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 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle if you don't know was the creator of the Sherlock Holmes. The Conan Doyle pub is situated at the end of York Place opposite Picardy Place and is so called as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born quite close by. (There is a statue of him opposite in Picardy Place, Click here to see it.)
It is a very comfortable pub with an open fire and nice seating. The bar prices are reasonable and they have promotions on certain drinks during certain times such as cheap Carling lager or Velvet. They also offer 4 pint pitchers which can work out a bit cheaper.
The Sunday night quiz night is very popular and usually attracts 20+ teams so you have to be there quite a bit before the 9pm start if you want to get a table and some seats. The standard is very high and even though the prize is only a crate of Tennants lager (24 tins) it is very hard to win. But it's free to take part and all good fun.
The selection of drinks is fairly limited and they do not allow football colours to be worn. There are pub meals on offer, large Sky TV screens for football and the service is good and with a smile. Verdict: Warm, cosy pub with a good atmosphere that attracts a mixed crowd mostly older, both tourists and locals.
YOUR COMMENTS ON CONAN DOYLE, THE
Submitted by Chris B on Monday, November 09, 2009:
My wife and I visited The Conan Doyle last month and found the bar staff very friendly indeed. Must be a new bar maid! My only complaint was that it was so obviously part of a chain and felt a little soul-less. Apart from that we enjoyed ourselves and had a nice time. There was a smashing offer on doubles on at the time.
Submitted by alison on Tuesday, June 30, 2009:
After frequent visits ( more than they deserve) to this pub I now feel the need to write about the terrible service in this establishment. Although the food ordered was of decent quality and value, this was overshadowed by dirty tables, unclean surroundings ( some sort of moulding fruit on the radiator!) and terrible service from both the waitress and bar staff. A little manners go a long way. Unfortuantely it appears everytime I´ve been in here, regardless of who is working, the bar staff are very rude.. including what I assume was the manager.. leading by example I see!
Submitted by G Tollan on Sunday, October 19, 2008:
Was at the pub Saturday night and had a great time, pity the older female behind the bar didn´t know how to smile. First time there and would go back next time I´m in Edinburgh.
Submitted by Serious Sam on Monday, April 21, 2008:
Be watchful when they´re pouring double shots. They have a tendency to ´forget´ the second shot.
Submitted by guys from down south on Wednesday, March 05, 2008:
We´ve just been up to Edinburgh for the weekend and spent three nights in this pub, the guy at our hotel reccomended it for some food.
We had a good laugh every night, and whilst we went round half of Edinburgh this place was ace!! We´ll be back later in the year for another weekend
Submitted by Go baby Go !!!! on Friday, February 22, 2008:
Wow, some balistic comments from Dopey Dave - I´ve been going there a while now and I really want to meet this *!** manager; sure you´re not confusing him with someone else? The guy who I always see in there seems really great. Got to admit it can be a bit busy times, but that isn´t the sign of bad pub. Saying that all the staff seem really freindly, and the asst manager is a right honey too.
Submitted by Dopey Dave on Thursday, October 25, 2007:
Having been a regular at the Conan for a good few years I have to agree that the bar maybe does not quite live up to the standards of a few years ago. One reason for that is the new manager (not so new anymore he´s been there for over 2years now)is a lazy sod who seems to disappear whenever it gets busy and leaves his staff in the s%*%e. That being said I still regard the pub as a good place to drink. The bar staff are a friendly bunch and give a good standard of service. Regarding all the bad comments about he staff all i can say is that we all have bad days at work and they are no exception. the atmosphere is good and the food very good (for a pub). The pub might not suit everybody´s taste, but what does? I would recommend it..
Submitted by Tina and Carol on Tuesday, September 04, 2007:
God what has happened to this pub, we were here on holiday 3 years ago and spent most nights here and a few afternoons. The only good thing we have to say about it was the excellent service we got from the waitress, too nice for this pub. Both nights we were in we were met with sour faced women behind the bar, is it too much to expect a smile at the least. At least we found another pub that made us feel welcome and enjoyed our stay in Edinburgh.
Submitted by In the know on Saturday, August 11, 2007:
apparently any women who are in here wearing red tops and a silver ring on the left index finger are up for playing "hide the salami". simply saunter up and say "you are a salami girl" and the results should be exciting.....
Submitted by Colin on Thursday, August 09, 2007:
Got to say - I´m quite surprised by the negative comments seen here. Just happened upon this website and thought I´d take a look at what it said about some of my favorite pubs - who are these dour people that find the Conan Doyle so offensive?
I´ve being going there pretty regular on / off for about a year and a half - it´s always busy, good mix of locals, office/shop workers and tourits. The prices are good, foods good (only problem is it´s so popular you might have a wait for table), friendly atmosphere. I don´t know who the ´regular for five years´ was, but the same manger he calls new has been there over a year and he´s always spot on. The only time I´ve ever seen anyone agrue with him is when he won´t let some drunk or bigot in - that´s that´s the way it should be.
This is an ace pub - don´t belive the bad reviews - give it a go!!!
Submitted by El Bleezer on Tuesday, August 07, 2007:
Visited the Conan Doyle the other evening, enjoyed a fine tipple. Thoroughly enjoyed the company of the young man who was serving and drinks were delicious. Would recommend this pub to anyone.
Submitted by Chris on Wednesday, July 25, 2007:
A year later after my previous comment I have to agree with Jon´s post. Standards are slipping, the food isn´t as good value these days and yes the place really does smell of chip fat most of the time, so like Jon and his friends I´m now sadly obliged to look for somewhere else also.
Submitted by Jon on Sunday, June 03, 2007:
this used to be an ace pub, sadly the new ´manager´is one of the worst I have ever witnessed behind a bar. If hes not winging about how sore his back is hes hiding in his office with a cold. bring back the other guy who was here before, he would at least be found behind the bar chatting with his customers. A good few of my friends have voted with their feet now and drink elsewhere, I was a regular for about 5 years, until the owners take a look at this place its out of bounds.
Submitted by Leigh on Tuesday, May 01, 2007:
I am amazed at the bad comments this pub has had. I have been to this pub twice and each time the staff have been brilliant and the food was really good. It is a really busy pub so the staff are run off their feet. As for thiefs in pubs that can happen anywhere you can not hold the pub or its staff responsible for this. Just remember everybody can have a bad day.
Submitted by Alison on Sunday, February 18, 2007:
Have to agree, the staff are downright miserable, really, if you don´t like working with the public you could be in the wrong line of work eh?
Submitted by Ingrid on Wednesday, January 24, 2007:
I´m from the Netherlands and every time we come to Edinburgh this is one of the places we want to spend the evening and eat a great meal. Thanks for all the good memories, we hope to enjoy this great pub soon again.
Submitted by Sherlock on Tuesday, August 22, 2006:
This is probably one of the worst bars in Edinburgh. It smells of Chip Fat, and has poor drinks selection. The staff are like robots and the scum who tend to drink here!!! Avoid.
Submitted by john on Friday, August 18, 2006:
this pub is great
Submitted by Mark on Saturday, July 29, 2006:
Cheap drinks,good food and plenty of tellys to watch the football - what else can you ask for ? Staff are efficient but a few smiles wouldn´t go wrong. Special mention to the dark haired girl who serves the food - she walks miles so give her a tip!
Submitted by Chris on Thursday, July 13, 2006:
I don´t usually do this but I´m amazed at some of the negative comments made about this pub. It´s a small usually busy pub that offers excellent value both for drinks and good meals. The staff simply just don´t have time to chat with everyone who comes in, if you want conversation, bring a friend. If you need someone else to look after your handbag, try a hotel lounge bar where staff have nothing else to do but watch out for your stuff and not a busy pub where they are run off their feet serving customers. The fact that the place is usually busy should speak for itself and no I´m not connected to the place, just a regular appreciative visitor trying to set the record straight.
Submitted by EM on Thursday, July 13, 2006:
Lovely looking pub, unhelpful and mostly rude staff spoil the place.
Submitted by Shigte on Thursday, March 02, 2006:
pile of shite
Submitted by Tom on Wednesday, October 05, 2005:
I know that Broughton street and the surrounding area are famous gay pub areas. Is the Conan Doyle a gay pub?
Submitted by Help on Sunday, August 21, 2005:
HEy i have a question for whom was Conan doyle named for??
Submitted by Jude on Saturday, August 20, 2005:
Traveled to the Festivals a couple of weeks ago( from the American South), found the Conan Doyle, a good place.. service was very good and prompt, waitress was polite , food was good, a pleasant memory of Edinburgh. We would definitely return to the Conan Doyle and hope to some day. PS We need Tennant´s Velvet in Dixie!
Submitted by sarah jones on Thursday, July 14, 2005:
my collegues and i have had lunch in the conan doyle afew times food always brillant first class but let down with bar staff who cant be bothered! we will still visit hopefully they will get better!
Submitted by a very satisfied customer on Thursday, July 14, 2005:
i go to the conan doyle at least three times a month for a pub lunch or dinner and i find the food well above average for a pub their fish and chips are amazing keep it coming! their steaks are fantastic too well worth the money. the bar staff are always very polite and welcoming. ill be there please dont change!
Submitted by Mo on Friday, July 01, 2005:
Agree a pub to avoid, friend had her bad stolen on Saturday and the staff , who had not been too attentive beforehand, were absolutely no help at all - found out the thief was in the pub watching us so be warned.
Submitted by oddysseus on Friday, July 01, 2005:
Still boyocott because of its discriminatory policy on football colours, much better pubs nearby anyway
Submitted by Kristi on Friday, June 24, 2005:
I had the time of my life at the Conan Doyle! As an American woman traveling alone, imagine my surprise when I was "kidnapped" by a bunch of nuns whilst I was dining on my haggis, taddies and ´neeps. Turns out, the Sing-Along Sound of Music was in town and these "nuns" were partying it up at the Conan Doyle before showtime and hijacked an American Catholic girl that just happened to be at the Conan Doyle herself!! What a great time! I go to the Conan Doyle every time I´m in Edinburgh and can´t wait to go again. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Submitted by where is my vespa on Thursday, May 19, 2005:
I recently visited the conan doyle and found it to be very pleasant the beer was perfect the food exellent (for a pub). i would definatly recommend the conan doyle to anyone.
Submitted by Derek Meechan on Thursday, April 28, 2005:
I am totally and utterly gobsmacked by some of the comments listed here on this web site. I have been the Manager at the Conan Doyle for 8.5years now and I know that all is not always perfect at times, but we always strive to do our best with limited resourses.
The barmaid in question that so many have commented on is not what you make her out to be. The pub it´self is currently well up financialy year on year so we must be doing something right,(we were going through a bad time last year but now ok).I would like to ask all who have had a bad or good experience to come back to the doyle and see how much we have come forward to what used to be(we get mystery customers and we have had 2x 100%) so all is not bad.I wish all regular and passing trade to this establishment all the best and I hope you can forget past experiences and come back and sample all we have to offer....!By the way , the food is still first class for a pub....
Submitted by Russell Hobbs on Thursday, November 11, 2004:
I found the bar staff to be most welcoming, the food excellent and the drinks fairly priced. Well done and keep up the good work. I suspect those whingers are all jambos.
Submitted by Derek on Wednesday, November 03, 2004:
God what happened to the Conan Doyle i used to know early 80´s. They sound like the pubs heading for disaster with keeping such sad barstaff. This pub used to be my local many moons ago and it was always packed staff were run off their feet but still raised a smile and always a smile. I remember a cocktail that they brought out once that would put a smile on any barmaids face ....it was called a " Screaming Yellow Zonker " amazing
Submitted by Cristiano Settesoldi on Friday, September 17, 2004:
Nice pub with fine food and tastful beers..... try it!
Nice atmosphere near Sir Conan Doyle´s birth place...... (Italy)
Submitted by Murray Lowndes on Wednesday, April 28, 2004:
Fair Pub, Fair food, Fair Price, Fair service.......You get what you pay for...stop bitchin !!!!!
Submitted by nicky and maggie on Monday, March 15, 2004:
well, we had a great experience with the bar staff at the conan doyle. was in edinburgh, stopped in and the lady behind the bar was obviously smitten by my girlfriend. by the time we left we thought it was a swingers club. excellent bar!
Submitted by Mal on Wednesday, March 10, 2004:
Staff and locals resemble "The Slaughtered Lamb" in the film "An American Werewolf in London"
Absolutley shocking!
A visit to the STD Clinic would be more fun..........so I´ve heard!
Submitted by Wxperienced edinburgh drinker on Saturday, January 31, 2004:
The barstaff have a habit of blasting the pub with freezing cold air through the air conditioning as a way of telling you to get out, it´s closing time. Very unfriendly. Stay away!
Submitted by baws on Wednesday, January 21, 2004:
aye man you´re all fannies!!!!
Submitted by Liz Wood on Monday, December 01, 2003:
I´d been to the Conan Doyle for sunday lunch a few times and found the staff to be friendly and the food adequate for the price, but last sunday we had a completely different experience: surly and unpleasant barmaid, incompetent waiter, food that tasted like it had been eaten once already, and a vile smelling, hideous tasting liquid that resembled coffee only in as much as it was brown. When another table politely pointed out to one of the bar staff that he´d brought them the wrong meals, he growled at them like some sort of demented warthog, so I can only imagine we were´t the only customers there that day who won´t be making a return visit.
Submitted by Darren on Wednesday, September 17, 2003:
We won the quiz last Sunday, still going on , still same crap prize of case of Tennents. Can´t say I noticed the grumpy barmaid, must´ve been her night off.
Submitted by Odysseus on Tuesday, September 16, 2003:
was in there recently aftera longh absence - remeber bar staff beinjg friendly recently
can be a bit smoky
quiz prizes very ungenerous giving number of attendees
poor show banning football colours
Submitted by Emma Howie on Wednesday, September 10, 2003:
I agree about the bar staff. Come on try and be at least a little bit friendlier with your customers. The pub food is really good ruined by the attitude of the staff.
Submitted by Hailey on Wednesday, September 10, 2003:
Still stinks of old chip fat.
Submitted by Gordon King on Tuesday, September 09, 2003:
Good food. Shame about the staff.
Submitted by Jane McGregor on Monday, September 08, 2003:
Meeting my friends for a quiet bite to eat and a drink on Saturday (6 Sept 2003), we had the task of choosing where to go. Having been to the Conan Doyle before, we thought, what better choice could there be. How wrong we were! We were greeted, at the bar by a unfriendly barmaid, who had obviously got out of the wrong side of the bed that morning. What happened to the jovial bar person, you can laugh and have a joke with? She certainly doesn´t work at the Conan Doyle, that´s for sure!
Thankfully the food was up to the usual standard, but I steered well away from the bar and would certainly think twice about returning or recommending the place to any more of my friends.
Submitted by Aileen Runciman on Monday, September 08, 2003:
I have always liked the Conan Doyle Pub. I went along with a friend of mine that I hadn´t seen for a while. We were both in a jovial mood that was until we came upon this pub. We went to the bar and were greeted by a very stony faced unemotional barmaid who looked right through us. What happened to the friendly bar staff that used to work here? rename the Pub Jekyll and Hyde 2 to go with the way the bar staff treat their customers
Submitted by Marjory Kendall on Sunday, September 07, 2003:
Dingy. Bar Staff unhelpful.
Submitted by Anthony Stewart on Sunday, September 07, 2003:
On first impressions I thought this was a quaint friendly pub. How wrong can you be I found the bar staff to be very impolite which altogether ruined my Saturday afternoon visit. One of the barmaids in particular had no sense of humour whatsoever and I found her to be most unpleasant. Customer care was not on the menu here. I will not be back to this establishment on my next visit to Edinburgh and will ensure none of my friends go here either. Avoid this pub like the plague.
Submitted by Laura on Tuesday, July 08, 2003:
often stinks of old chip fat.
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