Portcullis in Stirling

When visiting Stirling Castle, stay parked and walk past parking lot and stop in for food and drink. This was a great pub with friendly staff. We did not stay at this hotel though.

We were here for a meal. The service was top and extremely friendly. It is worth visiting the restaurant immediately after visiting Stirling Castle. The food is the best of the best with generous portions and excellent value for money. The forecourt is very beautiful and invites you to stay a little further. - A clear five star recommendation.

Came to Sterling for a day out, was recommended this pub for food. Male staff says fully booked for food, there was lots of empty tables and that they didn't serve food outside either. Ended up going elsewhere but disappointed. Staff where rude, would not recommend

I did not stay at the hotel, we only ate at the pub. Service was quite cold. Our server clearly wanted us to vacate as soon as we sat down. We hadn't been seated for 5 minutes before we were asked about our mains. The food was disappointing. The burgers were cooked within an inch of their life. The buns were dry fell apart. The sauces were bland. The chips were overdone. We tried to flag down staff to talk about this, but they ignored us. All in all, I would not recommend.

We stopped here after visiting the castle and the food and service was excellent. We wished we could have gone back but we couldn't squeeze it in to our trip.

Restaurant was recommended to us by a local and did not disappoint, we had the sirlion steak, was lovely. I would highly recommend the Drambuie and mushroom sauce. Service was very welcoming and friendly, atmosphere was good. Would come back and eat here again

Lovely pub food at very reasonable prices. Friendly staff.

I’ve been lucky enough to have been coming here for around 25 years, although Saturday was the first time in many years as we have moved away. The food was outstanding as usual and the atmosphere is unrivalled in Stirling. The service and welcome has always been excellent, however this time Liene and Emma went above and beyond to make our evening extra special. Liene pulled out the stops to fit us in during a busy Saturday night service after being horrendously let down by another local restaurant and Emma’s attentive and friendly service throughout was much appreciated. Highly recommend the Highland Chicken! Keep up the outstanding work folks and we’ll definitely be back much sooner next time. This is a must visit for any local or tourist - probably the best meal in Stirling and definitely the best value for money. Thanks guys!

Three of us visited here for lunch. We found the food was excellent, and would highly recommend it. The service was simple and effective, the staff always on hand to help in any way they could. I would definitely recommend.

After a morning of driving and exploring the amazing Stirling Castle, we needed a place to have lunch. This was recommended by one of the staff of the Castle. It did not disappoint. We all had something different, and 3 of us tried haggis. I have to admit, it was not what I expected, more of a coarse sausage texture and the taste was also very similar to sausage. The food was great, my wife had the pineapple salad, my son had the burger with haggis, my daughter had a chicken sandwich and I had the steak pie. All delicious. Our server was super friendly and very helpful.

We grabbed lunch after refusing to pay to enter Stirling Castle just to get food, and we are glad we did. This place is cosy and delightful with its original beams and big open fireplace. Service was good, and we were given a table,despite it being a busy Sunday lunchtime straight away. I ordered the cheeseburger and I was so surprised when I got my food. It was all very tasty 😋 I couldn't finish it all as I was so full Great value for money would definitely visit again 👍

Very warm hotel and restaurant with authentic decoration and some dishes on the menu which are different from what you find almost everywhere in Scotland, even if the classics are present! Very helpful and pleasant staff and manager!

Fantastic local. An incredible and interesting building Great food and atmosphere

Love this place ❤️ ' food is great and service is spectacular

Popped down here after seeing the prices of the cafe in Stirling castle’s cafe. This wee place is warm, welcoming and has a lovely fire place. The food is priced fairly, portions are great, macaroni & cheese was lovely. Service was spot on, i highly recommend this place!

After visiting castle went here for lunch before walking back down hill,the menu outside looked good and quite reasonable for a 5 star hotel.very friendly staff and prompt with service,food was excellent could not fault would recommend.

Good food at a very reasonable price. Cosy and welcoming atmosphere with amazing fire 🔥

Excellent meal and service the portcullis is our go to for family birthdays etc I highly recommend.

Plentiful food and reasonable prices. Music was on a loop and annoying. Staff delightful.

The owners are arrogant, stuck up and lower class. The rooms are abominable noisy and with a total lack of facilities. Worst place I've ever visited .

Portcullis is a very nice and friendly bar

I surprised my mum with a night stay in Stirling and we chose the Portcullis as somewhere to have dinner. What a good choice it was, it's a very cost, quaint pub, it was exactly what we were looking for on our Christmassy night out. We had highland chicken for mains which was out of this world. Followed by a baileys coffee, which was delicious. The staff were super friendly and it was reasonably priced. I will definitely be returning! Thanks for your hospitality.

Great place for a drink! Rooms were booked out, hopefully next time we'll stay there.

We did not stay in hotel. Just food.Lovely meal this evening as always. But the waiter was extremely unfriendly. And made us feel uncomfortable as if he could not be bothered . Tracksuit bottoms and trainers on staff is not what we expected when coming for a Christmas night out. Maybe some customer service training would be helpfull . Such a shame as we were having a lovely evening. But decided to leave earlier than we wanted.

Lovely spot but the fish and chips is this country’s lowest point. If I was to describe it. Imagine if m&s opened a restaurant and instead of cooking the fish it was served out of the freezer

Just back from the portcullis with 3 pals, king size scallops, massive portion of turkey dinner with quality to match and an even better desert to finish with. Great staff great food and all in a great experience. Faultless! Could not fault one single thing.

100% DO NOT GO THERE . THIS PLACE GAVE ME AND MY PARTER FOOD POISONING. ( December 2024) And the public health care is awful , stuck all day to the emergency room .

Best service best sirloin steak

All very good Very good service, with abundant and tasty dishes, at a price that is not very expensive for what Scotland is like.

We did not stay in the rooms. We went for dinner, staff was wonderful and the food was very good. We walked from the city center.

Order the steak pie. You won’t regret it. Onion rings were amazing, and fish n chips were great.

Had a delicious ale here but we'll definitely be back for food. I questioned my vegetarianism when I saw how good the steaks looked and smelled. Gorgeous interior and exterior. Well worth a visit.

A great dinner and service, would recommend 👌🏻

Good food. Hearty portions. Good service.

Beautiful, cosy pub right by Stirling castle. We stopped for some lunch and everything was tasty and affordable and it had a really nice atmosphere.

Went for a meal with my wife today. Absolutely fantastic. Beautiful tasty food. Wonderful staff in pleasant surroundings. Reasonable price. Would highly recommend.

Great vibe, good size portions of tastey, reasonably priced food. And you can stay as long as you like.

Fantastic place! Food was beautiful and massive portions we could barely eat it all. The frozen strawberry daiquiri is sooo tasty. Staff were friendly and service was great too.

Food was great as usual and service always good staff are great and always look forward to eating here

Very cozy place and good music. The service has been perfect and the food very good.

We were here for lunch - wonderful food and service, very nice atmosphere and good music. Highlands chicken highly recommended!!

Great spot to drop in before or after Stirling Castle. Very cool interior and service and food great !

The staff are amazing! Really lovely place!

Excellent service staff couldn't have been more helpful and pleasant,food really good freshly made and hot will definitely visit again highly recommend, advise to book table as this is a very bust restaurant

Awful service! They do not know how to work when it is busy. After waiting more than 10 minutes for someone to help us, a waitress came telling us that we can wait at the bar for the next table that is free. We waited at the bar and after other ten minutes they told us that there is a cue of people to get a table before us. We left and found a great restaurant just few meters later.

This place has been there almost as long as the castle itself. Food is great and the portions are huge! I know dozens of people who have eaten here and not one of them had ever had anything negative to say.

Had dinner at the pub, the steak pie was delicious and very generous portion, great value. Leanne was amazing , she was so fast , friendly and efficient that it was inspiring to watch. Thank you !

Excellent place for lunch. Very close to major buildings of historical interest including Stirling Castle.

Super nice restaurant with great interior design (you feel like you're in a castle) right next to Stirling Castle! There are many traditional dishes and the food was really very good. Since the building also houses a hotel, it naturally has a more touristy feel. I can definitely recommend the restaurant.

What a great find. We were so happy with our stay at th Portcullis. The location was amazing. There are many walking trails near the hotel/castle to allow for beautiful early morning walks. Food was amazing and this was probably the best bed and bedding I found on our trip to Scotland.

Only went there for lunch but didn't disappoint, excellent menu, quality food and drinks served by efficient and courteous staff that went out of their way to cope with an extremely busy restaurant.

I ate the best chili con carné in your hotel 1 year ago and I still dream of it. I liked it so much that I returned to your place the next day to enjoy it a second time. Too bad Sterling is so far from home 😅 I would have been a loyal customer ☺️. I will come back

Siamo venuti qua per prendere un caffè espresso (molto buono) prima di visitare il castello poco più su e ci siamo fortemente pentiti di non averci fatto pranzo. Il locale è meraviglioso, ricco di storia e tradizione. I prezzi erano anche abbastanza buoni. Personale gentilissimo nonostante fosse molto pieno.

We stopped here for dinner and were warmly greeted by the staff. The food is a delicious and lovingly prepared work of art. We would come back at any time.

Reviewing the pub only. We made an impromptu decision to visit for lunch. It's just a lovely traditional pub. The atmosphere was great. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The menu is extensive with lots of choices. We went for the scampi with fries, fish and chips as well as highland chicken. Everything was delicious and freshly made. The prices are reasonable. For the 3 meals and 3 soft drinks we paid just under £50. Because it's a traditional pub, it's not overly spacious inside but there's an outdoor area. We didn't see a kids menu but our daughter was allowed to have a packed lunch which was amazing because a lot of places don't allow that. The location could not be better - right beside the Stirling Castle. We'd be happy to dine there again.

Haven’t been here for over 30 years quite sad actually 🙂 Went there with my wife for a wedding anniversary dinner The reception from moment arrived till we left was outstanding nothing was any bother to the staff My wife had the ham salad with potatoes this was superbly presented and tasted lovely I had the chicken with haggis again presented perfectly and tasted superb Had a couple of drinks and the bill was surprisingly great value Usually you find in establishments near tourist attractions the prices are inflated Not her worth every penny this will now be a regular place for me while visiting Stirling

Lovely bar meal with mum and dad excellent meal and service Just how they should be done 5 star

Very good food, very good service, next to the castle, better to book.

We stopped by for an early supper after visiting Stirling Castle. The dining room was absolutely charming with vintage/historic appeal. There was a fire going, adding to ambience. The food was served promptly and filled our bellies for the next leg of our journey into the Highlands. We had a bit of an issue with our rental car and our cellphones weren't working. Staff was very kind to let us use their phone to get sorted. I was surprised to see how reasonable the menu prices are. This place is situated right at the foot of the castle. If it were in the USA, they would have gauged you simply because they could. Porticullis was lovely in every way. Definitely worth a visit.

We were eating on our trip to Stirling, the guide recommended it to us and it was a success. I ordered a homemade puree, since it was very cold, and it was delicious, although I don't know what it was. It was accompanied by bread and butter. Also highlands chicken, it was chicken with haggis and whiskey sauce (sort of) and it was delicious!!! If I traveled to Stirling again I would eat there again. The atmosphere of the living room is very beautiful, with a large fireplace, classic armchairs, very Scottish. There was a patio outside, but it was very cold. I loved.

Great food. Right next to stirling castle. Awesome owner and employees. Stayed here 3 nights, loved it and would stay here again in the future !

We have eaten quite well in this place. We ordered lasagna and macaroni and cheese, which were quite good and came in a good quantity. The attention of the waitresses was excellent, very friendly and the perfect environment next to the castle. Very clean bathrooms. They have a baby changing table. I recommend your visit.

We were lucky this place could accommodate our group after our visit to Stirling Castle. It was very busy but we came at the right time to get a table. Our server was very nice and entertaining. The food was good. This place might have been my favorite fish and chips of our trip. It was also exciting to see Blackthorn Cider on tap. We can never find that in the states!

I visited this local restaurant with a group of four friends. The staff welcomed us and made us feel at home. The food was excellent and as other reviewers mention very hearty. There are traditional pub food of fish and chips, burgers etc however some different meals are also to be found. There were two main meal specials and a desert special too. We enjoyed our food with staff being attentive but not over bearing. overall an excellent place for some hearty traditional food. it may also be worth booking as it seemed very popular.

I only went to eat and it seemed like a nice place, with Magnus food (exquisite soup of the day) at a reasonable price for its location. The waiter was great.

Very good food, excellent service, friendly and efficient. And the place was very cozy, very Scottish, we loved it :)

Location is good. But the waitress is so arrogant and rude. I regret to come here. Moreover, the dish is so small and can not match the price!

Must try for anyone coming to Stirling the steak pie is amazing and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. I really can recommend the portcullis enough with it's stone wall and open fire it's amazing

This restaurant sits right at the bottom of the hill at the end of the castle grounds. By then, you'll need a break, as we finished our 9:30am castle tour. So, the location is key. There are just a few tables inside; so, make a reservation for a casual lunch a few weeks before your trip, if it's durning summer. I emailed them and Val responded quickly. Note that folks who came in without a reservation were served outside, if possible. Because of frequent wind and/or showers, we ate all our meals inside. The food was delicious! We had large, juicy burgers and my husband had a chocolate milk shake. We enjoyed the great food and traditional pub atmosphere and were able to regroup for our next activity.

Prominent location above the Stirling town right next to the castle.. but also obviously ancient look of an solitary stony building.. it all attracts most of the visitors. And they won't be disappointed at all. Large warm fireplace is just underlining cosy atmosphere of rather smaller restaurant. Good Scottish cuisines, great coffee and mainly well chilled Guinness.. all worth the money! Their FishAndChips were fine and extra large!

Had the smoked salmon and prawn salad very fresh a tasty nice atmosphere friendly staff and saw neil oliver the Scottish historian and archaeologist would highly recommend 👌

Review for the pub/restaurant. Was passing through Stirling and was enticed by the good review score. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The draught beer selection is not very ample, and I found food to be average. 5-star for the service, however, which was very good; staff was kind. Lovely spot in town, however, in a very nice area close to the Castle.

The Portcullis used to be my local back when I lived in Stirling over 12 years ago. It was my first time being there since and it hasn't changed at all - still has a great selection of drinks, food and a nice beer garden at a very affordable price. Plus once you're finished you have a gorgeous view of Stirling and the castle to greet you. What's not to love?

Horrible service. Waited 10mins at the entrance before somebody came and finally acknowledged us, then to be told they had no space unless we made a reservation even though 70% of the restaurant was empty. Rude and unprofessional. What a waste of a trip.

Lovely meal, staff very friendly and accommodating

Truly terrible service, extremely rude waitresses with aversion towards non-British tourists, to be avoided.

Came here for a drink and an evening meal. The pub is set in a nice location and is lovey inside. Staff are incredibly nice and friendly - genuinely really lovely. So why not a higher score? The food was awful. Garlic bread fine. But the beef and haggis burger. As well as the steak were really bad. The accompanying salad terrible and like something out of the seventies. Would I eat here again? No. Would I enjoy a pint here? Yes. I’d truly love to score this place higher as the staff are so nice. But the food is really bad.

Popped in for lunch yesterday,hadn't been in a while and it did not disappoint chile was so tasty.

The restaurant staff were friendly, the atmosphere was nice, and the prices were cheap compared to a hotel restaurant, but the fish and chips I ordered were average. For dessert, I ordered a latte, which I liked because it was large. Because it was located very close to Stirling Castle, there were many customers.

It was a perfectly successful lunch! We wanted a good, typically British meal and we were not disappointed. To begin with, the setting immerses us in an authentically local atmosphere. The service was fast but not rushed, and the staff were lovely. We ordered two glasses of wine which were generously served. We ate a “portcullis burger” and a “steak pie”. Both dishes were hearty and the plates varied (lots of side dishes, that's a real plus). The food was very good. Enough to change the minds of those who say that Scottish and English cuisine is bad!

For the restaurant only: Great food and reasonably priced for the portions you get. I had to take half with me to the hotel! Just right after you’ve been visiting Stirling Castle.

Went here yesterday for the first time was absolutely beautiful garlic chili chicken was to die for and staff so lovely and approachable.

Had a lovely meal here. Food was great and very good service. The staff were excellent. Booking is advertised as can be busy.

What a lovely place, good atmosphere and great staff. The food choice was ample, prices were reasonable and food quality was good. What sets this place apart from others is the quality of service by three very nice people - Kate, Anna and Leanne. These three could not have been any better - they were friendly, attentive and really helpful. I cannot praise the staff and this restaurant any higher. The photograph is simply so that staff know who has written this review. Thanks. Barry

First time eating here, possibly the best steak pie I have ever eaten! Lovely woman behind the bar

A service of 10. The waitress has been super attentive!!

Excellent food, friendly and welcoming staff. 10/10 Sirloin steak was perfectly cooked and the portions are incredibly generous

We had dinner for 8 people, everything was perfect including the price, cheaper than expected

The food is very good, abundant dishes. The lasagna is very delicious, I recommend it. Good price-quality ratio. Very well decorated place.

After a walk around the castle on a cold wet day we called into the Portcullis bar for a hot drink to get warmed up. The tables in the bar were half full & the others had reserved sign's on. We asked if we could sit at the bar as there was only one person sat there & the other stools were unused. We were told we couldn't use them so we had no choice but to leave. Nice bar but unhelpful staff. "Avoid" to save yourself the hassle.

Food was great. Staff lovely and very friendly.

Good food, good service and a nice selection of beers

My wife and I chose here for our 45th wedding anniversary as we've been a couple of times before and really enjoyed it. This time it was a bit disappointing as we both felt the meal wasn't up to the usual high standards. I chose the chicken,leek and potatoe soup and my wife chose the breaded camembert my soup was delicious but my wife said her camembert wasn't hot but lukewarm. For my main I chose the sirloin steak and my wife decided in the hamburger...again she said the bun wasn't really toasted but still soft(like a normal roll) and we both thought the chips could've been in the fryer a bit longer. The meal was fine but wasn't up to its usual standards.

What an amazing place at the entrance to Stirling castle. This is a real homely, welcoming and warm environment - so much so we popped in for a drink before the castle tour and then immediately after. Emma is such a lovely person, so helpful. this is a must - whilst we never ate here the food looked amazing, and the people sat around clearly enjoyed it.

Fantastic visit with my wife. Quick check on Trip Advisor for local restaurants, reviews looked good and menu online. Was closeby and great location right at castle. Phoned and booked table no probs. Friendly welcome, nice ambience (great music actually 😁 ). Great menu choices - real comfort good menu with twists. Great service and we really enjoyed all three courses and bottle of wine. Good prices as well. 5/5 brilliant, well done team! 👏🏼 😊😊

A fantastic place to eat, never shy from gud portions so be prepared and turn up very hungry if you're not used to healthy sized portions. Highly recommended

We were just having a walk & found this place, went for lunch staff were lovely & helpful , food was great thank you all.

Dinner was amazing 🤩 Chateaubriand steak for 2 was the best I’ve ever had and excellent value. Service amazing and a special mention to Ross for his informal bit attentive hosting. Will definitely be back.

Great little restaurant/bar. We’d not planned to eat here so hadn’t researched it or pre-booked. It’s only small but luckily they had room for us (party of 5). Good food, good service, nice range of beers, reasonably priced with a lovely ambiance. If we didn’t live 220 miles away we’d eat certainly visit more frequently. Worth a visit after a walk around Stirling Castle which is just 2-minutes away.

The bartender was a very nice guy, polite and gave very good info about local beers. The enviroment is great.