Raise A Glass: The Edinburgh Castle

A stronghold of Northern publican culture, now a leading name amongst the eateries on Manchester’s fine dining scene, The Edinburgh Castle continues to do what it’s done so well for literally hundreds of years - serve the city’s people and its many regular visitors with an exemplary menu of food and beverages. 

A lovingly restored centuries-old watering hole, built towards the end of the Georgian era, the pub has stood almost unchanged from the outside since its first opening back in 1811. Clad in Manchester Red Brick, blending harmoniously with its former industrial neighbours, the impressively staunch building oozes history with old wives tales and fables seemingly built into the fabric of its foundations.

Whilst staying true to its origins, with hints of the two-hundred-year-old pub still on show, the new tenants of The Edinburgh Castle - also the proprietors of the Northern Quarter’s Japanese inspired restaurant and bar, Cottonopolis -  have tastefully brought the facade of the three-storey building into the 21st century. Beautiful flower arrangements now adorn some of the twenty-plus black-framed windows that allow light to flood in through the day. The venue’s huge ornate door, also in black, is illuminated by a victorian-era hanging lamp and the once old and worn signage above now stands proud again on the building's edge, in matching black and gold. And it doesn’t end there…

The same careful consideration and attention to detail have been given to the inner recesses of the recently reinstated public house and dining room. The deep, rich and traditional wooden bar, topped with marble and framed by antiquated drinks cabinets, transports you back to a much simpler time in Manchester’s industrial past. Enhanced further by the monochromatic colour scheme, the stunning interior features and the perfectly balanced ambient lighting, The Edinburgh Castle presents all of its guests with a warm, embracing and elegant place to meet, eat and drink with friends and family.

Onto the culinary delights and refreshments and we’re pleased to inform you that no expense or effort has been spared. Even more precision, if anything, has gone into creating and supplying a menu of imaginative dishes and beverages of such high quality (including our own freshly brewed lagers) as to ensure the venue sets itself apart from its competitors. And the proof is in the pudding. 

Last year, the venue was awarded the title of ‘Pub or Craft ale bar of the Year’ at The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards (MFDF), whilst its food selection has been celebrated and acclaimed by the likes of the Manchester Evening News, creativetourist.com and dishcult.com. 

All things considered, The Edinburgh Castle, for those who’ve never stepped foot inside its doors, should feature quite highly on your list of places to visit in 2022. It’s absolutely fitting of the term ‘exceptional’, in every way imaginable - from its outstanding setting to its flavourful offering of plates (we highly recommend the delicious Sunday roast) and its glasses full of first-rate ales, cocktails, wines and of course Manchester Union Lager!

Find more information about The Edinburgh Castle on their website - https://www.ec-ancoats.com/