Oldest Pubs in Edinburgh
The Travel Pages lists the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and examines their claims, also recommending a drink (or two) to try in each and other reasons to visit.
The Candidates for the Oldest Pub in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, with its medieval streets and rich history, boasts some of Scotland’s oldest and most atmospheric pubs. Like London, determining the absolute oldest is tricky due to fires, rebuilding, and incomplete records. However, several historic taverns stand out as strong contenders.
1. The Sheep Heid Inn (1360? – Claimed, Documented from 1516)
Location: Duddingston Village
Claim: Often called Scotland’s oldest pub, The Sheep Heid Inn allegedly dates back to 1360, though the earliest written record is from 1516. Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie were said to have visited. The inn retains historic charm, including a rare skittles alley from the 19th century.
Verdict: While its claimed 14th-century origins are debated, it is certainly one of Edinburgh’s oldest continuously operating pubs.
Address: 43-45 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh EH15 3QA
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 661 7974
🌐 Website: thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Try a pint of Stewart’s Edinburgh Gold (local ale).
Whisky: A dram of Glenkinchie 12-Year-Old (from nearby East Lothian).
🍸 Cocktail: A classic Whisky Sour with a Scottish twist.
Why Visit? Historic charm, great food, and one of the city’s oldest claims.
2. The White Hart Inn (1516)
Location: Grassmarket
Claim: Established in 1516, this historic inn is said to be Edinburgh’s oldest documented pub. It was a notorious haunt of body snatchers Burke and Hare in the 1820s. The building retains original features, including a smuggler’s tunnel.
Verdict: Strong claim as the oldest recorded pub in Edinburgh, with continuous operation since the 16th century.
Address: 34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 226 2806
🌐 Website: belhaven.co.uk
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Innis & Gunn Original (a smooth Scottish craft beer).
Whisky: Talisker 10-Year-Old (peaty and maritime).
🍸 Cocktail: A Rusty Nail (Scotch + Drambuie).
Why Visit? Infamous Burke & Hare history and a great old-world atmosphere.
3. The Jinglin’ Geordie (1540s? – Rebuilt 18th Century)
Location: West Port (originally Fleshmarket Close)
Claim: Named after a 16th-century goldsmith, this pub may date back to the 1540s, though the current building is 18th-century. It was a favourite of poet Robert Burns.
Verdict: Historic, but the original structure is gone.
📍 Address: 19 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2JA
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 229 4926
🌐 Website: facebook.com
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Belhaven Best (a classic Scottish session ale).
Whisky: Auchentoshan American Oak (smooth Lowland malt).
🍸 Cocktail: A Whisky Mac (Scotch + ginger wine).
Why Visit? A cozy, traditional pub with Robert Burns connections.
4. The Mitre Bar
Location: Hidden just off the Royal Mile near St. Mary’s Street, nestled among historic closes.
Claim: Believed to date back to the early 17th century. Originally served judges and lawyers from the nearby Old Tolbooth (now demolished). Maintains original features like a “jug bar” for quick whisky servings
Verdict: While not the absolute oldest, The Mitre Bar offers one of the most authentic old Edinburgh tavern experiences still operating today. 📍 Address: 131-133 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 557 4313
🌐 Website: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Belhaven Black Scottish Stout (a rich, dark local favorite).
Whisky: Highland Park 12-Year-Old (balanced Orkney malt with heather and smoke).
🍸 Cocktail: A Whisky Smash (muddled mint, lemon, and Scotch).
Why Visit?
Tucked away near the Royal Mile, this 17th-century tavern was once frequented by judges and lawyers from the nearby courts. Retains an old-world feel with wood-paneled walls and a snug atmosphere. Less touristy than some Royal Mile pubs, offering a more local experience.
5. Deacon Brodie’s Tavern (1806 – But on a Historic Site)
Location: Royal Mile
Claim: Named after the infamous criminal Deacon Brodie (inspiration for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), the tavern sits on a site that may have held an earlier alehouse.
Verdict: More of a themed pub than a genuine ancient tavern.
📍 Address: 435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 225 6531
🌐 Website: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Williams Bros Joker IPA (a fruity Scottish IPA).
Whisky: Ardbeg 10-Year-Old (for peat lovers).
🍸 Cocktail: A Deacon’s Dram (their signature whisky cocktail).
Why Visit? A tourist favorite with a fun, dark history.
6. The Devil’s Advocate (17th Century? – Reconstructed)
Location: Royal Mile (Advocate’s Close)
Claim: A restored 17th-century-style tavern in one of Edinburgh’s oldest closes.
Verdict: Authentic setting, but not the original pub.
📍 Address: 5 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
📞 Phone: +44 (0)0131 225 4465
🌐 Website: devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Pilot Mochaccino Stout (local Edinburgh craft beer).
Whisky: Bruichladdich Classic Laddie (unpeated Islay whisky).
🍸 Cocktail: A Smoky Old Fashioned (with peated whisky).
Why Visit? A hidden gem with medieval alleyway charm.
7. The Bow Bar (Early 19th Century – But in an Older Building)
Location: Victoria Street
Claim: The building itself is old, but the bar dates to the Victorian era.
Verdict: Not a serious contender.
📍 Address: 80 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH
📞 Phone: +44 (0)131 226 7667
🌐 Website: facebook.com
🍺 Drink to Try:
Beer: Cask-conditioned ale (rotating selection—ask for local favorites like Stewart’s 80/- or Broughton Old Jock).
Whisky: Springbank 10-Year-Old (a cult Campbeltown malt) or Craigellachie 13 (for a spicy, robust dram).
🍸 Cocktail: Not a cocktail bar, but try a Half & Half (half IPA, half pale ale) for a classic pub experience.
Why Visit?
One of Edinburgh’s best-preserved traditional pubs, with Victorian-era snugs and no TVs or music. A whisky lover’s paradise—over 300 malts behind the bar.
Conclusion: Which Pub is the Oldest?
– Best Claim (Documented): The White Hart Inn (1516) – Oldest verified pub.
– Most Famous (But Disputed Age): The Sheep Heid Inn (claimed 1360, documented 1516) – Possibly the oldest in tradition.
– Most Atmospheric Historic Pubs: The Jinglin’ Geordie, The Bells Diner (though rebuilt).
Unlike London, Edinburgh’s oldest pubs are better documented, with The White Hart Inn having the strongest claim. However, The Sheep Heid Inn remains a strong cultural contender, even if its early origins are partly legendary.
Final Verdict:
– Oldest Documented Pub: The White Hart Inn (1516)
– Oldest Claim (Legendary): The Sheep Heid Inn (claimed 1360)
– Best Historic Experiences: The Jinglin’ Geordie & The White Hart
For history lovers, these pubs offer a true taste of Edinburgh’s past—whether you prefer verified records or local legend.
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