I have been visiting the Brunswick Book Club on and off since it opened, and frankly, the only reasons I do not go more often are time and money. It is a puzzle, because this casual restaurant is certainly good enough to make time for and absolutely worth spending money on.
The Brunswick Book Club is designed to facilitate chat. It is a social hub, a place for friends to catch up or for solo visitors to feel comfortable. It is lively, welcoming, and has established itself as a true staple for residents of Leith and a popular discovery for tourists.
Fantastic Food
The food here is absolutely fantastic. I think it is one of the more underrated places in Edinburgh for a genuinely good meal. While it has a near-perfect score on Google from hundreds of reviews, it still feels like a local secret.
From the classics menu, I would personally recommend the steak pie. From the sides, they do amazing halloumi fries and equally brilliant sweet potato fries. I have not yet tried the salmon and poached egg salad, but I have friends who swear it is one of the best in Edinburgh.
It is also a prime spot for breakfast or brunch. The menu ranges from a Full Scottish to more cosmopolitan choices like Eggs Benedict. A standout is the “Brunswick Rösti,” which features two fried eggs and black pudding served on top of an extra-large potato rösti.
The Terrace and Social Vibe
The Brunswick Book Club is perhaps most well-known for its generous outside seating area. This terrace is a prime spot on Leith Walk for people-watching on a sunny day. Here is the catch: while you can book a table at the restaurant, you cannot specifically book the terrace. That space is first-come, first-served.
I have never eaten on the terrace, as I have always been happy to go inside. The interior is clean, well-run, and I have always found it easy to find a quiet table for one. It gets a big plus from me as a great spot for solo eating.
Beyond the food, it is also a fairly decent pub. It has a good choice of beer on tap and, as I mentioned, is built for social drinks. The venue is well-staffed, so you never have to wait long. It is just high praise from me all around.
Things to do in Leith
The Brunswick Book Club is located on Leith Walk, a vibrant street connecting the city centre to the historic port of Leith. The area is easily accessible via the new Edinburgh Trams line and numerous bus routes, making it simple to get to from anywhere in the city.
If you are planning to explore the wider Lothians or beyond, picking up a car from a provider like Enterprise Rent-A-Car can be a great option. Leith itself is home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and the chic restaurants of The Shore. For a different type of tasting, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has its famous ‘The Vaults’ venue in Leith, offering a unique whisky experience.
Just at the top of Leith Walk, you will find the Edinburgh Playhouse, which hosts major touring musicals and shows. For accommodation, Leith offers many independent hotels and apartments, which you can find on sites like Booking.com.
Overall
It is difficult to find a bad word to say about the Brunswick Book Club. You only need to walk past on a day when it is not drizzling with rain to see, at a glance, that it is a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike.
To top it all off, it is not terribly expensive. You can easily have a fantastic meal for under £20. It is a well-run, friendly, and delicious spot. A remarkable discovery and highly recommended.
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Review: The Brunswick Book Club
The Brunswick Book Club is a popular and highly-rated casual restaurant and pub on Leith Walk, known for its excellent food, social vibe, and generous terrace.
Summary
The Brunswick Book Club on Leith Walk. A fantastic and affordable spot for locals and tourists. We loved the amazing halloumi fries, steak pie, and the great “Brunswick Rösti” for brunch. A true social hub with a popular terrace.
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