The Merlin

The Merlin is a pub located at 168-172 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4PU, UK, situated in the heart of Morningside. It holds a user rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 1435 reviews, with 70% positive, 14% neutral, and 16% negative feedback. On Tripadvisor, it averages 3.4 out of 5 based on 500 reviews, categorized into 178 excellent, 100 good, 70 average, 63 poor, and 89 terrible. The price range for dining is moderate, typically between £10 and £20 per person. The pub operates from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday. On Fridays and Saturdays, its opening hours extend to 1:00 AM. The kitchen serves food daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Merlin is known as a friendly bar with a diverse clientele, attracting local pensioners, students from nearby Napier University, and theatre audiences. Recent refurbishments have notably improved its comfort, acoustics, service, and cleanliness, particularly with upgraded toilets. However, some recent customer feedback indicates mixed opinions on food quality and a potentially noisy atmosphere during major sports events for those seeking a quiet setting. Facilities include disabled access and wheelchair accessibility. The pub is dog-friendly and boasts a beer garden, making it welcoming for families and groups. Free WiFi is available throughout the venue. Parking options include both free and paid street parking. The Merlin facilitates reservations and accepts various payment methods, including credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa), debit cards, and NFC payments, though it is not cash-only. Restrooms are available on-site. Dining options feature classic pub food and small plates for sharing. Specific menu items highlighted include a "Burger of the Month" (April), loaded fries, Salt & Pepper Chilli Chicken, Corn Ribs, Halloumi Fries, Tacos, Chicken Wings, nachos, scampi, and sirloin steak. A seniors menu offering three courses for £7.99 is also available. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including various beers (such as real ale like Abbot Ale), wines, spirits, and cocktails. Promotions include a £3 pint of Inch's Apple Cider during "Weekend Takeovers," a "Malt of the Month" featuring Highland Park 12 Year Old whisky, and a 20% discount on food and drink for students with a valid student discount card. The Merlin hosts a lively schedule of events: "Live Music" every Saturday evening (7:00 PM or 8:00 PM), "Tabletop Games Night," "Board Games Night," or "Game Night!" every Friday evening (6:30 PM to 11:45 PM), and a "Digital Quiz Night" every Monday evening (8:00 PM to 10:00 PM or 10:15 PM/10:30 PM), all offering free entry. It is a prime venue for watching live sports, showcasing football (SPL, Premier League, EFL, European, and World Cup 2026), Rugby Union (Six Nations 2026, United Rugby Championship), and Premier League Darts, broadcast via Sky Sports and TNT Sports. The pub also hosts "Untapped - Battle of the Bands," a music competition, and celebrates various seasonal events such as St Patrick’s Day, Mother's Day, Easter, Bank Holidays, Father's Day, Summer events, Halloween, and Christmas. Additional services include private function offerings. Customers are encouraged to download The Merlin's app for instant updates on offers, seasonal promotions, exclusive deals, and convenient in-app ordering for food and drinks. The pub also participates in promotions like the "Share a Coke Lucky Sips" for chances to win festival tickets and gift cards. The Merlin is part of the Belhaven Brewery, Scotland's oldest working brewery, established in 1719 and located approximately 20 miles from Edinburgh in Dunbar.