Edinburgh Pub Guide: The Kenilworth

The Kenilworth

The Kenilworth is one of the finest pubs on Rose Street. The building emerged as a house in Edinburgh's then (very new) New Town in 1789.

Pub Sign Kenilworth and Rose Street

Its conversion to a pub took place in 1904, and the result is nothing short of magnificent. The whole building and the pub are listed, and you can readily see why. Even from the outside the Kenilworth looks rather special, all the way from the knight's helmet at second floor level via the line of brightly coloured hanging baskets, to the tables placed on the pavement of Rose Street for Summer drinking.

The Bar

Interior

Beautiful Interior

The interior is, if anything, even more magnificent than the exterior. The main front room is dominated by an oblong central bar, brightly lit through the windows fronting onto Rose Street. Well... almost dominated by the bar, because the truly stunning ceiling above your head takes some beating. What you see today is largely unchanged from 1904, though there was a sympathetic restoration in the late 1980s.

Behind the main room is a room designated as accessible by children, which is also where most food is served. The name of the Kenilworth comes from the novel by Sir Walter Scott, whose picture adorns the pub sign outside.

Address: 152 Rose Street, EH1 3JD
Telephone: 0131 226 1773
Opening hours, normal: Summer: 10.00am to 12.00 midnight; Winter: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: Summer: 10.00am to 1.00am; Winter: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: Summer: 10.00am to 11.00pm; Winter: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 80/-; 3 guest beers including 1 other from Caledonian Brewery
Whisky choice: A whisky list of at least 22 single malts always available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees and hot chocolate
Food: Classic British fare plus a light lunch menu and cakes all day
Food service times: Summer: 10.00am to 10.00pm every day; Winter: 11.00am to 9.00pm every day
Music: Regular accoustic music on Sundays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Policy on children's access: Children welcome in the non smoking restaurant until 9.00pm
Disabled access: Good, though toilets are not wheelchair accessible
Clientele: A mixed clientele of tourists, business people and locals. Popular with stag and hen parties at weekends
Outdoor seating: During the summer months
Other attractions: Extended opening hours and a varied menu makes this a great place to drop in to for a light meal or snack
Features in: Good Beer Guide 2001; CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
If there is anything above that needs updating, please let us know.