Phylicia StitzelIf you’ve ever explored the United Kingdom, you’ll know that the streets are bursting with history and culture at every turn! And, let’s be honest, what better way to soak in all that stunning history than by grabbing a pint in a traditional Scottish pub!? Whether you like to start your day with a wee dram or unwind after a day of adventures, this guide is perfect for you! ๐ป๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ
Introducing: “Pub Walk for Edinburgh’s Most Historical Pubs” – a guide specifically crafted to help you take in the best pubs with fascinating decorations that scream history, charm, and character! ๐๐ฅณ From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a friendly atmosphere, delightful staff, lip-smacking food, delicious local ales, and even live music that’ll make you sway to the beat!
During my UK visit, I relished in the opportunity to stop by the traditional Scottish pubs with peculiar decorations that immediately caught my eye. From the facade to the loos at the back, the history echoed within every corner of the building! If you’re an adventurer at heart, you’ll love the striking contrast between the rustic decor and the coziness that emanates from within! It’s all this and more that make these pubs an irresistible attraction for visitors from around the world!
But what’s better than experiencing history firsthand? Well, to me, pairing that experience with a pint of your favorite ale! ๐ป๐ So, let me take you on an enchanting pub walk through Edinburgh’s most historical pubs, where we’ll discover fascinating tales, hear stories of the past and create memories worth cherishing!
Hey, my travel-savvy buddy! ๐ดโจ Before I spill the beans on all this incredible free info, I’ve got a little favor to ask! ๐๐คฉ How about using my affiliate links below to book your trip? It costs you absolutely nothing, and it gives my blog a little โจboostโจ to keep the adventure train chugging along! ๐ So, why not help a friend out, have an incredible trip, and keep the good vibes flowing?๐ Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Table of Contents
1. The Sheep Heid Inn
Said to be the oldest pub in Scotland, dating all the way back to 1360! In medieval times, sheep were brought to Duddingston for slaughter after fattening in Holyrood Park and it is said that the locals would figure out lots of dishes that could be made with their heads โ hence the name! A few big names have visited this pub throughout history, including though not limited to – Bonnie Prince Charlie being one of them.
Though you won’t find any sheep’s heads getting boiled in the kitchen these days – you will be sure to still experience a warm and welcoming pub with lots of cozy corners, traditional furnishings and open fires.
2. White Hart Inn
The next pub on the list is the White Hart Inn! The earliest written records for The White Hart Inn on this site date to 1516. However, only the cellarage survives from this time, whilst the building above ground dates to 1740.
The pub gets its name from a miraculous and holy event that took place in Edinburgh in 1128. The Scottish King David I, against the advice of his priest, set out hunting upon the Feast Day of the Holy Rood, which is Scots for the Holy Cross. He came upon a huge, white stag and gave chase but was suddenly thrown from his horse. The stag immediately turned upon its pursuer and King David began frantically praying to God for his salvation.
Of course, a story like this goes that a fiery cross appeared between the stagโs antlers before it vanished from sight. A grateful King David built a shrine upon the site of the miracle, founding Holyrood Abbey, the ruin of which may be seen today at the rear of Holyrood Palace.
3. Ye Olde Golf Tavern
Located on the edge of the Bruntsfield Links it was founded in 1456. The Tavern was previously known as the Golf Hotel. This is also known as the OLDEST Golf bar in the world! As purpose-built golf clubhouses did not exist at that time, local inns served the same purpose, and ‘Ye Olde Golf Tavern’ was used as Bruntsfield Links Society clubhouse from 1788 until early in the nineteenth century when they moved to Musselburgh. How cool is that? You can visit the worldโs oldest golf pub is โYe Olde Golf Tavernโ and it is right by the oldest short course in the world!
4. Deacon Brodies Tavern
Deacon Brodies Tavern is located in the historical heart of Edinburgh, just a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, Waverley Station and the George IV Bridge. I love the history around the name of this tavern. The pub is named after Deacon Brodie โ one of the inspirations behind Robert Louis Stevensonโs Jekyll and Hyde. Born in 1741, Brodie was a deacon of the Guild of Wrights โ a group of skilled carpenters.
By day, he was a respectable citizen and member of the town council. But by night, he was caught up in gambling and drinking, and resorted to burglary to pay off his gambling debts. Brodie was hung for his crimes in 1788…super cheery right? This is what I love about these pubs! You’d never guess that it was named after a man who was a thief and hung!
5. Beehive Inn
This one has a lot of history! It is one of the oldest public houses in Edinburgh. Be sure you look carefully as you walk up the stairs to the restaurant and you will see a substantial door. This one is out of place inside a pub. This is the door of the condemned cell from Calton Jail, which was demolished in 1935. The cell once held men like the notorious William Burke, and Eugene Chantrelle the George Street poisoner.
St Andrewโs House, one of the offices of the Scottish Government, now occupies the site of the jail, but the cell door is not the only relic of its past. The Beehive sits in the shadow of The Castle and boasts a history going back around 400 years. With a drinks license thought to have existed since it was a 16th Century coaching inn, the present building replaced The Beehive Hotel in the 1860’s.
6. Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar
Greyfriars Bobbyโs Bar is located in the heart of Scotlandโs capital, Edinburgh in Candlemaker Row. As one of the most photographed pubs in Scotland. It’s easy to find if you take a walk from Chambers Street, Grassmarket and George IV Bridge.
This pub was inspired by the tale of Edinburghโs most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby (I’ll get to that story in a second). But with that itโs no surprise that this pub loves dogs and is very proud to be a dog-friendly pub.
Greyfriars Bobby (4 May 1855 โ 14 January 1872) was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872.
Youโll find a plethora of Edinburghโs most iconic attractions near you, including The National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh University, and of course the Statue of Greyfriars Bobby.
Also check out this blog about tips on how to Explore Edinburgh with Kids! Cheers!
