The Cumberland Bar - Edinburgh - Pub Review

Nestled on Cumberland Street in Edinburgh’s historic New Town, the Cumberland Bar is a picture of Georgian pub charm. Housed in an elegant red-brick building, the pub features classic wood-panelled interiors and ornate Victorian detailing yet feels warm and welcoming. In front, the street-level pub sign swings gently under hanging baskets; around back is a unique sunken beer garden shaded by a mature weeping willow – truly a rare green oasis in the New Town. Inside, a polished wooden bar and large fireplace complete the scene. Operated by D.M. Stewart Ltd, the Cumberland is best known for its fine real ales, range of local and imported beers, and satisfying pub food (not least the popular Sunday roast) served all day. This blend of heritage and hospitality makes The Cumberland Bar a favourite haunt for city residents and visitors who seek a relaxed atmosphere with quality drinks and fare.

Facilities & Atmosphere

The Cumberland Bar offers a classic pub layout that maximises cosy corners and communal warmth. The ground floor is one open room, with a couple of separate snug areas divided by heavy velvet curtains and traditional leather bench seating. These nooks are perfect for quiet conversation or reading the afternoon paper, while the main bar area hums with friendly chatter during busier times. Period touches abound: polished wood panel walls, an ornate carved bar back, mirrors and gleaming brass, plus stained-glass panels above the bar – all lit by warm lantern-style lighting. On cold nights a stone fireplace crackles by the bar, adding to the snug feel. Although the décor is unquestionably historic, the bar keeps modern comforts too: free Wi-Fi, good heating, and accessible washrooms. A practical detail is a small side room and private conference room (bookable for up to 12 people with buffet menus), which reflects the pub’s versatility as both a social hangout and a laid-back meeting space.

Key features make The Cumberland Bar stand out:

• Beer Garden: Its secluded beer garden is unique in Edinburgh’s New Town. Outdoors, a mature willow tree shades a sunken courtyard with picnic benches. In good weather this green patio fills up fast as a quiet retreat – described as a “sun trap” by regulars. There are also a few street-level tables outside the front for passersby or dog-walkers.

• Pub Layout: The interior is all on one level (aside from the basement storage); the main bar area, snug seating, and side room are easily accessible. The bar proudly bears a 1990s CAMRA award for its interior, and much of that character remains intact. Seating is a mix of stools, high tables and cushioned booths, making it comfortable for both groups and solo visitors.

• Fireplace & Fireplace: A gas/wood fire set into a traditional surround is lit on chilly evenings. It adds both literal warmth and atmosphere – patrons love gathering around it during the colder months.

• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available, and the pub is dog-friendly (many locals pop in with their pets, especially to sit outdoors in summer). There is no formal parking (typical for central Edinburgh), but the surrounding streets have limited permit parking and a nearby pay lot; most people arrive on foot, by bus or by taxi.

Unlike some London pubs, The Cumberland does not focus on sports or loud entertainment. In fact, there are no TVs and no traditional pub games like darts or pool, so you won’t find a bingo night here. Instead, the emphasis is on relaxed conversation and the pub’s social vibe. On any given evening you might hear soft background music (often classic rock or folk) to complement the chatter. If you want to catch a big game, you’d need to go elsewhere; here it’s about enjoying a drink and perhaps a meal at leisure.

The Cumberland Bar’s facilities create a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Staffed by a small team, the place has a neighbourhood feel – regulars chat with the barmaids by name, and newcomers quickly feel at home. In summer the garden adds a lively buzz (it’s even lit by fairy lights in the evenings), while winter nights see the bar softly lit and jam-packed around closing time. Whether it’s quiet midday or Friday evening, the Cumberland’s character remains warm and inclusive, making it clear why it’s regarded as one of Edinburgh’s classic New Town pubs.

Food on Offer

The Cumberland Bar serves a menu of hearty, modern British pub classics – all prepared with quality ingredients and a bit of Scottish flair. Patrons can drop in anytime from noon onwards to find an all-day menu. Starters and sharers include pub favourites like mozzarella sticks; haggis bonbons (bite-sized deep-fried haggis with Glayva crème fraîche, veggie option available); and crisp chicken wings (with a choice of garlic mayo or spicy Bloody Mary sauce). Lighter snacks such as homemade soup of the day and nachos (which can be topped with chilli con carne or a veggie chilli) round out the starters.

Main courses cater to a range of tastes. Traditional British dishes are done well here: for example, Fish and Chips (£16.95) featuring beer-battered haddock with peas and tartare sauce or the Steak & Ale Pie (£16.95) – slow-cooked Scotch beef in ale gravy with mash or chips and vegetables. A local favourite is the Cumberland Sausage & Mash (£15.45), using plump Crombie’s Cumberland sausages on creamy mash with onion gravy. There are also international touches: a chicken Milanese with spaghetti Napoli and a weekly rotating chef's curry of the day (served with rice and flatbread). For vegetarians and vegans, options abound: the menu marks dishes suitable for gluten-free (GF) and vegetarian (V) diets. Look for items like Mac and Cheese (£12.95 with optional add-ins), Beetroot and Feta Salad with balsamic (add chicken for a few extra), or a Moving Mountains vegan burger option in the burgers section.

Speaking of burgers, The Cumberland offers a trio of them: beef, chicken Cajun, and Moving Mountains (plant-based), all served with house slaw and fries. There’s also a neat deal – the “Beer & Burger” special (£13) available Monday–Thursday where any burger comes with a house beer (the pint is slightly smaller).

One of the standout features is the Sunday roast. Every Sunday the chefs offer a classic roast dinner that changes weekly – roast beef, chicken or a nut roast for vegetarians – served with all the trimmings (roast potatoes, veg, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and more). Reviews frequently mention the roast as a major draw, so it’s wise to book ahead if you don’t want to miss it. According to The Cumberland’s own site, "The Sunday roast of the day is very popular, with booking recommended." In fact, the pub’s country-style Sunday meals often sell out early, making it a prime spot for a hearty weekend meal.

Desserts continue the comfort-food theme: sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownies with ice cream, and fruit crumbles are house-made each day. A scoop of classic vanilla or chocolate ice cream is also available for a light treat. Overall, the kitchen at The Cumberland focuses on quality over complexity. There are no avant-garde tasting menus here – instead, you get generous portions of beloved dishes done right. Patrons appreciate that the fish comes from local suppliers, and even the simplest items (mash and chips) are freshly made. Vegetarian and vegan guests generally find plenty to choose from, and younger diners are welcomed with children’s portions of favourites like fish fingers or pasta.

The food strikes a balance between pub tradition and modern flair. You won’t find very niche or exotic items, but you will find reliably good British pub grub. Expect flavours you recognise (and usually crave) and a few surprises, like haggis bonbons or a spicy chilli. The menu changes only modestly except for weekly specials, which helps the kitchen maintain consistency. Patrons often comment that this is the sort of gastro-pub kitchen that cooks each dish properly – no nasties or pre-mixed sauces – which lends a feeling of good value for money. Whether you’re dropping by for lunch, Sunday dinner, or a casual evening meal, the Cumberland’s food menu delivers satisfying, unpretentious pub fare that complements its beer selection.

Beers on Tap and Drinks

Real ale enthusiasts will feel right at home at The Cumberland Bar. The pub proudly advertises “8 real ale taps” – a nod to its commitment to cask-conditioned beer. These eight pumps usually pour a rotating selection of British and Scottish ales. As an independent pub (not tied to one brewery), the bar typically features a mix of local Scottish brews and popular UK guest ales. For example, regulars might see staples like Belhaven Best or a Caledonian (Innis & Gunn) beer on cask, alongside ever-changing guest kegs from breweries around Edinburgh and beyond. The staff keep the casks well-kept: aficionados note that each pint comes out spot on, with the classic creamy head and true ale richness that only properly conditioned cask beer provides. In the words of one review, the Cumberland “knows what it’s doing with its beer” and serves pints at “around a fiver” that are good value for the quality.

Beyond the cask ales, there’s a “wide selection” of bottled and draught beers. The Cumberland likes to offer craft lagers, Belgian imports, and seasonal brews. If there’s a new local brewery in town, chances are it will show up as a guest tap or bottle. For example, they’ve hosted tap takeovers featuring Stewart Brewing (a well-known Edinburgh craft brewery), often offering promotional pours at discounted prices for a week. Likewise, local beer festivals sometimes spill over into pub bars like this one. Patrons should ask about any “guest ale of the week” to discover something different.

In addition to beer, The Cumberland Bar has a full spirit list and an “extensive wine list”. Scotch whisky lovers will find several malts on the menu (again leaning Scottish, in keeping with the pub’s style). Cocktails are not a main focus, but the bartenders can mix a decent gin & tonic or whisky highball upon request. The gin selection often includes a couple of Scottish gins. Wines range from house reds and whites by the glass to better bottles if you prefer vino. In short, if you like beer (particularly ale), you’ll be thrilled; if beer’s not your thing, the usual pub range of wine, cider (Bulmers on tap) and spirits is there too.

Staff know the drinks list well. They are usually ready to recommend a pint based on your taste – whether that’s a hoppy IPA, a smooth amber ale, or a crisp lager. On my visits, the barmaid cheerfully guided me to a smoky porter when I wasn’t sure what to try next. They also keep an eye on the beer board, rotating taps as soon as a cask runs empty. For Scottish ales, a few favourites like Belhaven Black or Traquair House Ale have been spotted. The key point is that behind the bar you get expertise: you can ask, “What’s the real ale today?” and get a genuine answer, not just a run-of-the-mill draught lager.

Beers on tap are a highlight here. The combination of eight casks and additional guest taps means there are usually at least six or seven beers on draught at any time. This caters to both traditionalists and craft-beer fans. Traditionalists will recognise names from regional breweries (it wouldn't be surprising to see Caledonian’s Deuchars IPA or Williams Brothers’ brew here), while craft fans can try smaller breweries' single-hopped specials or barrel-aged ales when they appear. And if you’re not into beer, don’t worry: they serve Guinness, a couple of ciders, and all the mainstream stuff too. But make no mistake, the heart of Cumberland Bar is its real ale programme – it’s one of Edinburgh’s go-to spots for a quality pint in a quintessential pub setting.

Prices and Value

For Edinburgh’s New Town, The Cumberland Bar sits firmly in the mid-price range. On a scale of one to four (£ to ££££), it’s typically ££ – meaning it’s affordable for most pub-goers without feeling cheap. As a benchmark, a standard pint of beer or ale here will run about £4–£5. For example, in recent reviews and menus, cask ales were around a fiver per pint. This is comparable to most city pubs – certainly not the cheapest in town, but good value for a well-kept pint of quality cask ale. Bottled craft beers range from ~£4 to £6 depending on size, and wines by the glass start around £4–£5 as well.

Mains on the food menu tend to cost in the £13–£17 range. To illustrate, the OpenTable menu lists items like fish & chips or a steak pie at about £16–£17. Lighter options and vegetarian dishes run slightly cheaper (around £12–£13), while premium items (like a large burger or steak dish) hit the higher end of the scale. Starters and sides are modestly priced (£5–£12). Given the generous portion sizes and quality of ingredients, most customers find this pricing fair.

In context, New Town is a relatively upscale neighbourhood, so these prices feel reasonable. The decor and ambiance might feel a bit fancier than a basic chain pub, but the Cumberland doesn’t mark up prices to reflect that history – it’s meant to be a neighbourhood spot. Reviews often describe it as "value for money" for what you get: fresh-cooked meals, prime ingredients, and well-maintained draught. For example, one guest note mentioned “reasonable prices and helpful bar staff” alongside photos of pub grub. There’s no sneaky surcharge or hidden fees, just a tip jar or the ability to leave a tip for table service if desired.

A few specifics for budgeting:

• Drinks: Pints of real ale or lagers ~£4–5; a gin & tonic or glass of wine ~£5; cocktails start ~£7 (though there’s a limited cocktail list). Cider/pints are approximately £5.50. Coffee or soft drinks ~£2–3.

• Food: Starters around £6–£7 (get one to share or two smaller ones to start a meal). Mains are mostly £12–£17, as noted: the fish & chips was £16.95, the burger £13.95 (with add-ons at £1 each), and the salad main ~£12.45. Sides (chips, salad, loaded fries) ~£4–6.

• Sunday roast: A large roast with meat and all the trimmings might be around £15–£18. This is worth noting, as some diners specifically mention the roast as a “special treat” worth the spend, often sharing it or ordering extra sides.

There are no “cheap as chips” deals, but also nothing is overpriced for the area. It’s fair, middle-of-the-road pricing. Given the location – central Edinburgh near the posh end of town – one could spend more elsewhere for similar quality. In the Cumberland Bar, you pay a slight premium over a local chain, but in return, you get attentive service and higher-grade ingredients. In customer reviews, a common sentiment is that “you get what you pay for" in a good way: honest portions, freshly baked bread, decent fillets of fish, etc. In other words, this isn’t a discount pub but a solid value.

It’s also worth noting that they often run promotions on food + drink combos: for instance, a weekday lunchtime deal might pair a main with a pint at a slight discount. Also, the aforementioned Beer & Burger special offers a bargain price (£13 including a beer) on weekday evenings, which locals take advantage of. Drinks promotions can pop up during festival seasons. However, tipping is at your discretion (there’s usually no automatic service charge for bar orders), and overall the bill comes with no surprises.

Staff and Service

Walk into The Cumberland Bar, and you’ll likely be greeted by a genuine smile – it’s that kind of friendly, attentive pub. Staff turnover here seems low, meaning the same bartenders and servers often build rapport with regulars. These people know a lot about what’s on tap and what’s in the kitchen, and they’re ready to help. According to multiple reviews, the staff are “friendly and kind” and make sure you’re comfortable. For example, a guest recounted how the bartender took a moment to chat and made sure everyone at the table had a refill before hurrying off. Others note staff remembering names or preferred drinks for returning visitors.

In practice, service is typically prompt without being intrusive. You place an order at the bar, and then either the drinks are brought to your table or your name is called when they're ready – no long wait unless it’s peak time. Food orders are taken promptly at the bar and delivered by staff when cooked (plate number holders help). Even on busy evenings (say, early Friday or just before show time in the area), the bar manages to keep lines moving fairly swiftly. Occasionally, if the pub is very packed, you might wait a few minutes longer – this happens in any small bar – but the team handles rushes well. They clear empty glasses, refresh water, and rotate tables so diners feel attended to.

Reviews often highlight how “helpful” and “welcoming” the crew are, especially to first-timers and visitors. For instance, if it’s your first time, staff might give recommendations on ales or explain the roast special. They’re also chatty when it’s not too busy – quick to share pub history or local tips. During my visit, the barman proudly named the “real ale of the moment” and even offered a tiny sample taste when I hesitated over the two choices. At closing time, they wished everyone a safe journey home – a small touch, but it underlines their approachability.

In terms of efficiency, they do a good job. Glasses are seldom left empty for long. If you sit outside and the evening cools, someone will pass by and offer to relight a candle or bring out a blanket (though most come prepared with jackets in summer). In fact, the reviews consistently call out service quality as a strong point: many mention specifically that the staff contributes to a friendly “good buzz” in the pub. I noted one comment: “Staff are friendly and kind, always making sure you are having a good time and feeling comfortable. You will leave with a big smile on your face and a happy belly" – that enthusiasm is typical.

For large groups, the Cumberland is flexible. You can reserve tables (especially for Sunday roast), and they’ll hold space on a quiet night. For birthdays or small parties, staff have been known to decorate a table with a bottle of prosecco or offer a birthday song. The pub even has a little private room/office at the back which can be used for small meetings, reflecting again the family-run feel. All in all, the service strikes a fine balance: attentive but not overserving, knowledgeable but without the snobbishness sometimes found in gastropubs. You really get the sense of a community pub where people enjoy their job.

Children and families are welcomed too – there’s a children’s menu with smaller portions and quick service for kids. Staff often engage with younger diners and can churn out the chicken tenders or fish fingers promptly. This adds to the vibe of inclusivity; many locals feel comfortable bringing their kids to meet for an early dinner, secure in the knowledge they’ll be looked after.

Special Events & Community Nights

Unlike a venue that hosts daily events or loud entertainment, The Cumberland Bar’s calendar is relatively light. Its main attraction is simply being a great pub – the events are more about community than performance. That said, you might occasionally encounter themed nights or small-scale events:

• Special beer events: Occasionally, the pub will host beer tastings or tap takeovers. For example, local breweries (like Stewart Brewing) have held short residencies, where several beer taps are dedicated to one brewery’s offerings, sometimes with discounted pours. If you follow the pub’s social media or chalkboard specials, you might see announcements for such limited-time events.

• Whisky tastings: At times, the Cumberland organises whisky tasting evenings, given Scotland’s whisky culture and the pub’s collection of malts. These are usually advertised in advance and sometimes require booking a spot. They’re not weekly events but do pop up now and then for enthusiasts.

• Community & charity nights: Being community-orientated, the pub occasionally participates in charity events or quiz nights. A local quiz might run on a weeknight, though it’s not a fixed weekly occurrence. Charity drives (e.g., collecting for local causes) happen around the holidays. These are usually informal and advertised on a blackboard or the pub’s Facebook page.

• Seasonal gatherings: At peak times like Christmas or Hogmanay, the pub will deck itself with decorations and may extend hours (noted as “open late to 1am on New Year’s Eve”). On significant sporting days, even though it’s not a sports pub, staff have sometimes put on a screen if enough people are interested (for example, showing the World Cup or Six Nations) – but this is the exception, not the rule.

The main “event” that sets The Cumberland apart is actually its upstairs neighbour, the Abbotsford Upstairs Pub (if it's still the case), or the lobby area events. Actually, I recall that The Cumberland itself does not have a theatre like the Old Red Lion, but it might occasionally coordinate with local art/book societies. For instance, a group reading might take place in the snug if requested, or a local band might do an acoustic set. However, live music is rare – this pub is not known as a live music venue. The closest thing would be an amateur jazz trio one night (entirely crowd-sourced and not scheduled).

Because it’s so popular for Sunday roast, Sundays themselves have a mini-event vibe; families often make it a weekly outing. The kitchen might put on an extra server or two, and the social aspect of sharing roast dinners imbues Sunday afternoons with a communal atmosphere.

The Cumberland’s special nights are understated. They align with what patrons enjoy: extra good ales (brewery takeovers), whisky tastings, the cosy Christmas feel, or the weekly roast tradition. There are not loud DJs or neon-lit quiz setups. In fact, one of its charms is that most evenings feel special simply because of the mix of people. Locals, young professionals, and even artsy types from nearby Bath Street mingle over beer. The absence of forced events means every night is organic – conversations often flow from shared tables, not from trivia questions. If you want a party pub, this isn’t it, but if you want a gathering of friendly people with a glass in hand, it’s ideal.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Step inside The Cumberland Bar, and you immediately sense its old-world hospitality. The interior colour scheme is dominated by warm reds and wood tones; the walls are a deep brick red, and the window frames, tables and bar are polished mahogany. The effect is inviting rather than dim – the lighting is soft but bright enough to read a book or menu. A large mirror on one wall helps reflect the light, making the space feel larger. You’ll notice antique touches: a few black-and-white photographs of New Town history, vintage pub signs, and a well-worn leather Chesterfield sofa in one corner where people lounge with pints. The overall vibe has been described as “cosy, traditional and relaxed”.

Customers at the Cumberland come from all walks of life, adding to the atmosphere. On any evening you might see:

• Local regulars: Often one or two older gentlemen at a corner table reading a newspaper and nearby office workers who drop in after work for a pint of ale.

• Couples and friends: Young couples on dates or small groups of friends catching up over burgers and beers.

• Tourists & visitors: Because New Town has hotels and is near the city centre, a few visitors exploring the area will pop in for “an authentic Scottish pub experience". They tend to be curious about haggis and ales.

• Dog owners: Thanks to its pet-friendly stance, you might find a friendly dog napping under a table or two – another sign of the welcoming, homey feel.

• Mixed crowd: There’s no dress code enforcement beyond casual smart. You’ll see a mix of tweed jackets (common for New Town “tea drinkers”), jeans and jumpers, and occasional kilts or tartan scarves.

All of this combines into a crowd where conversation runs the range from "How was your day?" to animated discussions about local events or even literary topics (the pub has its share of artists and writers, given its New Town setting). Importantly, it’s never painfully quiet, but it’s also not a screaming party. The background sound is usually a lively low hum of multiple conversations.

Accessibility is generally good for an older building. The main entrance on Cumberland Street has just a small step (historically some New Town buildings have narrow thresholds), but it’s easier than many Victorian pubs. Once inside, the space is open and without major barriers – you can wheel a stroller or walker around the main floor fairly easily. The bar counter is at standard height (not lowered for wheelchairs), but staff are happy to serve customers at standing height or carry drinks to a table if needed. The toilet is on the same floor and should be wheelchair-accessible (though it’s narrow, as with many older pubs, and the door is a manual push). Patrons in wheelchairs generally get friendly help from the staff with any special needs. The pub has a gentle mix of locals and visitors, and the staff often provide small courtesies for those who need them (like assisting with opening doors or fetching cushions).

One nice perk of the Cumberland Bar is how seasonal the experience can be. In winter, it’s famously snug: with its heavy curtains drawn and fire roaring, it feels like a countryside inn rather than a city pub. In summer, when the garden is open and the willow is in leaf, the vibe is airy and bright – one reviewer literally called it a “summer beauty” for how nice it gets outside. The beer garden even has heating lamps for chillier nights, so the outdoor space can often be used in the shoulder seasons. On a warm day, bartenders will bring out fresh glasses and pour beers under the sky, creating a sunlit, happy atmosphere.

The Cumberland Bar’s atmosphere is its signature. It feels genuine: not overly polished or slick like some city bars, but also not dingy. It’s exactly the kind of pub you can picture in a movie – comfortable, brick-walled, alive with quiet laughter – and that authenticity is part of the reason people flock here. As one guest aptly put it: “a proper New Town pub with real character”. It strikes a balance between cosy and spirited: music and laughter often rise, but the space never feels chaotic. And whether you come at midday, when a solitary musician strums in the corner (yes, live acoustic sessions do happen unannounced!), or on a buzzing Friday night, there’s a welcoming ease. Its accessibility to all – being dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and spacious enough for all ages – underpins the inclusive neighbourhood feel.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Cumberland Bar is perfectly situated for exploring Edinburgh’s North New Town. Its address, 1-3 Cumberland Street, places it just north of Princess Street Gardens in an elegant residential area laid out in the early 1800s. In practical terms, it’s extremely convenient to reach:

• Public Transport: Multiple bus routes run nearby. The closest bus stop is on Drummond Place (a 2-minute walk), which many routes pass (e.g., the frequent No. 13 bus from the south side). From Waverley Train Station (Edinburgh’s main rail hub in the city centre), it’s about a 15-minute walk north along George IV Bridge and Queen Street – or a short taxi/bus ride. Edinburgh Airport and Princes Street are easily accessible via a short tram or bus trip to the city.

• Tube/Trams: Edinburgh’s tram line ends at York Place, which is about a 10-minute walk east of the pub – not too far if you’re coming from the airport via tram.

• Parking: On-street parking in New Town is by permit only at most times, so visitors generally rely on public transit or paid garages. There’s a multi-storey car park a few blocks away on York Place for those driving. Biking is also an option – there are bike racks on Cumberland Street and a cycle lane on nearby roads.

This location has a mix of urban convenience and local charm. Turn left from the pub and you’re on Northumberland Street, which leads down toward Charlotte Square and the array of New Town shops and restaurants on George Street. Turn right, and you'll find elegant Georgian terraces and small independent shops – for example, the New Town Bookshop is just around the corner, and an artisanal bakery is a short stroll away. The pub’s own street is mostly residential, which helps create the quiet neighbourhood vibe.

Tourist attractions are within easy reach too. The stately Charlotte Square (home of the official residence of Edinburgh’s First Minister) is a pleasant ten-minute walk south. If you want to stretch your legs, a slightly longer walk through leafy Regent Terrace leads you to Calton Hill (with its monuments and city views) in about 15 minutes. To the west, Princes Street (the main shopping drag) and the Castle district are about 20 minutes on foot. As noted earlier, the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre is roughly a 10-minute walk east along Greenside Lane, making the Cumberland a popular pre- or post-show pub. If you’re in the mood for museums, the Scottish National Gallery (with free entry) is near Princes Street, just a 15-minute walk from the pub.

For dining and nightlife, Stockbridge – a trendy neighbourhood with markets and cafes – lies just 10 minutes northwest. New Town itself boasts many high-quality restaurants and bars, but the Cumberland holds its own as a go-to local spot. In bad weather you can duck into one of the many cocktail bars on George Street; in good weather, the beer garden shines as one of New Town’s best outdoor spaces (earning it frequent praise as a hidden garden spot).

One quirky nearby attraction is the area's literary connections. Alan Lane’s famous “Cumberland” appears in Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street novels (the author even used the bar as a scene-setting location). Fans of the series might enjoy a themed visit. Also, the pub is within walking distance of some other D. M. Stewart pubs (Guildford Arms, Abbotsford), which could make for a self-guided pub-crawl themed around the same owner’s establishments.

Practicalities: Cumberland Street is easy to walk to from all parts of the city, and the surrounding area is generally safe and well-lit. It’s about equidistant between the busier West End and the quiet suburbs north of the city centre, giving it broad appeal. Whether you’ve been sightseeing or working in town, meeting at the Cumberland Bar feels convenient: public transport at dusk is straightforward, and if needed, taxis are plentiful at late night (the pub’s address is well-known to local drivers).

Overall Impression

The Cumberland Bar is, in many ways, the epitome of a successful local pub: historic charm, quality products, and friendly people all rolled into one cosy package. It may not grab headlines with wild entertainment or experimental cocktails, but what it offers is an authentic Edinburgh pub experience. Over a century after its original construction (the building dates back to the early 1800s), the pub still retains an air of tradition even as it serves the contemporary crowd.

Its combination of rustic charm and modern ease stands out. The dark wood interiors and fireplaces make it feel like a Victorian tavern, while the outdoor beer garden and openness make it feel of the moment. This mix has won it a solid reputation: TripAdvisor rates it around 4.0 stars, reflecting strong praise for its ambience and value. Locals love it for casual drinks after work or a hearty Sunday lunch. For visitors, it provides a genuine taste of Edinburgh life, as opposed to touristy pub chains. In short, it “blends classic Victorian charm with modern comforts” exactly as advertised.

Of course, no pub is perfect. Its popularity means it does get very busy at peak times – you might need to wait for a table or seat on a Friday or Sunday evening. The garden, while delightful, can be hard to secure when the sun’s out. And while most revel in the no-TV policy, sports fans might miss the big screens (though there’s a sense the pub could show a match if enough people asked politely). Lastly, the aisles and entrance are a bit narrow in places (again, typical of historic buildings), so not 100% barrier-free. But these are minor quibbles.

The standout qualities – strong cask ale selection, good honest food (especially the roast), and a staff that makes you feel at home – outweigh any little inconvenience. In the words of patrons, it's a “hidden gem” and “the only beer garden in the New Town”. Many vow to return.

For anyone seeking a refined but unstuffy pub experience in Edinburgh, The Cumberland Bar fits the bill. It captures the essence of New Town’s refined heritage (think brown tweeds and curling smoke by the fire) yet remains a relaxed spot where everyone belongs. I would recommend it to locals and travellers alike, particularly those who appreciate a well-pulled pint and a good old-fashioned roast dinner. Just be prepared to linger – it’s the kind of pub that gently encourages you to stay for one more round. Enjoy the beer garden in summer and the fire in winter; either way, the Cumberland’s blend of warmth and quality leaves a lasting impression.