The Murrayfield Bar & Dining Scotch Corner

As Edinburgh's pub scene enjoys a fresh wave of investment, The Murrayfield Bar & Dining has emerged from its refurbishment with confidence. Good food, polished cocktails and genuine hospitality combine to create a venue that feels equally suited to match days, family meals and an impromptu drink at the bar.

Pubs are enjoying something of a resurgence. Milnes and The Beehive have had a glow-up, The Lyon Pub has arrived on George Street complete with pianos and a pie window, and now this sports-loving stalwart  has received an expensive-sounding polish of its own.

Simone and I head along to sample the menu and find a warm, welcoming space with friendly staff, a bustling open pass, a good standard of food and a cocktail list that deserves attention in its own right. General Manager Donald looks after us throughout the evening and chats about the new "Scotch Corner" identity along with the bespoke match-day menus available for rugby and football fixtures.

To start, Simone chooses the Dressed Crab on Sourdough, topped with an abundance of fresh, glossy leaves, while I opt for the Smoked Salmon Galette, generously topped with herby cream cheese, pickled red onion, mixed seeds and crispy capers. Both dishes hit the mark and, judging by what was passing through the open kitchen, the selection of small plates would warrant a return visit on its own.

Being in a sports pub, we harbour mild concerns about whether the portions will be too substantial for us.. I order the "small" Fish 'n' Chips which turns out to be anything but small. The fish is excellent, with a light, crisp batter, although the chips are a little underpowered and somewhat peely-wally in appearance.

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Simone wins the main course round with the Braised Scotch Beef Pie, made using meat from East Lothian's Edgefield Craft Butcher. Served with creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy, it is everything a pie should be. Simone particularly praises the quality of the beef and the beautifully short pastry.

So engrossed are we in conversation that we completely miss the kitchen closing and lose our chance to sample dessert. Fortunately, the cocktail menu comes to the rescue. I choose the Highland Sour, served in satisfyingly weighty glassware. The balance is spot on and the drink wouldn't be out of place in one of Edinburgh's leading cocktail bars. Across the table Simone enjoys an Edinburgh 75 comprising gin, St Germaine, prosecco, lemon. 

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The Murrayfield Bar & Dining is exactly the sort of place I'd happily drop into for a meal, a drink, or to soak up the atmosphere on a match day. The welcome is genuine, and the operation feels well thought through. A solid, dependable local that successfully bridges the gap between sports bar and neighbourhood dining room.

The Murrayfield Bar & Dining 57-59 Roseburn Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5NQ 0131 297 7145