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The Cafe Royal Bar
The Cafe Royal Bar

One of Edinburgh's most attractive pubs is also one of its most difficult to find. The Cafe Royal Bar occupies one side of the superb building that also houses the Cafe Royal Buffet.

Cafe Royal Bar on Left, Bistro on Right
Cafe Royal Bar on Left, Buffet on Right
That Superb Doorway
That Superb Doorway
Sign and Lobster
Sign and Lobster

The best way to find it is via the pedestrian crossing across Princes Street in front of the Balmoral Hotel near Waverley Station. Cut up the side of the Burger King and past the Guildford Arms and you find yourself outside the Cafe Royal Bar.

Second View of the Bar
Second View of the Bar
The Bar
The Bar
View from the Rear of the Bar
View from the Rear of the Bar

Internally the spectacular ceiling and large island bar are attractive in themselves. But an especially beautiful feature are six pictures on the wall of the bar. These were painted by John Eyre and manufactured as tiles by Doultons. All show inventors, each at the moment of their discovery.

The pictures were first shown at an exhibition held on the Meadows in Edinburgh in 1886 and purchased as tiles by the licensee of the day. They have graced the wall of the Cafe Royal Bar ever since. The four in the picture below depict William Caxton, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Peel and Michael Faraday.

Information Address: 17 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Telephone: 0131 556 4124
Opening hours, normal: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Opening hours, Thursday: 11.00 to 12.00 midnight
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 11.00pm
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 80/-; 2 Guest beers
Whisky choice: A range of malt whiskies always on offer
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Teas, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: Seafood and game a speciality; Traditional pub food
Food service times: From opening time until 10.0pm daily
Music: Background music
Policy on children's access: Children welcome in the restaurant
Disabled access: Access is OK, but all toilets are downstairs
Clientele: A broad mix
Outdoor seating: No
Other attractions: The separate restaurant and great food!!
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
If there is anything above that needs updating, please let us know.
Four of John Ayre's Six Tile Pictures in the Cafe Royal Bar
Four of John Ayre's Six Tile Pictures in the Cafe Royal Bar
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