Hangover History: The Pub Visits you won't feel guilty about
Wanting to give that 'big night out' a bit of old school charm, or perhaps some academic validation (well, I really should be doing my essay...)? Then look no further as our list of Historic Pubs in Edinburgh will add the flavour of History to any good drinking session!
Price Guide (as you would expect):
£££ - You may pay over the odds but it is worth that little bit extra for the extravagant setting that these pubs offer.
££ - Drinks may not be very cheap however they aren't overly pricey, somewhere to have a few in.
£ - Reasonably priced by Edinburgh standards at least.
The Guilford Arms - 1 West Register Street, EH2-2AA - £££
First established in 1898 when more and more 'luxurious' free houses began appearing around Edinburgh, this classy late Victorian-era pub boasts 10+ ales on tap as well as a good selection of whiskies and wines to choose from. Tucked just behind Princes Street, it makes for an interesting detour away from the beaten track.
The Cafe Royal - 19 West Register Street, EH2-2AA - £££
Some 35 years older than it's equally as hard to find neighbour The Guilford Arms, the highlight of this impressive pub is the huge island bar which is surrounded by grand Victorian art and decor.
Joseph Pearce - 23 Elm Row, EH7-4AA - ££
Situated at the top of Leith Walk, this is one of the more upmarket bars in the area and it clocks in at 110 years old. Having Swedish owners and a subtle Scandinavian feel to it means it may not be seen as one of Edinburgh's 'traditional' Scottish pubs but that is very much part of it's charm.
The Sheep Heid Inn - 43-45 The Causeway, EH15-3QA - ££
It's claimed that this was first established in 1360 which makes it not only Edinburgh's oldest public house but also Scotland's, and if that isn't enough to merit a visit there is also a nice beer garden and skittle alley to keep you entertained.
The Jolly Judge - James Court, 493 Lawnmarket, EH1-2PB - ££
Another hidden gem, which can be found just off the Royal Mile through one of the Old Town's trademark alleyways (look out for the Judge's signpost on the main street). It is a unique pub which is rather cosy thanks to a log fire and low beamed ceilings, which makes for a good alternative to the many tourist traps scattered around the Royal Mile.
Leslie's Bar - 47 Ratcliffe Terrace, EH9-1SU - ££
Another grandly decorated Victorian pub, this time dating from 1896, which is known in the South of Edinburgh for it's large bar featuring a generous selection of ales and malt whiskies.
Greyfriars Bobby's Bar - 30-34 Candlemaker Row, EH1-2QE - £
Sitting on the ground floor of a row of Georgian houses nicely in between the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby statue, this charming pub can be popular with tourists but also does student prices on certain drinks which is a nice touch.
Price Guide (as you would expect):
£££ - You may pay over the odds but it is worth that little bit extra for the extravagant setting that these pubs offer.
££ - Drinks may not be very cheap however they aren't overly pricey, somewhere to have a few in.
£ - Reasonably priced by Edinburgh standards at least.
The Guilford Arms - 1 West Register Street, EH2-2AA - £££
First established in 1898 when more and more 'luxurious' free houses began appearing around Edinburgh, this classy late Victorian-era pub boasts 10+ ales on tap as well as a good selection of whiskies and wines to choose from. Tucked just behind Princes Street, it makes for an interesting detour away from the beaten track.
The Cafe Royal - 19 West Register Street, EH2-2AA - £££
Some 35 years older than it's equally as hard to find neighbour The Guilford Arms, the highlight of this impressive pub is the huge island bar which is surrounded by grand Victorian art and decor.
Joseph Pearce - 23 Elm Row, EH7-4AA - ££
Situated at the top of Leith Walk, this is one of the more upmarket bars in the area and it clocks in at 110 years old. Having Swedish owners and a subtle Scandinavian feel to it means it may not be seen as one of Edinburgh's 'traditional' Scottish pubs but that is very much part of it's charm.
The Sheep Heid Inn - 43-45 The Causeway, EH15-3QA - ££
It's claimed that this was first established in 1360 which makes it not only Edinburgh's oldest public house but also Scotland's, and if that isn't enough to merit a visit there is also a nice beer garden and skittle alley to keep you entertained.
The Jolly Judge - James Court, 493 Lawnmarket, EH1-2PB - ££
Another hidden gem, which can be found just off the Royal Mile through one of the Old Town's trademark alleyways (look out for the Judge's signpost on the main street). It is a unique pub which is rather cosy thanks to a log fire and low beamed ceilings, which makes for a good alternative to the many tourist traps scattered around the Royal Mile.
Leslie's Bar - 47 Ratcliffe Terrace, EH9-1SU - ££
Another grandly decorated Victorian pub, this time dating from 1896, which is known in the South of Edinburgh for it's large bar featuring a generous selection of ales and malt whiskies.
Greyfriars Bobby's Bar - 30-34 Candlemaker Row, EH1-2QE - £
Sitting on the ground floor of a row of Georgian houses nicely in between the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby statue, this charming pub can be popular with tourists but also does student prices on certain drinks which is a nice touch.