Doctors is a Belhaven pub on Forrest Road that nails the classic Edinburgh Old Town pub experience — wood-panelled cosiness, a solid whisky selection, and hearty Scottish pub grub that actually delivers. With a 4.5 Google rating from over 3,000 reviews and a #45 Tripadvisor ranking out of 2,400+ Edinburgh restaurants, it's clearly doing something right. Go for the fish and chips or steak and ale pie, stay for the atmosphere.
Over 3,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating — this Forrest Road pub nails hearty Scottish classics like fish and chips and steak pie in a warm, buzzing Old Town setting.
Come before 6pm on weekdays or early afternoon on weekends to grab a table — it fills up fast, especially during festival season.
A proper Edinburgh pub that earns its reputation
Doctors sits on Forrest Road in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, and it's the kind of pub that makes you feel like you've walked into a proper Scottish drinking establishment. Wood panels, warm lighting, and a buzz that's loud enough to feel alive but not so loud you can't hear your mate. The staff are genuinely friendly — not the performative kind — and service is quick, which reviewers consistently highlight.
Food-wise, you're getting solid pub classics done well. The fish and chips get mentioned again and again, and the steak and ale pie is a reliable choice if you want something hearty. The karaage chicken is a surprising standout that several reviewers rave about. It's not fine dining, and it doesn't pretend to be — it's generous portions at fair prices, served fast.
The beer selection leans Belhaven, which means you'll find Tennent's, Belhaven Best, and a few others on tap. The whisky shelf is decent too. It gets busy, especially in the evenings and during festival season, so if you want a table, come early or be prepared to stand. This is a pub that knows what it is and doesn't overreach — and that's exactly why people keep coming back.
Doctors, c'est l'adresse incontournable de Forrest Road, en plein cœur du Old Town d'Édimbourg. Un pub écossais comme on les aime : boiseries chaleureuses, ambiance vivante sans être assourdissante, et un personnel vraiment accueillant. Le service est rapide, ce que les clients soulignent régulièrement. On s'y sent tout de suite à l'aise.
Côté assiette, c'est du pub food classique mais bien exécuté. Le fish and chips revient sans cesse dans les avis, tout comme le steak and ale pie — généreux et réconfortant. Le karaage chicken surprend agréablement et fait l'unanimité parmi ceux qui l'ont testé. Les portions sont copieuses et les prix restent raisonnables. Ne vous attendez pas à de la gastronomie fine : c'est honnête, savoureux, et ça arrive vite.
Côté bar, on trouve les classiques Belhaven à la pression et une belle sélection de whiskies. L'endroit se remplit vite, surtout le soir et pendant le festival. Si vous voulez une table, arrivez tôt. Doctors ne fait pas de chichis — c'est un pub qui assume ce qu'il est, et c'est exactement pour ça qu'on y revient.