About This Pub
Ah, the Old Chain Pier – it's one of those places that just feels like a proper gem in Edinburgh, doesn't it? Picture this: you're sat there with a pint in hand, gazing out over the Firth of Forth, and the food coming out is genuinely enjoyable, whether it's their fish and chips or a burger that hits the spot. The staff are dead lovely, always up for a bit of banter, and I love that they've got a beer garden for those sunny days and live music to liven up the weekends. It's also great that they welcome dogs, making it easy for a relaxed day out. On the downside, I've heard a few folks say the flavours in some dishes could do with a bit more punch, and the service isn't always as sharp as it could be – you might find yourself waiting a tad longer than expected. All in all, though, it's a solid choice for a mate's meet-up or a family lunch, as long as you keep an eye on the time since it's more family-oriented until 8pm. If you're after a balanced spot with more highs than lows, give it a go – you won't be disappointed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The views are absolutely stunning, right by the Firth of Forth – it's like dining with the sea as your backdrop, perfect for a relaxing catch-up.
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The food is spot on, with tasty options like fish and chips, burgers, and local gins that really hit the mark for a hearty meal or a quick bite.
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Staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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It's got a brilliant beer garden and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, adding a lively vibe without overwhelming the atmosphere.
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They're super dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged mate along, as long as they're on a short lead – ideal for a casual outing.
Cons
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Some dishes might lack a bit of seasoning or flavour, as one person mentioned, which could leave you wanting to add a pinch of salt yourself.
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Service can be adequate but not always as attentive as you'd hope, so you might have to chase things up now and then.
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They don't take bookings over the phone, meaning you'll need to sort it online, which could be a minor faff if you're in a rush.
Contact Information
32 Trinity Cres, Edinburgh EH5 3ED
Pub
Opens at 09:30
Opening Hours
Monday | 09:30 - 22:00 |
Tuesday | 09:30 - 22:00 |
Wednesday | 09:30 - 22:00 |
Thursday | 09:30 - 22:00 |
Friday | 09:30 - 23:00 |
Saturday (Today) | 09:30 - 23:00 |
Sunday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
Old Chain Pier offers great food and an amazing view of the Firth of Forth. The staff was incredibly friendly and responsive.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Edinburgh. The food is delicious, and their special drinks are absolutely fantastic! They also have the best ocean view. The staff is incredibly friendly, which made our experience even better. My friend and I had a great time there and, in fact, we went twice during our week-long stay. I highly recommend this place.
The fish and chips were excellent. I also had the soup of the day, which was a very unique tomatillo and coconut milk. It had a little space and was very flavorful.
This charming seaside restaurant in Edinburgh offers breathtaking views of the ocean, adding an incredible touch to the dining experience. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, creating a relaxed and enjoyable setting. The staff are warm and friendly, providing service that’s just the right balance—attentive without being overbearing, allowing guests to fully enjoy their time.
Although I had heard that this was a popular spot among influencers, I believe their food is truly of high quality, not merely relying on the stunning views to attract customers. The dishes themselves are impressive and definitely worth trying.
The overall dining experience was positive, albeit with some notable areas for improvement. The food quality was generally good, but there was a noticeable lack of salt and flavor, which detracted from the dishes’ potential. The service was adequate, though it could have been more attentive and polished.
One of the main drawbacks was the delay in receiving our food. We experienced a considerable wait, which was somewhat mitigated by the wonderful ambience. A local band playing traditional music added a delightful touch to the atmosphere.
The restaurant’s location is its standout feature. Situated right above the sea, the view was nothing short of spectacular. We were even lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming, which added a magical element to our visit. The combination of the ocean view and the overall setting significantly enhanced the experience.
While the prices were on the higher side, they were still acceptable given the unique location and the overall experience.
In summary, while there is room for improvement in the food and service, the ambience and location make this restaurant worth a visit.
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