Abacus, the newly refurbished bar and restaurant at The Scholar Hotel, has opened in Edinburgh’s Southside, offering all-day dining based upon seasonal Scottish produce prepared with Mediterranean influences.
Sited within the Pollock Estate, The Scholar and Abacus are part of the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection’s hotel and venue portfolio, alongside The Scott Hotel, Bonnar’s Restaurant, the Canopy Kitchen and Courtyard, and the KM Hotel and apartments in the Old Town.
The Abacus refurbishment is said to have transformed the space into ‘a welcoming environment, pairing calm, natural interiors with splashes of colour and artwork that reflect the vibrancy of the new menu’.
A new layout and booth seating has added flexible options for diners, including a revamped private dining area for up to 10.
Led by The Scholar Hotel’s culinary team, the new Abacus menu highlights quality ingredients across the day, beginning with breakfast options including Loch Fyne smoked salmon, Scottish porridge with honey and seeds, a full Scottish fry-up and a selection of continental staples.
The all-day offering ranges from small plates designed for sharing to substantial mains such as venison loin with seasonal accompaniments and a plant-forward winter squash, harissa and spinach wellington.
At the bar, guests can enjoy a drinks list featuring an Abacus G&T, whisky sour and espresso martini, alongside a European wine selection and low- and no-alcohol choices, alongside seasonal serves including hot toddies, mimosas and bloody marys.
Group general manager Gavin MacLennan said: “Following a full refurbishment, Abacus is designed to welcome guests from morning through to evening, whether for coffee, a casual meal or a special occasion.
“We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors and hope Abacus quickly becomes a favourite neighbourhood spot.”
As the University of Edinburgh is an educational charity, any surplus generated back from its hospitality activities is reinvested back into the University.
