Great British Pubs

City of Edinburgh

Best Pubs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Pubs span medieval vaults beneath the Royal Mile, elegant New Town drawing rooms, and cosy neighbourhood locals in Stockbridge and Leith. From long-established locals to busy town-centre bars, drinking out in Edinburgh reflects the wider Pub culture of City of Edinburgh. Whether you want real ale, Pub food, or a quiet corner for a pint, Edinburgh's best hostelries are a fine introduction to the area.

The best Pubs in Edinburgh

  1. Placeholder image for The Sheep Heid Inn
    Oldest in ScotlandSkittles alleyDuddingston

    The Sheep Heid Inn

    Must visit

    43-45 The Causeway, Duddingston, EH15 3QA

    Scotland's oldest Pub, serving since 1360. A skittles alley, beer garden, and roaring fires in a village setting below Arthur's Seat.

    • Local favourite
    • Traditional Pub
    • Well-kept ales
  2. Placeholder image for The Bow Bar
    RecommendedWhiskyReal ale

    The Bow Bar

    80 West Bow, EH1 2HH

    An Edinburgh institution on the Grassmarket fringe with an unrivalled whisky selection and perfectly kept cask ales.

    • Grassmarket
    • Find us online
    • Local favourite
  3. Placeholder image for The Jolly Judge
    Really good

    The Jolly Judge

    7 James Court, Lawnmarket, EH1 2PG

    Tiny, atmospheric Pub hidden in a Royal Mile close. Low ceilings, dark wood, and a warm welcome from the regulars.

    • Royal Mile
    • Hidden gem
    • Cosy
  4. Placeholder image for The Cloisters
    Converted church

    The Cloisters

    26 Brougham Street, EH3 9JH

    Converted church with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a vast array of Scottish and international beers.

    • Craft beer
    • West End
    • Local favourite
  5. Placeholder image for The Guildford Arms
    Victorian

    The Guildford Arms

    1 Broughton Market, EH1 3NX

    Victorian Pub with a spectacular island bar and ornate ceiling. A favourite of Edinburgh's legal quarter.

    • Island bar
    • New Town
    • Local favourite
  6. Placeholder image for The Abbotsford

    The Abbotsford

    3-5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR

    Grand Victorian Pub on Rose Street with mahogany, mirrors, and a serious malt whisky collection.

    • Rose Street
    • Victorian
    • Whisky bar
  7. Placeholder image for The King's Wark

    The King's Wark

    36 The Shore, Leith, EH6 6QU

    Historic Leith waterfront Pub with excellent seafood and harbour views. One of the oldest buildings on the Shore.

    • Leith
    • Seafood
    • Waterfront
  8. Placeholder image for The Café Royal Circle Bar

    The Café Royal Circle Bar

    19 West Register Street, EH2 2AA

    Opulent Victorian Pub adorned with portraits of Scottish inventors and scientists. A New Town masterpiece.

    • Victorian opulence
    • New Town
    • Heritage
  9. Placeholder image for The Stockbridge Tap

    The Stockbridge Tap

    2a St Stephen Street, EH3 5AN

    Tiny craft beer bar in a former railway station waiting room. Knowledgeable staff and constantly rotating taps.

    • Craft beer
    • Stockbridge
    • Micro Pub
  10. Placeholder image for The Ensign Ewart

    The Ensign Ewart

    521-523 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PE

    Edinburgh's highest Pub on Castlehill, named after a Waterloo hero. Tourist-friendly but genuinely characterful.

    • Castlehill
    • Historic
    • Royal Mile