The Gilded Saloon: Edinburgh’s Newest Stage for Spirits, Stories, and Supper
Edinburgh’s food and drink scene just got a little more theatrical. The Gilded Saloon, a new venue perched on Lothian Street, blends pub comfort with flair, offering hearty plates, local spirits, and a basement comedy club that’s already buzzing. With top-tier chefs at the helm and mismatched vintage crockery on the tables, it’s a place where creativity meets comfort, and I went along to see if the hype holds up.
Opened just in time for this year’s Fringe, The Gilded Saloon has wasted no time becoming Edinburgh’s freshest creative haunt; a pub, performance venue, and artist sanctuary all rolled into one. With hearty food, local spirits, and a stage primed for comedy, cabaret, and club nights, it started with the Fringe but is now filled with energy and year-round promise.
Perched on Lothian Street, with views across Bristo Square and McEwan Hall, the Saloon is the lovechild of three creative powerhouses: Gilded Balloon, Kelburn Garden Party, and Paradise Palms (its flamboyant neighbour next door). It’s a collaboration that feels like a toast to Edinburgh’s artistic soul.
Step into the upstairs bar and restaurant and you’ll be greeted by warm wood panelling, vintage mirrors, a lot of Wally dogs and a stripped-back, shabby-chic aesthetic. The booth seating invites lingering, while the intimate tables for two (with what could become little to no breathing room between them if they get busy!) channel a bistro vibe - romantic, relaxed, and just a little bit cheeky.
Head below deck and you’ll find the People’s Leisure Club, a 200-capacity basement space built for laughter, dancing, and late-night revelry. It’s where comedy meets cabaret, and club nights spill into the wee hours. Think velvet, volume, and a crowd that knows how to clap.
Settling in for the long haul, The Gilded Saloon has launched a brand-new menu, and I went along to give it a proper taste test. At the helm is none other than Tomas Gormley, one of Edinburgh’s most exciting culinary talents. If you’ve eaten at Skua, cooed over Heron, or queued for Cardinal, you’ll know Tomas doesn’t miss.
You might also remember his Fringe pop-up, those lobster rolls and fried chicken that became instant cult favourites. Well, the chicken’s followed him here, and the ½ roast chicken with chips is already a crowd-pleaser. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and chips that know their way around a fryer. It’s comfort food with chef cred.
Tomas isn’t flying solo in the kitchen; he’s joined by Head Chef Josh Rich, whose Edinburgh credentials are just as impressive. Josh cut his teeth at Spry and The Cellar Door, two local favourites known for thoughtful plates and bold flavours. Together, this duo brings serious culinary clout to the Saloon, blending fine-dining finesse with pub comfort and flair.
Let’s Dig In: Snacks, Starters, and Summer on a Plate
The menu at The Gilded Saloon is refreshingly simple - snacks, starters, mains, sides, desserts, and a daily specials board that keeps things lively. We kicked off with a round of Oysters with scotch bonnet and blueberry (£3 each) - clean, fresh, and briny little bites of the sea with just enough heat to wake up the palate.
Next came Company Sourdough with cultured butter (£4), a classic done right: chewy crust, soft crumb, and butter that tasted like it had its own postcode. From the starters, we tried the Chicken Liver Parfait with sourdough and cornichons (£7), a generous, old-school slab of silky pâté with just the right tang, and the Phantassie Baby Beetroots with dill, pickled beetroot and labneh (£7), which whisked me straight back to the height of summer. Earthy, creamy, and bright, it was a sheer delight to eat.
Mains That Mean Business
We couldn’t resist one more snack before diving into the mains: the Pork Skewer with black garlic and cured egg yolk (£3 each). Generously sized, loaded with bright green chives, and utterly divine, it was smoky, punchy, and gone in seconds.
For mains, we swerved the popular roast chicken (tempting as it was) and opted to explore the rest of the menu. First up: the Beef and Bone Marrow Burger (£12), stacked high in a soft milk bun with cheddar and tomato chutney. Cooked medium rare, it was juicy, flavour-packed, and unapologetically messy, in the best way.
Then came the Free Company Beef Shin Suet Pie (£12), a proper winter warmer. The pastry held its shape beautifully, the filling was rich and generous, and it landed on the plate like it meant it. We added a side of Braised Fennel with orange and dill (£5), a bright, citrusy contrast, though the fennel could’ve done with a touch more time in the pan.
Dessert Decisions (and a Plot Twist)
The dessert menu keeps things tight and tempting: two sweet treats and a cheese platter. You’ve got Sticky Toffee Pudding with ginger and miso (£6), a Basque Cheesecake (£7), and a Cheese Platter (£7) for those who prefer their pudding savoury.
Now brace yourself, because in a shocking turn of events, I did not order the STP. I know. But I went rogue for the Basque Cheesecake, and let me tell you: no regrets. Silky smooth, gently caramelised, and not overly sweet, it was pure joy on a plate. I demolished it in seconds.
That said, the STP was wafting its gingery aroma across the table like a siren song, and I couldn’t resist a cheeky bite. A solid rendition, rich and warming, but let’s be honest, is there ever enough sauce? (Spoiler: there never is.)
Final Thoughts: A Saloon with Staying Power
It’s easy to see The Gilded Saloon becoming a firm favourite. Smack dab between the city centre and student central, with a comedy venue downstairs and a drinks list that knows how to party, it’s got all the ingredients for a good night out and a good meal in.
The atmosphere is cheerful, the crockery is charmingly mismatched, and the pricing hits that sweet spot: hearty food, a glass of wine, and no need to remortgage. Whether you’re popping in post-show, pre-show, or just because, this place feels like it’s here to stay!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE GILDED SALOON
Mains come as described, just a burger, just a pie, so be sure to order sides if you’re after a fuller plate. It’s a menu that invites mixing, matching, and sharing, with plenty of room to build your own feast.
They do have vegetarian dishes on their menu.
Limited disabled access with one step up into the restaurant and the w/c down a few stairs.
They are not dog friendly.
The Gilded Saloon, 45 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB www.thegildedsaloon.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by The Gilded Saloon to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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