Hectors, Edinburgh

really nice cosy, chilled out bar down in stockbridge. though it’s not my neck of the woods, i have no qualms with going a little out of my way for a nice afternoon of food and beer here. the food is great, the staff are usually pretty smiley, and hey, there’s board games too! you can easily wile away a good few hours here. i like it. i like it a lot.

Hectors is a great place but can be extremely busy. Recommend the fruli rasberry beers, but they are so sweet more than one is a challenge. Be warned, they do allow dogs in.

Hectors is a lovely wee bar, with plenty of seating, funky decor and a good drinks menu. It’s a favourite of mine for Sunday lunch (although it seems to be a favourite of half of Edinburgh so get there early to make sure you get a seat). The brunch menu is yummy (I recommend the eggs benedict) but they also do a great roast dinner on a Sunday. Ideal for a chilled out, hungover Sunday lunch readin the papers. At night Hector’s can be packed but has a good atmosphere and good tunes. Parents be warned though - last time we went for Sunday lunch we took my baby nephew, only to discover they don’t allow kids. It’s fair enough given how busy it can get but they don’t advertise it anywhere.

I think I must be getting old. The last time I was in Hector’s it was too crowded, too loud, impossible to get served and the loos too squalid. And I really dislike having walk through a wall of smoke (and smokers) to get in the door.
Given that this was once a favourite haunt and that I have yet to find a replacement, eating and drinking out is either not what it used to be or I am turning into my father. Just call me Victoria Meldrew…

I’ve given the place 3 stars because the wines, beers and food have always been reliably good and it is hardly Hector’s fault that I’ve gotten cranky. Sort out the service & the loos and I could probably be dragged back in.

It’s got a grat range of beers on tap, including some unlikely raspberry brews. The chips are chunky and the tapas is well cooked although a bit stingy. This is more than compensated for by the great atmosphere and the chance to hear one of the regulars firing up the piano.