Queens Arms Edinburgh Review: Proper Pub Food, Cosy Booths & Warm January Comfort
Tucked beneath the bustle of Frederick Street, the Queens Arms feels like slipping into someone’s favourite living room, if that someone had a soft spot for tartan, dark wood, and a pint pulled properly. It’s one of those Edinburgh pubs that manages to be both cosy and quietly confident, the kind of place where locals settle in for the long haul and visitors feel like they’ve discovered a secret!
January in Edinburgh is a whole mood, grey, dreich, and the kind of cold that makes you question every life choice. It also happens to be a big birthday month in my family, so we decided to brighten things up by taking full advantage of the Queens Arms’ 50% off all food offer. And honestly, what a shout. From the moment we stepped in, the food, the service, and the drinks were exceptional. The kind of exceptional where you’d happily pay full price without blinking. It turned into a superb family dinner - warm, generous, and exactly what you want on a bleak Saturday night in January.
Atmosphere: Half Pub, Half Grub, Fully Charming
The Queens Arms is half pub, half grub and it leans into both identities with real charm. To the left, you’ve got the classic pub setup: tables and chairs made for settling in with a pint, a chat, and a bit of people‑watching. To the right, it shifts into something cosier and more intimate. There are booths with wee doors (which I will never not love), plus a mix of seating and long tables that can be pulled together for big gatherings. It’s the kind of space that works whether you’re two people hiding from the January dreich or a full family celebrating a milestone.
The staff were fabulous, genuinely attentive without hovering, appearing exactly when you needed them. A couple of rounds in and they already knew our order, which always feels like a small luxury. They handled a big birthday party with total ease and professionalism, keeping everything flowing smoothly and making the whole evening feel relaxed and well‑looked‑after.
Star Dishes: Steak Pie, Whale‑Sized Fish & Chips and More
The menu leans into British comfort food; nothing fussy, nothing over‑promised, just proper pub classics done with real care. It’s hearty and familiar. Portions are generous without being over the top, the kind of plates that arrive steaming and satisfying. You will not leave here hungry, and honestly, that’s half the joy of it.
The steak pie has to be the star of the night although the fish and chips was a very close second, and honestly, every dish that hit the table held its own. But that pie… that’s the one you remember.
This is a proper steak pie. No little ceramic dish with a puff‑pastry hat pretending to be something it’s not. This is the real deal: pastry top and bottom, golden, sturdy, and wrapped around a filling that’s packed to the brim. Inside, the beef is succulent and tender, sitting in a rich, glossy gravy that clings to every forkful. It’s comforting, generous, and exactly what a pub pie should be, the kind that makes you pause mid‑conversation just to appreciate it. Served with a large dollop of smooth creamy mash and veg, this dish leaves you very happy indeed. A wee side of crispy crunchy onion rings also never goes amiss!
Around the Table: Classics, Crowd‑Pleasers and Burns Night Favourites
Other dishes landed across the table - the Bacon Chop with egg and chips is about as British as it gets, simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The classic hamburger arrived thick and unapologetic, oozing melted cheese the moment it hit the table.
The Haggis, Neeps and Tatties is something the Queens Arms does exceptionally well, and it’s a dish I recommend time and time again, especially at this time of year when everyone’s feeling a bit patriotic and craving something comforting. It’s a fitting tribute to Scotland’s Bard, Rabbie Burns, and one they execute with real pride.
And then there’s the fish and chips, which is less “fish” and more “whale”. A massive, golden, crisp‑battered fillet that breaks into soft, steaming flakes. It’s outstanding! The Queens Arms served plates that made the whole table fall quiet.
In fact, there was a resounding “mmmmm” from every corner of the table as we tucked in. Conversation faded, replaced by that collective, contented silence that only truly good food can create. We all slipped into our own little devouring‑our‑food bubble, and it was glorious.
Drinks were cold, well‑poured, and kept coming at just the right pace. Food came out in good time, piping hot, fresh, and ready to be demolished.
By the end of the night, we were full, happy, and quietly impressed by just how well the Queens Arms delivers on every front. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Edinburgh does pubs better than anywhere else: hearty food cooked with care, staff who make you feel genuinely looked after, and an atmosphere that wraps around you like a big woolly jumper on a dreich January evening. Birthday month or not, 50% off or full price, I’d go back in a heartbeat. The Queens Arms isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s just doing everything properly, generously, and with real heart. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE QUEENS ARMS
They are not disabled accessible as they are below street level with stairs
They do offer facilities for families (changing tables, high chairs). Please note children cannot be on the premises after 9pm.
They are not dog friendly
They cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free
The Queens Arms, 49 Frederick Street, Edinburgh www.queensarmsedinburgh.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I paid for this meal. 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
