The Barony Bar

I’m a consistent bemoaner of the lack of good pub grub options in the city. I had a good recent experience in the St Andrews Brewing Co, but that was still beset by casseroles with lids being called pies. I’d heard good reports of the Barony Bar’s scran so popped in to check it out.

Interior

The Barony’s been a perennial favourite for a beer down the years. I’ve even been witness to some spirited pub theatre on the premises. I’d eaten here a while back and it had been pretty decent, but I’d heard that a change of ownership last year had seen things elevated to a higher level.

It was a sleepy mid-afternoon session and I had the place to myself. Service was friendly and warm throughout, with menus promptly brought and drinks offered.

Skink

From their a la carte selection I started with the Cullen skink then moved on to the beef goulash with homemade spaetzle (German egg noodles).

The fish soup was first up. It looked a little grey but was otherwise a very good rendition of a classic Scottish dish which remains a solid favourite with me.

Goulash and spaetzle

The main course was a notch or two better. Profuse tender pieces of beef were draped in a deeply meaty gravy topped with sour cream. The buttery spaetzle were extremely good, too. It was one of the best dishes of its type that I’ve been served in the city.

So overall, the Barony Bar is doing excellent work. It served me two hearty dishes that really hit the spot. When pub grub is the question, Broughton Street looks to be increasingly the answer both with this place and the nearby Ox. Give it a look next time you’re looking for hearty elegance.

Scores
Blythe scores The Barony Bar
4.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20

I ate: Cullen skink, beef goulash with spaetzle

I drank: IPA

I wore: new strides

Total bill: £21.20

Address: 81-85 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ