I agree, appalling attitude!
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Sheep Heid Inn
Duddingston, Edinburgh
Star distribution
20 reviews
- Address:
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43-45 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh, Scotland EH15 3QA
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- Opening hours:
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Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm
Fri-Sat 11am-12am
Sun 12.30pm-11pm
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The Village
16 S Fort Street, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 4DN
“We are fortunate enough to have a Lounge, this is great for having private parties, meetings and we have even held the odd Wedding Reception. Our Lounge Bar is also used for Exhibitions - These change every 5wks. If your interested in having an...” more...
19 reviews of Sheep Heid Inn in English
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Ok, where to start...
The building is lovely and the decor is nice... So, that's the positives out of the way...
We booked a late lunch and really wish we had t bothered.
The service was slowwwwwwwwwww....zzzzzzz
The waiters/ waitresses forgot which tables had ordered and which hadn't as they were asking after 30mins of nothing, 'would you like anything else?' . Anything first would be good thanks.
We ordered crab cocktail and garlic and chilli butter prawns. The starters we not too bad, but the prawn dish was swimming in oil (not butter). The mains were absolutely awful. My boyfriend is allergic to bread, so ordered the skinny lamb burger' which arrived very burned and falling apart, dry and sitting on a couple of lettuce leaves, that was it. They charged £10.95 for this. I had the mullet. So tasteless and rubbery that I sent it back.
We sat for ages with dirty plates and menus on the table, and all I wanted to do was leave.
I would suggest going for a drink if you want to see the place but stay well clear of the food!!
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We went for a family meal for my father's 70th birthday at the weekend, we booked at 2pm so after the lunch hour rush. Where do I start, on the positive side the pub is lovely and decorated in the noughties craze of olive/grey woodwork and shabby chic style. They have a skittle alley which is a quirk and provides great entertainment for the kids. On the negatives, sadly there were a lot: there seemed to be a lot of staff but they are in need of some more training as a great number of them seemed to be standing round scratching their arses. The waitress brought drinks (which took an age to arrive) she gave us our drinks and refills but did not take any empties away (also our menus lay on the table all through our meal) we had to clear our own table and put glasses on the empty table next to us (they lay there for some time). The guy who was waiting on us told us that our food would be a while, he did look extremely harassed and I thought he might burst out crying at one point. After an hour or so our starters arrived. They were not too bad, it was the mains that were the real problem. A couple of our party ordered steaks with varied combinations of sauces, and degrees of cooking. The 'well done' steak was tough, like shoe leather. My husband's medium steak was more like rare and without the peppercorn sauce advertised on the menu, and my mother's porterhouse came with a little pot of nothing where the gravy sauce should have been. To me, the biggest offence was that all the dishes were luke warm. The biggest disgrace of the day however was the red mullet; it looked and tasted like it was made of rubber. My sister returned it and it was taken off our bill though she went hungry. We could hear neighbouring tables grumbling about the whole dining experience. In all, I felt that the staff appeared harassed and lacking in basic waiting skills, the kitchen clearly did not have the capacity to service the tables it had open, the menu offered too many dishes (always a warning sign), the chefs could not deliver food to a good standard, and the cost of the dishes did not add up to good value at lunchtime. All in all it was a bit of a mess and we were left with the impression that bums on seats and getting the cash out of the punter is more important than quality service, good food and customer satisfaction. I won't be eating there again and I would not recommend this to anyone as a place to eat.
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HollyyP11...
13 reviews
13 reviews
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My first visit to the Sheeps Heid and it was lovely. We arrived around 6.30-6.45ish, took quite a while to get drinks ordered, then we had to ask for the menu and food was a little slow. They didnt have half the things on the menu either. I had fish and chips which was lovely! The fish was massive! Inside its very homely, warm, good atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and did apologise for not having 50% of the menu. Would go back.
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I was eager to try the Sheep Heid after hearing about it’s recent renovation and i wasn’t disappointed. they’ve managed to keep all its old world charm and brought a modern clean feel to the place. There’s more seating areas which is good as it was pretty busy! I had the steak which was perfectly cooked, couldn’t fault the meal or the price. The staff were very attentive, polite and friendly.
I’ll be back very soon!
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Nice place, but management can be very rude.
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Erdnuss1, 4 February 2012:
troutman
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booked for a family meal for twelve
food was mediocre and when we had eaten our main course
we were asked to leave because we had a child of 14 yrs with us
apparently they have a rule that no one under 18 allowed after 8.30pm so we could not finish our meal with sweet or coffee.
fair enough but at no time were we informed of this.
when the manager was tackled about it he became aggressive.
what a great tourist impression (NOT)
no chance of any of the family returning there at any time !!!!!
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sheepheid, 16 January 2011:The Scottish Licensing Law is incredibly clear on this matter, we are licensed to allow children to remain on the premises until 9pm. Unfortunately this party turned up 40 minutes late for their booking time (of 7pm), putting the timings for food of every other guest (who had turned up on time) in jeopardy. While we did our best to accommodate their demands and numerous smoke breaks, we are unable to break the law. We gave them until 9.15 and their main courses were finished, after which we politely informed them of the licensing laws. Two of their group spent the following 25 minutes arguing intensely with staff and management about the law. Until the manager was left with no other alternative but to ask them to leave the premises.
We never want our customers to leave unhappy, but we cannot break the law for them.
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elizeva, 17 January 2011:At no time whilst making the booking or during our meal were we informed of this rule. You wait wiated until we had eaten before telling us. had we been forewarned of this we would not have booked the table or otherwise remained. One of our party was involved in a car accident en route and you were informed of this. Besides this, the place is dirty, the food was disgusting and overpriced and your staff need a personality transplant. unpleasant and surly. please, dont visit this place. its not worth ogoing off the unbeaten track for.
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sheepheid, 18 January 2011:
Like all licensed premises in Scotland we have an A-4 notice very prominently displayed at our front door clearly outlining the conditions on our license relating to children and young persons with their time of departure marked most clearly. As I and my supervisors tried to explain on the evening for more than twenty minutes, we are not able to be flexible on this, it is a point of Scottish Licensing Law.
As to your other allegations, at no point in the evening did you or your guests ever intimate that you were unhappy in ANY way, indeed from your empty starter and mains plates we took the very opposite to be the case.
With respect however, I think that this now should draw our communication to a halt on this matter.
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elizeva, 18 January 2011:
a few of our main meals were returned almost uneaten. This should indicate they were not good. Ur notice re children at the main door is nor prominent, it is half covered by another door. This matter is now indeed closed. Your manner and attitude and the fact that you chose not to let us know about the rule re minors before we ordered however is not.
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Erdnuss1, 4 February 2012:
The food was mediocre, and no point did ANY management approach our table. It was not as much about the licencing act that got the backs up of my entire family, it was the managements dismissive manner and attitude. We would probably have happily stayed for starter and main, if we`d been approached. And as for lateness, sadly 4 members of the party were involved in a car accident on route, but even upon being late , which was not a long time, well within an hour, we were still waiting 30 mins prior to our table being ready?. Also with regards to the cigarette breaks taken by the older members, these were done within waiting time for meals to arrive. This whole matter only ignited, following the attitude of management, and likewise could have been diffused if the manager acted in a courteous and professional manner.
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Erdnuss1, 4 February 2012:
And as for the remark about empty plates, the steaks that were well overdone and tough were wrapped up and taken home by an Uncle for his dog. The ONLY reason we did not complain is because our night had already gotten off to a bad start, and as time was getting on we merely wanted to eat and leave. But as most of the empty plates as you put it…which I find hard to believe you even remember whats tables plates were those, especially days after the event???strange! were being taken home for a dog, then it was only fair we pay. Incidently you were NEVER asked to BREAK THE LAW! as you mentioned. We merely wished to be treated respectfully, or at least acknowledged by management in a courteous manner.
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Erdnuss1, 4 February 2012:
and for everyone reading these reviews WE WERE NEVER ASKED TO LEAVE, BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE MEANT SEEING A MANAGER, TO WHICH NONE APPEARED. So how DARE you, clearly state that my family and I were asked to leave a licencsed premises. An Uncle attempted to speak to a member of staff over the bar downstairs, whilst we waited outside. I`m merely responding to these reviews having been angered by your blatant lies on the actual event and even now the disrespect to my family.
d-man
1 review
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We booked the skittle lane for a large party and were under the impression that we would receive the meal deal after our game. We enjoyed the bowling (despite the grubby state of the room), but were extremely disappointed to be told that because we had not ordered food during our game, we would have to pay full price for food. This was not made clear to us at the beginning (and the absence of a food menu in the alley compounded this). When we raised the issue with management, we were met with quite a hostile reaction and our suggestions dismissed. This ruined the whole experience and will ensure that we will not return. A poor show!
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sheepheid, 17 January 2011:
Unfortunately this group became VERY aggressive with staff when they found that there was no dining table immediately available for them when leaving the bowling alley (they had not booked one). Once we had arranged a table they demanded full price meals for the price of the small hand-held baskets we serve only in the Bowling Alley.
While we try to help our guests to the best of our abilities, not all unreasonable demands can be agreed to. Nothing short of complete acquiescence would have placated this group. Of course they would have to pay full price, just like the 60 other diners sitting around them at the time.
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Whilst on a break to Edinburgh, I went for a meal at the Sheep Heid Inn. As the oldest bar in Scotland (built in the 1300s) and a traditional Scottish menu it seemed like the most obvious choice.
After deliberating between the haggis and the fidget pie, I opted for the fidget pie. The pie consists of chunks of bacon cooked in an apricot sauce. However, when it arrived there was an awful lot of puff pastry and not a lot else. The pie was simply served with mash and could have done with vegetables dish or some other side.
Afterwards we went downstairs to sample some Scottish whisky and it's in this area that The Sheep Heid excels. The whisky menu was extensive and had something to suit everytaste. As a non-whisky drinker I plumped for something with undertones of 'caramel shortcake' and I wasn't disappointed with this description. The alcohol prices were very reasonable, but whilst I'd recommend the pub I wouldn't return to the restaurant.
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sheepheid, 17 January 2011:
The Fidget Pie is home made and we are incredibly sorry this reviewer failed to enjoy it on his visit. We would always encourage our guest to let us know when they are unhappy with something in the pub, and we certainly hope that the next time they return we will be able to make up for the disappointment of the previous visit.
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If its a sunny weekend with no plans or cares in the world, this is always a favourite way to spend the afternoon. Head down to The Sheep Heid on foot along the road at Duddingston Loch to the village and get some barbecue in you (take some bread for the ducks and swans)!
The barbecue foods your basic pub-grub, their burgers can be a little on the small side and their fancy sausages can come out dry but who cares when you’ve got a whimsical olde covered beer garden to sun out in, behind a truly British ale pub. Get some local draught for your troubles and make sure its on the cold side!
Never been to the restaurant there but next time we’re there for barbecue we may just end up staying for the evening. This is a real “day-out” pub.
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Just along from the bird resevoir and with its own traditional skittles alley is the sheep heid. It is the kind of pub that makes you think about indulging in some bracing activity before lunch. Whether you do or not try to end up here for good pub grub. Sunday roasts, decent real ales and if the summer weather permits, a pleasant beer garden to enjoy it all in.
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This is one of the most atmospheric and charming places that you could drink a beer or two in Edinburgh.
Tucked away on the furthest from town side of Arthur’s Seat, it’s nestled in the heart of Duddingston Village which is worth a look just for its quaint cobbled streets and rose-lined (in summer) stone houses.
The pub is old. I’m not exactly sure how old. But old. Even by Edinburgh’s (old) standards. And inside, it’s twisty turny enough, cosy enough, low ceilinged enough to win over the most cynical of olde worlde pub goers. And they have satisfyingly crackling log fires to keep you snug in the dead of frosty winter.
In the summer, they fling the doors wide and turn the back yard into a barbeque venue, chock full of Findlay’s finest sausages and burgers a succulent plenty.
They have a great selection of beers, wines, spirits, ciders, sure to keep the fussiest drinker happy. And their food is good honest reliable pub grub at its best.
For those with a short attention span who are less enamoured with their co-drinkers chat, they have a real old-fashioned wooden ten pin bowling alley tucked away at the back of the pub. The only shock horror moment comes when you realise the pins dammit won’t reset themselves…
This is British pubdom at its best. So earn the reward by taking a turn through Holyrood Park on a brisk autumn / winter / summer day with the Sheep’s Heid as your destination. I would be surprised if you regretted it.
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alangent1888, 14 September 2009:This pub has been in business since before 1300 and it is one of the oldest if not the oldest pub in Edinburgh
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A great place to spend a whole afternoon!!
As Edinburgh’s oldest pub it has atmosphere in spades and aa ghostly legend to boot!
Fantastic for food, great pub quiz nights to test you!!
All in a fantastic local!
Ess
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I’d add to the other reviews that this is a fantastic place to go for excellent beer and there are plenty board games to play if you feel like challenging your friends to a game of scrabble. Just be warned that many of the letters have been mixed up between boxes and zzzzz isn’t allowed as a word!
The beer festivals are the best I have been to in Edinburgh and whilst mainly bottled this results in less settling problems. In the summer, I highly recommend the barbecue that serves burgers and sausages from nearby Findlay’s of Portobello.
My only gripe that prevents me giving 5* is that the food in the restaurant can be slow although its excellent quality pub food.
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This is a fantastic old traditional pub. Agree with all that is said below and can’t really add anything new without repeating.
If you are looking to stay in Edinburgh there is a decent Travel lodge on Willowbrae Road which is just round the corner from the Sheep’s Heid. Means you can get the best of both.
If you are heading there from the ton and don;t mind a short walk you can get a bus to the Willowbrae road and it is only about a 10 minute walk from there.
Duddingston Kirk is just a few minutes from the pub is a popular venue for weddings. Makes the Sheep’s Heid a great stop for a pre-ceremony nip.
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Love place vegetarian haggis is yummi well worth the visit.
Book at the weekend tho cause it is very busy.
Was going to write about the history but the other qypers beat me to it.
I enjoy myself a lot the only reason its not 5/5 is because of slow service, I think they need more staff but the ones there are nice and pleasant.
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Fantastic place to visit after a hike up Arthurs Seat or a cycle! Food is excellent a wide & varied menu with something for everyone. The staff are cheery & friendly & service is with a smile. Also has a skittle alley in the back. Said to be the oldest pub in scotland & named after the Snuff box they have,. made from a Sheep Heid. This is a must to visit if you are in the area.
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There are lots of good reasons to visit The Sheip’s Heid.
Firstly, it’s the oldest pub in in Scotland, having been set up in a former guise during the 14th century. It also houses one of the few surviving skittle alleys, and parties can rent this out by the day or for £10 per hour. Being located in sleepy Duddingston also gives favour to this place; there’s a gentle, relaxed feel inside which is a reflection of the neighbouring community. Duddingston Loch too, is a 5 minute walk away. Friendly staff are used to tourists & newcomers and will happily give directions or reccommend a fine malt or ale.
The one problem people seem to have with The Sheep’s Heid is getting there. As you’ll see on the map, reaching the pub from the city centre means taking a great detour round Arthur’s Seat. The bus links aren’t great, with the 41 only coming twice an hour. As such, going for a quick pint there can seem like a military operation. My solution? Incorporate it into a bigger day out. If, for instance, you go up Arthur’s Seat first, the route to the pub becomes pretty direct! You could also go for a walk round the Loch first, to earn your supper.
It’s well worth it, because the wonderful atmosphere shouldn’t be denied to anyone.
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It is said to be the oldest surviving public house in Edinburgh possibly dating as far back as 1360.
An Olde Worlde Pub decorated throughout with old photographs, pictures, maps and other things.
Located on the South East corner of Holyrood park, great wee place to visit for a pint after a walk around the park or on arthurs seat.
Serves traditional pub grub and has a wee beer garden which serves a Barbeque at weekends throughout the summer months. (weather permitting of course.)
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The pub nestled in Duddingstone village under Arthurs Seat is a little gem. Hidden away in the back streets, it provides the perfect place for a quiet drink after a bike ride along the Innocent cycle trail or a walk around Arthurs Seat. The menu is something special, with lots of traditional dishes to whet the appetite, plenty of local ales and something for everyone. The games room is something to behold, and don’t forget the beer garden in summer.
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oh thats such a shame ive meant to go here and never got around to it cause i heard the roast especially on a sunday was brilliant !