A beloved Leith institution has a new custodian. Nobles Bar, a Constitution Street pub famous for its stunning, heritage-listed interior, has closed its doors. In its place, Edinburgh’s own Bellfield Brewery has moved in, reopening the site as Bellfield Leith.
This is a review of their very first day of service. A disclaimer: opening nights are always hectic, but I am keen to see what the new owners had planned.
I’ve heard whispers/website comments that it might be called “Bellfield Nobles,” a name that honours the past. Whatever the final name, I’m just happy to see the lights on and the doors open. The new owners seem to be responsible and sensitive custodians.
The Venue & Vibe
For anyone who loved Nobles, take a breath. The fantastically gorgeous interior is untouched. The magnificent brass fittings and elaborate stained-glass windows are all still there, gleaming. It remains one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful pub interiors.
The main difference, naturally, is the branding. The space has been updated with Bellfield’s colours, and the fantastic bar is now dominated by their keg taps.
On its first night, the pub was a full house. Bellfield announced the opening to their mailing list, and Leithers turned out in force. The atmosphere was a pleasant chatter, a proper pub buzz. Best of all, we spotted several well-behaved dogs, so it’s clear this will remain a dog-friendly spot.
The tables seem well-suited for couples and small groups of four. A larger after-work party might struggle to find space, and it will be interesting to see if they introduce bookings in the future.
The Food & Drink
Bellfield is, first and foremost, a brewery. The bar is a showcase for their own beers, and we happily sampled a few. I highly recommend the Lawless Village, a crisp, refreshing pint.
For the opening, Bellfield had a guest kitchen, Bia. Their burgers were simply fantastic. Bellfield’s main brewery, in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, operates with rotating guest kitchens, and we hope this model continues in Leith. Bia has set a very high bar.
Being day one, there were a few wrinkles. I saw some patrons struggling with the (re)payment systems, but the large, friendly team of staff was quick to sort things out.
While the spirit selection seemed a little bare, it’s understandable that the focus is on the beer. The service was impressively quick, and the toilets, unchanged from the Nobles’ days, were clean and well-maintained.
Things to do in Leith
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and a fantastic place to base yourself for a city break. The area is, of course, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
It’s also a hub for foodies, with Michelin-starred restaurants and dozens of independent cafes and bars.
Transport The new tram extension connects Leith directly to the city centre and the airport. For travel from further afield, Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stations are the main hubs. You can book tickets via TheTrainLine and save with a Railcard.
While parking in Leith is tricky, using a service like JustPark can help you find a spot. If you’re planning to explore the rest of Scotland, hiring a car from Rental Cars is a great option.
Accommodation & Attractions Leith offers everything from luxury apartments to quirky holiday lets. You can find a range of options on Booking.com or, for a self-catering stay, check Sykes Holiday Cottages.
If you are visiting, remember to book travel insurance before you go.
For entertainment, the Edinburgh Playhouse is just a short bus or tram ride away. To see all the city’s sights, a GoCity pass can be a great way to save money on attractions.
Overall
This is a sensitive and stylish new chapter for an old Leith favourite. Bellfield has done a wonderful job of respecting the pub’s heritage while putting its own stamp on the bar.
A few opening-night wobbles are to be expected, but the fundamentals are all here: a stunning venue, fantastic beer, delicious food, and a warm, buzzing atmosphere. I will certainly be back.
Rest in peace, Nobles. Long live the new Bellfield Leith.
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Review: Bellfield Leith
Bellfield Leith brings its award-winning, gluten-free craft beer to a beautifully preserved Leith pub, offering a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food from guest chefs.
Summary
A fantastic and sensitive takeover of a Leith institution, Bellfield Leith impresses on day one with great beer, delicious guest food, and a buzzing, dog-friendly atmosphere. 4/5
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