10 Edinburgh pubs

Photo - Paul Evans

We're going north on the Commercial Room today, up to Scotland in fact, to check out 10 great Edinburgh pubs.

1. The Ensign Ewart

The closest pub to the Castle retains a very traditional feel.  A few real ales on tap, but the real draw is the character, with it’s stained glass windows and proper pub gloom.

2. Deacon Brodies

Part of the Nicholson chain with plenty of real ales and good lagers on tap, with a wide selection of bottled beers too. A good whisky selection with very helpful bar staff on hand to advise.  Distinctive and traditional décor inside makes this a must visit. 

A dram at the Ensign Ewart
Photo - Paul Evans

3. The Cask & Barrel

A very impressive real ale pub in the new town.  Very old-style inside with a huge selection of real ales.  Barrels for tables and high backed booths make this a very special pub, with a cracking traditional atmosphere.



The rather glum looking author at the Cask and Barrel
Photo - Paul Evans



4. The Guildford Arms

Sumptuous décor awaits after entering through the turnstile door.  Dark wood, brass, and gilded ceilings distract momentarily from the impressive beer selection available.

Photo - Guildford Arms

5. The Abbotsford

Tucked away on Rose street is this fine pub with an impressive wooden island bar.  This is the star attraction and it’s a  must to sit at it while choosing, and then supping one of the many fine ales on offer.

A selection of Ales at the Abbotsford
Photo - Paul Evans

6. BrewDog Bar

You can't be a beer lover visiting Edinburgh without going to the BrewDog Bar on Cowgate. It's grungy, loud, a little grubby and overpriced.  But the beers are simply epic, I tried Tactical Nuclear Penguin, twice, and at 34% it was worth the trip alone.

A selection of BrewDog Beers
Photo - Paul Evans

7. The Halfway House

Set down a stepped alley off Cockburn street, the Halfway house is reputed to be Edinburgh's smallest pub.  It's very traditional, very cosy and has a good selection of beers available. A true free-house and definitely one of Edinburgh's best pubs.

Photo - Paul Evans

8. World's End

This is a must visit pub for most who visit the city. Parts of the Flodden wall, which marked the city limit and provided protection against the armies of Henry the VIII, can still be seen. Inside is a low ceiling, dark wood traditional pub, with cosy corners and good beer.

9. Jolly Judge

Tucked away in an Old Town close, the Jolly Judge is a narrow, cosy pub with traditional features like beamed ceilings and a log fire. There are a good selection of beers and whiskies, and the midweek quiz is particularly popular.

10. The Royal Mile Tavern

I'll always have fond memories of this pub as it is where I first tried haggis, neeps and tatties.  This is a traditional pub with a dark, cosy feel.  There's plenty of dark wood and brass, a good selection of beers, and good food.