, on quieter evenings, it is a great place just to sit back and admire the lights of Fife and the Lothians reflected in the Firth.
- High point: Shows there's still an upbeat vibe in some Scottish seaside towns
- Low point: It's a shame there aren't more like it
The rough guide to Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside
Neighbourhood Watch: The best bits by the beach
24 Mar 2011
Events at The Espy (62–64 Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh)
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Sweaty, grungey rock from Kitto and partner in crime Pna playing from latest release Crash. View full details |
||
| The Espy | 29 Jun 9pm | 0131 669 0082 To be confirmed |
Reviews of The Espy (62–64 Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh)
- 5. porty punter, portobello – 22 June 2011, 10:38pm
The EspyReport -
I have been into the espy a few times over the past year and think that the food is really delicious and there is a chilled out atmosphere when i've been in and the staff are very friendly and accomodating. would definatley recommend.
- 4. Yumbo Gumbo, Edinburgh – 3 March 2011, 5:36pm
The EspyReport -
Great spot, great local pub, fantastic burgers and friendly efficient service. What you really want in a local.
- 3. Iain70, Portobello – 31 December 2010, 6:25pm
The EspyReport -
Being a local, this pub has the potential to be a great little place BUT every time since new management has taken over, I have felt nothing but a second class citizen! From over pricing the bar bill by £15 on a few occassions, to being refused food because I was only ordering side orders for my 2 children (even although the kitchen was still serving other customers and there was at least 7-8 free dinner tables), I am very disappointed indeed.
Coming from the lovely little place of Portobello, this pub has the potential to be great, but from the bad and negative experiences I have had from this place, I will certainly not be back which is a shame indeed because once the summer trade goes, you have to rely on the locals to keep an establishment going!
I will definitely NOT recommend this place to my friends and family and will never go there again.
- 2. Juliet – 19 January 2010, 11:00amThe EspyReport
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Mmm, the burgers are AMAZING! Huge (I couldn't finish mine) but very, very good.
We will definitely be back.
- 1. Lennie the lion., Joppa – 15 July 2009, 10:01pmThe EspyReport
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An o.k. place but DONT expect the bar to keep to its advertised closing time. I had just settled at the bar with a couple who were visiting me when I was told that the bar would be closing shortly, WELL BEFORE closing time. I was told that "there aren't enough people in to justify remaining open". I just pray that when the owner desperatly needs to buy something from a 24hr. store like Asda, she is met with the same response !
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