1 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JA

About This Pub

Ah, Hemingway's in Leith – what a gem it is for a proper cocktail fix! From what I've gathered, the drinks are where it really shines; they're serving up classics with clever twists that leave you wanting more, like their Sojourns in Paris or that unbeatable Espresso Martini. The place has this warm, elegant feel that's just perfect for kicking back after a long day or toasting a special occasion – it's got that sophisticated edge without being too stuffy. And the team behind the bar? They're often spot on, being friendly and helpful, which adds to the whole experience. But let's keep it real, it's not flawless. I've heard a few tales of it being eerily quiet on some evenings, which can make the atmosphere fall a bit flat when you're hoping for a buzz. Plus, there are comments about the food and drinks sometimes missing the mark, like things being too salty or overly sweet, and service that doesn't always hit the high notes. Still, with a solid rating overall, it's worth popping in if you're in Edinburgh – just go with an open mind and maybe plan for a busier night to get the best of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The cocktails are absolutely top-notch, with creative twists on classics that make every sip a delight.
  • The atmosphere is warm and inviting, blending classic charm with a modern flair for a cosy night out.
  • Staff are generally friendly and attentive, offering great service that makes you feel right at home.
  • It's a fantastic spot for unwinding or celebrating, with an innovative drink menu that's full of surprises.
Cons
  • It can feel a bit quiet or empty at times, which might not give off the lively vibe you're after.
  • Some dishes and drinks have had complaints about being overly salty or sugary, throwing off the balance.
  • Service isn't always consistent, with a few mentions of staff being distracted or not fully engaged.
  • There might be some confusion around opening hours, so it's worth double-checking before heading out.

Contact Information

1 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JA
+441315545272
Cocktail bar
Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday17:00 - 23:00
Tuesday17:00 - 23:00
Wednesday12:00 - 00:00
Thursday (Today)12:00 - 00:00
Friday12:00 - 00:00
Saturday12:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Terrible place. I can't even understand what they're open. We came in around 9pm one evening in June for a nice drink. The place was like a crypt. Completely empty. Other places on the street were busy. The one employee barely even looked at us; she was far too involved in the loud phone conversation she was having with someone. Finally, we went up to the bar to get drinks. My partner just wanted a vodka soda. We were informed they have no vodka. None. Even though half the cocktails on their menu have vodka. I couldn't even ask for anything else because the employee hadn't even put down her phone conversation and before I knew it had walked away to sit in the far corner and continue talking to her friend. I mean, that was a pretty clear signal to get out, we weren't welcome, and she did not want to work. Which was a blessing in disguise maybe because all the cocktails are cheap quality and remind me of the type you'd get on a messy hen party holiday to some 2-star resort. And a frozen Hemingway Daiquiri is just offensive to the man the bar is named after. This is not a place for classy cocktails at all. Thinking it was an off-night, we tried again the following night only to see it closed when Google states it's open. We gave up on it. Nice interior design though. Shame about everything else. Not once during the rest of our stay in Leith were there ever people actually in this bar as we went past at night. I think that's a sign to avoid it for anything but brunch or lunch.
V
Vee
We are absolutely thrilled by the food quality and the passion of the chef and his team. They gave us a fine dining experience with their delicious menu and attention to every detail. It’s definitely a pleasure being there!
IC
Ivy Cheng
The lovely design of the restaurant bar invited me and my family to come. First of all great staff and wonderful ambience. We started with bread & butter and for me both were too salty. The cocktails were good but very sugary for us. All the food that we ordered was flavored but unbalanced to taste.
MK
Mila Konika
Dear Hemingway Team, I would like to express my utmost satisfaction following my recent visit to your establishment. It is rare to find every element of a dining experience working flawlessly, yet your restaurant is an exceptional case that deserves special recognition. Firstly, I must commend the exceptionally delicious meals prepared by your Polish chefs. Their passion for culinary excellence is evident in every dish, which was not only scrumptious but also beautifully presented, significantly enhancing the entire experience. Additionally, I would like to extend special thanks to your waiter, David, for his professionalism and warm approach. His knowledge of the menu and meticulous attention to detail made us feel exceptionally valued and cared for. Thank you for creating such a welcoming atmosphere, and I eagerly look forward to my next visit. Your restaurant is certainly a place I will recommend to friends and family.
MM
Magda Magdalena
We went for a tasting menu prepared by chefs Bart and Pawel, everything was absolutely delicious. First time having rabbit pie and pidgeon, really enjoyed both. The chefs were more than happy to accommodate dietary restrictions also. The service was great and all staff very friendly. We will definitely be back!
BN
Boglarka Nagy

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