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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Queen's Arms
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
cozylibrary-likelocal-crowd
About the Vibe
Tucked down a flight of stairs on Frederick Street, The Queens Arms is Edinburgh’s most charming basement pub—think library-meets-pub with wingback chairs, bookshelves lining the walls, and that cozy, hidden-away feeling you only get in old-school Edinburgh. It’s a local favorite that pulls in families, sports fans, and whisky lovers alike, with a menu built around Scottish produce and a Sunday roast that sells out almost daily. Book ahead, though—this place is popular for a reason, and you’ll want to secure a table before the buzz kicks in.
Known For
- •Sunday roast
- •Cold Town Beer
- •Scottish pub classics
- •library-style decor
Best For
casual dinnerssports watchingSunday lunch
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
A Cozy Basement Pub with Library Vibes
The Queens Arms is a proper Edinburgh institution—a basement pub that feels like stepping into someone’s well-stocked library, complete with wingback chairs and shelves of books lining the walls. The atmosphere is consistently lively without being chaotic, and you’ll find a mix of locals, families, and sports fans packing the place, especially on Sundays when the roast is on. The food leans into Scottish comfort—think haggis, neeps and tatties, burgers, and fish and chips—though popular items often sell out, so come hungry and be ready to adapt. Drinks are solid too: Cold Town Beer on tap, a cracking selection of cask ales, and a whisky list that’s proud to represent Scotland’s best.