The Edinburgh Castle - Manchester - Pub Reviews

Nestled on Blossom Street in Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district, The Edinburgh Castle is a restored 19th-century pub that marries traditional charm with modern gastropub flair. In fact, it was originally built in 1811 and – after lying dormant for a period – reopened in 2019 with new ownership. The venue has quickly built a strong reputation for its quality food and drink, even earning a place on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list (notably ranking No.16 nationwide). This historic pub boasts dark wooden panelling, low lighting and an intimate feel – one reviewer likened it to a “members club” with candles and old-timey quirk. The menu is entirely seasonal and British-inspired, and as the Guardian’s Jay Rayner noted, “the Edinburgh Castle is a great place to eat” with a “deftness, solidity and wit to the cooking”. All of this makes it popular among Manchester locals, foodies, and visitors – especially on Sunday, when its classic roast dinners are a major draw.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Edinburgh Castle prides itself on being a food- and drink-focused gastropub rather than an entertainment hub. For example, there is no dedicated car park (only nearby street parking) and the pub does not feature games like darts or pool, nor does it regularly show live sports. Instead, its appeal lies in culinary excellence and a cosy atmosphere. The pub is dog-friendly, as multiple reviews confirm (“definitely dog friendly” with dogs often on site). It also offers a small outdoor seating area on adjacent Cutting Room Square, perfect for sunnier days and alfresco dining. Overall, the facilities are simple but well-maintained: the ground floor has one main bar area and dining room, and there is no stage or big TVs distracting from conversation. (The emphasis here is squarely on the food and drink, creating a relaxed environment for dining and socialising.)

Food on Offer

The Edinburgh Castle’s kitchen is committed to high-quality, seasonal British fare. In keeping with modern gastropub trends, the menu changes regularly and sources ingredients as locally as possible. Indeed, The Guardian reports that the kitchen even churns its own butter and gets its sourdough bread from nearby Pollen Bakery (just a five-minute walk away), with meat and vegetables coming from farms visible on the Manchester skyline. A SquareMeal write-up similarly observes that the upstairs dining room menu “celebrates British produce, local suppliers and seasonality,” with dishes changing monthly. Examples of recent dishes have ranged from winter warmers like roast red-poll beef and game pies to spring salads with nettles and broad beans. In short, you won’t find pub staples like salt-and-pepper chicken wings here – instead think hearty mains such as pork chop with farm-to-table veg or a properly aged sirloin, all executed with finesse. (One review even quipped that the cooking has “wit,” reflecting the chef’s fine-dining background.) The portion sizes are generous and flavour-forward; every dish is carefully prepared to showcase the quality of the ingredients.

On Sundays, The Edinburgh Castle’s kitchen really excels with its traditional roast dinners. According to ManchesterBars.com, the pub runs a special Sunday menu with choices like slow-roasted British beef or pork belly (with a nut roast vegetarian option available). These come in two- or three-course formats (£30 and £35, respectively) served with all the trimmings – crispy roast potatoes, seasonal root vegetables, greens, gravy and Yorkshire puddings. Diners consistently praise these roasts; one review notes “guests rave about the Sunday roasts” and the pub itself advertises them as a must-try. It’s no wonder that by mid-afternoon on Sunday the pub can be very busy, as locals and visitors alike flock here for a proper British Sunday lunch. (Worth noting: the roast menu is served in the pub downstairs even though the upstairs Bangkok Diners Club restaurant is closed on Sunday.)

Beers on Tap and Drinks

The Edinburgh Castle takes its drinks offerings as seriously as its food. The bar stocks a rotating selection of ales and lagers, with a strong emphasis on local craft breweries. For example, pub sources indicate you can often find Cloudwater or other Manchester-made beers on tap, alongside classic staples like Guinness. This commitment to beer quality has even earned the pub accolades; it was shortlisted as one of Greater Manchester’s “Pub or Craft Ale Bar of the Year”. Bartenders here know the beer line-up well and will happily recommend something to suit your taste, whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale. In addition to beer, the bar has a full cocktail and wine list. Cocktails are well-made (expect modern twists like a spicy margarita or smoked old-fashioned, albeit at premium prices around £8–12 each). As one reviewer noted, guests can “never want for a negroni” in Ancoats, highlighting that even the spirits and cocktails are top-notch. In short, the drink selection complements the hearty food – there are no gimmicks like slushy machines or arcade games here, just solid beer, wine, spirits and a few well-crafted cocktails in a classic pub setting.

Price Range & Value

Edinburgh Castle sits at a mid-to-upper price point for Manchester pubs. Expect main courses in the mid-to-high teens or twenties; one guide lists most large dishes around £15–£28 on a regular menu. (SquareMeal notes an average price band of £30–£49 per person, which includes starters and drinks.) By comparison, the Sunday roast menu is quite a good deal: £30 for two courses or £35 for three, which effectively works out to about £15–£20 per course including all the trimmings. Drinks are on the pricier side – a craft beer or wine will run you typical pub prices (£5–£6 for a pint, wines by the glass £6–£8), and cocktails fall in the £8–£12 range. While some might balk at these prices compared to cheaper local pubs, most patrons agree that you get what you pay for: top-quality ingredients, generous portions and well-poured pints make for good value in their eyes. (As one Manchester blogger put it, “you’ll be charged £4.70 for a pint of ale, but the product and atmosphere suggest it’s worth every penny.” In context, that reflects the premium positioning of this venue in Ancoats.) Overall, though on the expensive side of pub pricing, Edinburgh Castle’s combination of cuisine quality and curated drinks has customers feeling the experience justifies the bill.

Customer Service

Behind the bar and at tables, the staff at The Edinburgh Castle have earned a strong reputation for friendliness and expertise. Multiple reviews remark on the warm, welcoming manner of the servers and bartenders. One Manchester reviewer awarded the pub 4 out of 5 for service, praising “friendly and attentive staff who are happy to help”. Even when the pub is buzzing, the team moves efficiently: empty glasses are cleared and food is delivered promptly. In The Guardian, Jay Rayner wrote that the staff can sometimes be “chaotic but always enthusiastic” – which is polite for “super busy but cheerful.” In practice, it means you’ll usually get quick, genuine help. The staff know the menu and wine list well, and they’ll gladly offer a recommendation if you’re unsure what to order. In my own visits, I found the service very personal: for example, bartenders chatted about the day’s specials or the latest local beer keg. All in all, the combination of efficiency, knowledge and good humour ensures customers feel well taken care of.

Staff also maintain the pub’s cosy atmosphere by keeping the space tidy and making regular patrons feel at home. It’s a family-run operation, so there is real pride of ownership on display. Even on the busiest Saturday nights, the crew makes an effort to remember names and builds a rapport with regulars. This attentive, personal touch contributes greatly to the pub’s charm. (Of course, when it is absolutely packed – say, a sold-out Sunday roast service – you might wait a few minutes longer for your drink, but complaints on that front are rare.) In short, the consensus is that customer care here is excellent: servers smile, they explain dishes politely, and tips are genuinely optional. It’s this combination of professionalism and friendliness that often turns first-time visitors into regulars.

Events & Special Nights

Unlike some pubs, Edinburgh Castle doesn’t host regular pub quizzes, live music nights or sports broadcasts. Instead, its calendar is dominated by food-focused events. Patrons can expect the occasional wine-tasting evening or seasonal menu launch, rather than weekly themed parties or DJ sets. For example, there might be a special Valentine’s prix-fixe menu in February, or a Champagne dinner in spring, but these are infrequent and announced in advance. The venue itself, meanwhile, remains comparatively quiet downstairs – there’s no live band stage or projector screen. (Notably, Bangkok Diners Club, the Thai restaurant upstairs, sometimes runs its own events, but that is separate from the pub’s identity.) In essence, the pub’s “special nights” are simply the dinner service itself – the draw here is the food quality. Those looking specifically for pub entertainment will not find karaoke or big-screen sports here; instead, you’ll usually join a lively but civilised crowd all focused on enjoying their meal.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside the Edinburgh Castle, you immediately notice a blend of rustic pub character with modern touches. The interior features dark wood panelling, an ornate long bar, and high ceilings that give it an almost stately feel – but it never feels stuffy. One reviewer describes the vibe as warm and “snug and welcoming, like a good pub should be”. Candles are often lit on tables in the evening, casting a soft glow that enhances the intimate mood. Overall, the design balances old and new: for instance, traditional leather banquettes sit next to sleek tan chairs upstairs, and vintage mirrors contrast with contemporary artwork. The clientele is equally mixed – on a weekday evening you might see office workers unwinding over after-work ales, whereas weekends bring in foodies and families enjoying a long dinner. Conversations here range from casual chatter about one’s day to excited pre-theatre discussion (a reference to the pop-up shows that sometimes happen in Ancoats, though not at the pub itself). In sum, the atmosphere is lively but not rowdy, and there’s a genuine communal spirit; it’s the kind of place where strangers nod hello and the buzz of conversation is almost constant.

Accessibility is fairly good for a historic building. The ground-floor pub areas are on one level, and while space is somewhat compact (typical for a converted Victorian pub), wheelchairs can be accommodated on the main floor and there is level entry from the street (aside from a small threshold). The rear pub area also spills out onto a small cobbled beer terrace, which is charming on a warm day. (When the sun’s out, this outside seating at Cutting Room Square makes for a lovely spot – as the owners themselves note – and you can even enjoy a cocktail and a street-side snack al fresco.) The upstairs Bangkok Diners Club restaurant, however, is only accessible by a flight of stairs, so those needing a lift should remain on the lower floor. Restrooms are available on-site (though not stated as fully wheelchair-accessible). As mentioned, the pub welcomes well-behaved dogs, so you’ll often see a couple of pugs or spaniels curled up by the heater.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Edinburgh Castle’s address at 17 Blossom Street places it right on the edge of Cutting Room Square in New Islington/Ancoats. This is a vibrant part of Manchester full of renovated mills, apartments and independent shops. It’s only a 5–10 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station, and about 10 minutes from Victoria station, so it’s easily reachable by train or tram. The Northern Quarter – Manchester’s famous creative quarter – is just around the corner, offering boutique shops, cafes and street art if you arrive early. For culture, the nearby Hallé St. Peter’s venue and Ancoats Coffee Co. provide some local flair. Immediately adjacent to the pub is the entrance to the Cutting Room Square development, home to popular bars like the Jane Eyre and apartments. In short, the location is a bustling inner-city area with an industrial heritage (as ManchesterBars notes, Ancoats is “Britain’s first industrial suburb”) and a trendy present-day feel. It’s an area that has recently become a destination in its own right, making the pub a convenient meeting point before or after exploring the area.

Overall Impression

The Edinburgh Castle delivers a standout pub experience in Manchester by combining top-notch dining with a warm pub vibe. Its 19th-century architecture and cosy interior provide an authentic backdrop, while the kitchen’s focus on seasonal, locally-sourced British cuisine elevates every meal. This mix of old and new – sturdy ales and Sunday roasts on one hand, Michelin-starred-calibre attention to ingredients on the other – is what sets the pub apart. Many critics agree: The Guardian’s Jay Rayner famously said it’s a “great place to eat” and admitted “I find it hard to resist eating here when in Manchester”. Similarly, local reviewers describe it as a “showstopper” pub that consistently delivers, with one promising “I’ll keep returning whether for a pint or to sample the next dish”.

Of course, no place is perfect. Some have noted that prices are on the higher side for a pub, and the menu, while refined, is relatively concise. Portions are generous but if you’re used to bargain basement pub grub, be prepared for gourmet portions and gourmet prices. Also, at peak times the space can feel bustling and lively (which is great for atmosphere, but means you might need to wait a few minutes for a table if you arrive without booking on a Friday night). That said, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme: for many patrons they’re just the trade-offs you accept for such a high-quality experience.

The Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats stands out as one of Manchester’s premier gastropubs. It offers a warm, friendly atmosphere – from its attentive staff to its dog-welcoming policy – and a menu that clearly prioritises freshness and flavour. Whether you come for a perfectly cooked Sunday roast, a craft beer, or just a well-made cocktail by candlelight, you’re likely to leave impressed. It is, as one Manchester blogger concluded, “an utter joy” to dine here, capturing the consensus that this pub is well worth a visit. Many will walk out already looking forward to their next meal at The Edinburgh Castle (and judging by the queue on Sunday afternoons, they often do).