I was captivated the moment I walked out of the underground station and onto the streets of the great city of Edinburgh (as I was corrected, many-a-time, you are to pronounce Edinburgh like this: edd-in-bra). My first sight of the town was the infamous Sir Walter Scott monument - I loved this town. I loved every bit of it (minus being robbed - that story will be coming out later this summer if your interest is peaked). It was my medieval home-away-from-home, and I can’t wait to visit again. Every building of the city center matches the gorgeously gloomy castle - in some way, shape or form. Dark, haunted and illustriously full of history, every inch of Edinburgh screams of the dark ages.
I was strolling down some of the back streets, partaking in my favorite travel past-time, when I stumbled upon the Cafe Royal, with its classic physique and stained glass windows. It boasted the best oysters in town and was an obvious favorite local watering hole, which drew me in immediately.
History in a nutshell
The first Café Royal in Edinburgh was founded by Mr John Ambrose and opened in 1826 at 1 Register Place, across the road from the present building. It previously was a tavern, serving coffee and wine, as well as beer and spirits and equipped with ample dining rooms which specialized in oysters. In 1861 all the properties in the area were sold to Robert Hume, a plumber, who then proceeded to demolish all the old, original buildings.
Work started on the present building in 1861. It was originally built to be a showroom for the latest in gas and sanitary fittings, but it is doubtful that it ever accommodated any baths or sinks!
On 8th July 1863 the Café Royal moved to its new location in this stylish Parisian building, which was designed by local architect Robert Paterson.
A glorious example of Victorian and Baroque, little has changed since then. Entering the Café Royal is like taking a step back in time. Elegant stained glass and fine late Victorian plasterwork dominate the building. Irreplaceable Doulton ceramic murals, painted by John Eyre, adorn the walls in both the restaurant and bar. These were purchased by an early licensee J. McIntyre Henry from the 1886 International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, which was held on Edinburgh's meadows.
Since opening, the Café Royal has passed through the hands of many owners, although none have threatened the uniquely Victorian atmosphere. None, that is with the exception of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, who took over in 1965 and agreed, four years later, to sell the building to Woolworths, wishing to extend their Princes Street store. Fortunately the city Planning Officer disagreed, and aided by a petition of 8700 signatures, he ensured that planning permission was denied. On 27th February 1970 the whole building and its interior were listed, thus preserving it for future generations.
(cited from the History of the Cafe Royal http://www.caferoyal.org.uk/history.htm, 2012)
My thoughts
The bar and restaurant are kept relatively separate, so fine dining and night boozing are both possible within the same room. The bar is a simplistic 360-degree bar, anchored in the middle of all the action, with chairs available all the way around, and a second set of tables circling that.
I spent a good half hour touring the pub and interviewing the bar manager - she explained that ever since the pub was opened in 1826, each owner (thankfully) kept true to the roots and the history of the original Cafe Royal. She claimed very little had changed in the past 180+ years in the pub, so make it a point to visit the Cafe Royal - I recommend it!
Fun fact
There’s still an even 50/50 local vs tourist clientele, which is exciting for travelers (not tourists).
More information
Best time to visit - Anytime!
Prices - appetizers £4-5, entrees £7-15
Hours - BAR: Mon-Sat 11a-10p & Sun 12:30p-10p. RESTAURANT: Mon-Sat 12p-2:30p/5-9:30p & Sun 12:30p-2:30p/5-9:30p
More travel information - http://www.caferoyal.org.uk/contactus.htm
Address - 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
Website - http://www.caferoyal.org.uk
My recommendation - Grab a recommended whisky at the bar then take a table and try their famous oysters.
History in a nutshell
The first Café Royal in Edinburgh was founded by Mr John Ambrose and opened in 1826 at 1 Register Place, across the road from the present building. It previously was a tavern, serving coffee and wine, as well as beer and spirits and equipped with ample dining rooms which specialized in oysters. In 1861 all the properties in the area were sold to Robert Hume, a plumber, who then proceeded to demolish all the old, original buildings.
Work started on the present building in 1861. It was originally built to be a showroom for the latest in gas and sanitary fittings, but it is doubtful that it ever accommodated any baths or sinks!
On 8th July 1863 the Café Royal moved to its new location in this stylish Parisian building, which was designed by local architect Robert Paterson.
A glorious example of Victorian and Baroque, little has changed since then. Entering the Café Royal is like taking a step back in time. Elegant stained glass and fine late Victorian plasterwork dominate the building. Irreplaceable Doulton ceramic murals, painted by John Eyre, adorn the walls in both the restaurant and bar. These were purchased by an early licensee J. McIntyre Henry from the 1886 International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, which was held on Edinburgh's meadows.
Since opening, the Café Royal has passed through the hands of many owners, although none have threatened the uniquely Victorian atmosphere. None, that is with the exception of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, who took over in 1965 and agreed, four years later, to sell the building to Woolworths, wishing to extend their Princes Street store. Fortunately the city Planning Officer disagreed, and aided by a petition of 8700 signatures, he ensured that planning permission was denied. On 27th February 1970 the whole building and its interior were listed, thus preserving it for future generations.
(cited from the History of the Cafe Royal http://www.caferoyal.org.uk/history.htm, 2012)
My thoughts
The bar and restaurant are kept relatively separate, so fine dining and night boozing are both possible within the same room. The bar is a simplistic 360-degree bar, anchored in the middle of all the action, with chairs available all the way around, and a second set of tables circling that.
I spent a good half hour touring the pub and interviewing the bar manager - she explained that ever since the pub was opened in 1826, each owner (thankfully) kept true to the roots and the history of the original Cafe Royal. She claimed very little had changed in the past 180+ years in the pub, so make it a point to visit the Cafe Royal - I recommend it!
Fun fact
There’s still an even 50/50 local vs tourist clientele, which is exciting for travelers (not tourists).
More information
Best time to visit - Anytime!
Prices - appetizers £4-5, entrees £7-15
Hours - BAR: Mon-Sat 11a-10p & Sun 12:30p-10p. RESTAURANT: Mon-Sat 12p-2:30p/5-9:30p & Sun 12:30p-2:30p/5-9:30p
More travel information - http://www.caferoyal.org.uk/contactus.htm
Address - 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
Website - http://www.caferoyal.org.uk
My recommendation - Grab a recommended whisky at the bar then take a table and try their famous oysters.
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