The Antiquary

I’m so glad I heeded the reviews and made the long walk from my hotel to stop here. A cozy place with a welcoming atmosphere and staff. I went for the pub quiz and ended up eating dinner, too. They had a lot of unique choices, but I played it tame and chose the Cajun chicken sandwich. It was fresh, tasty and well-​seasoned. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, too. The pub quiz was great! Not too easy and not too difficult — just challenging enough to keep one engaged, but not get defeated. Nice host and crowd. Would drag a group of friends here each week to compete if I lived locally.

When a pub reminds me of an old favourite spot, then it’s safe to say we’re going to be friends. The Antiquary sure felt like home from the onset.
As newbie musicians to the Stockbridge area, we were here for a folk jam, with a slight problem: we don’t play folk. We had thought it was an open mic. Turns out, it’s just friendly folks playing music in the corner and anyone can join in/​take their turn. Or you can have a drink and just savour the sounds. If you’re somebody who wants to dip their toe into the live music scene, this would be ideal because whilst there’s an appreciation for the music, it’s very relaxed with light chatter going on in the background. The musicians who lead the night are really very talented; a pleasure to the ears. What was really lovely was that we came in with our guitar, sat at the bar and thought that it might be best to sit the night out and listen, but the kind lady behind the bar told us that we shouldn’t be shy and that it was an open forum. She even sang a song later in the evening, which was sweet.
The friendliness continued when we took up seats closer to the jam. Before we knew it we played some original songs and our tunes were brought to life in ways we’d only dreamed of. — There’s only two of us, and we long for a bigger sound! The musicians couldn’t have been friendlier and really set the tone of the pub. Bar staff, musicians and drinkers alike were appreciative that we’d come along to join in and we’re already looking forward to next time.
I’d really been missing my previous local and their live music, roaring fire and undeniable friendliness. — The Antiquary seems to have filled that void.

This spot is gorgeous.
From the décor, to the atmosphere, to the bartender, to the cask ales, to the location.
Gorgeous.

When the after-​work rush makes most of my other favorite Stockbridge pubs crowded to the point of annoyance, the Antiquary is usually a safe bet for a seat and an audible conversation. This basement bar is cozy and comfortable, and it’s a reliable source of quality pub food.

The chefs from the Purslane (which is an excellent little nearby restaurant on St Stephen’s St) have recently taken over the kitchen at The Anitquary. And it shows. Simple dishes, like roasts and casseroles, are served to a very high standard, making this a really good pub grub place. Sunday is an ideal time for a visit for a good quality roast.
Overall, we said: «I was very pleased with The Antiquary. The food was a cut above the regular pub grub fare and the setting very cosy. I could see myself regularly spending Sunday afternoons here, topping up my roast meat levels, playing a little spot of Monopoly and supping an ale or two, from their impressive selection.»

I only discovered this pub a couple of days ago, after going to St Stephen’s to see a show. It’s a little basement pub tucked away on a street just off Stockbridge.
I like it because it’s got a wee outside area with parasols, has Lia Fail and Addlestone’s Cider on tap and just seems to have quite a lot of attitude. There’s also this hilarious barrel behind the bar with a huge sign on it that reads «ABSINTHE! 3.75 a shot. Only two shots per person per night.» Which makes me laugh, though I might be the only one who gets a kick out of that.
A pint of ale will cost you around 3 pounds and same goes for the cider, so it’s not too pricey, though I’ve definitely been to cheaper places. I was pretty happy to discover this pub and I might even go so far as to say it’s a bit of a gem.

There comes a time when all pubs start to look like each other, and for this reason the interior of the Antiquary doesn”t differ too much from the norm; it’s dungeony, (but at least it’s got the excuse of being in the basement floor!) is decked out in dark polished wood and has quite friendly staff. Take into account that the general Edinburgh pub standard is pretty high, and you’ve got a pretty good quality place.
Location wise, it’s a little bit off the beaten track, particularly for tourists, as it’s in Stockbridge, so I won’t be making it back there anytime soon! However, they do some good food, particularly breakfast if you’d rather eat than drink, and have some open mic nights, with folk music being the general theme.

A wonderful and traditional pub where I’ve always felt welcome, no matter what time of day I pop in. Very reasonably priced drinks and pub fare, and cozy atmosphere all around.

The Antiquary pub is such a lovely place to spend time. if you’re looking for a fancy wine bar then this is definitely not the place, but if you like cosy old fashioned pubs with roaring fires then this is definitely for you.
The pub has very friendly bar staff and a good selection of drinks which are slightly cheaper than other more flash pubs in the area. There’s a very warm atmosphere about this place, where you can quite easily sit and chat with the locals.
One night of the week there is a fantastic pub quiz with an eccentric quiz master who could keep you entertained for hours. I’ve never eaten in the Antiquary but old flat mates have assured me that their Sunday Roast is fantastic and great for getting rid of your hangover!

The antiquary is not the only cosy, traditional pub in the area, but it’s the friendliest and also the cheapest. Equipped with a year round roaring fire, the basement bars prices are also the best in the locality. The oub quiz and folk music nights are deservedly popular and the £6 sunday roast is the highlight of my week.