Badger & Co Travel Guide

Free Guide: A charming Wind in the Willows–themed gastropub in Edinburgh serving elevated Scottish pub classics and creative cocktails in a lively, welcoming setting.

A brief summary of Badger & Co

A charming Wind in the Willows–themed gastropub in Edinburgh serving elevated Scottish pub classics and creative cocktails in a lively, welcoming setting.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s city centre on Castle Street, Badger & Co offers a unique gastropub experience blending superior pub grub with a charming Wind in the Willows theme. Known for its attentive service, lively atmosphere, and a menu featuring Scottish-sourced ingredients, this cocktail bar and restaurant serves everything from hand-dived scallops to hearty game pies, alongside creative cocktails and a cozy beer garden.

1–2.5 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.5 Excellent · 1,499 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon12 pm–12 am
  • Tue12 pm–12 am
  • Wed12 pm–12 am
  • Thu12 pm–12 am
  • Fri12 pm–1 am
  • Sat12 pm–1 am
  • Sun12 pm–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
32 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3HT
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take Lothian Buses routes 23 or 27, which run frequently from Edinburgh city centre to stops near Castle Street. The journey typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets cost around £1.80–£2.00 one way. Note that buses may be busy during peak hours.

Tram

Use the Edinburgh Trams service to Princes Street stop, approximately a 10-minute walk from Badger & Co. Trams run every 7–10 minutes, with tickets priced around £1.80–£3.50 depending on zones. The route is accessible and convenient for travelers from the airport or city centre.

Taxi

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available in Edinburgh. A taxi ride from Waverley Station to Badger & Co typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, costing approximately £5–£8 depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience.

Walking

If you are staying in central Edinburgh, walking to Badger & Co is a pleasant option. From Princes Street, it takes about 12 minutes on mostly flat terrain through historic streets. The route is accessible and well-lit, suitable for most visitors.

Discover more about Badger & Co

A Distinctive Theme and Atmosphere

Badger & Co stands out in Edinburgh’s dining scene with its playful homage to the beloved Wind in the Willows characters. The interior decor subtly references the story’s woodland charm, creating a welcoming and quirky environment that balances casual comfort with a touch of literary whimsy. The layout provides well-spaced tables and a lively yet relaxed vibe, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and social gatherings.

Culinary Craftsmanship Rooted in Scottish Ingredients

The menu at Badger & Co is a thoughtful blend of classic pub fare elevated with finesse and fresh, locally sourced Scottish ingredients. Signature dishes include hand-dived scallops paired with Stornoway black pudding, the hearty Cullen skink soup, and a variety of mains such as the pork tomahawk glazed with nduja and red pepper, and the steak and peppercorn pie featuring bone marrow gravy. The kitchen’s approach is to offer superior pub grub that respects tradition while delivering quality and creativity.

Drinks and Cocktail Culture

Complementing the food is an impressive cocktail program, praised for both classic and inventive mixes. The bar also offers a selection of mocktails, craft beers, and a cozy beer garden for outdoor enjoyment. The staff’s knowledge and recommendations enhance the drinking experience, making it a favored spot for both pre-dinner drinks and evening socializing.

Service and Visitor Experience

Badger & Co is renowned for its attentive and friendly staff who provide prompt service without being intrusive. The team’s professionalism contributes to a relaxed dining atmosphere where guests feel well cared for. The restaurant also caters thoughtfully to special occasions, adding personal touches that enhance the experience.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 32 Castle Street, the venue benefits from a central Edinburgh location within easy reach of major attractions and transport links. The setting is urban yet inviting, with amenities including clean restrooms and a small outdoor seating area. This makes Badger & Co an accessible and convenient choice for locals and visitors alike.

Balancing Quality and Price

While the pricing is moderate to slightly premium, reflecting the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship, many find the value justified by the food’s taste, presentation, and the overall ambiance. Portions tend to be well judged, allowing diners to sample multiple dishes without feeling overwhelmed.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 7am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 70% of the busiest month
  5. May: 80% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 80% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 70% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 60% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 70% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 7am: 20% of the busiest hour
  5. 8am: 30% of the busiest hour
  6. 9am: 40% of the busiest hour
  7. 10am: 50% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  19. 10pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 40% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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