Mercat Travel Guide

Free Guide: Experience authentic Scottish hospitality and lively local charm at Mercat Pub, the heart of Haddington’s social scene.

A brief summary of Mercat

Experience authentic Scottish hospitality and lively local charm at Mercat Pub, the heart of Haddington’s social scene.

Mercat is a popular pub located at 73-74 High Street in Haddington, East Lothian. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional Scottish hospitality, it offers a vibrant social setting with a menu featuring local flavors. Open daily from late morning to late night, Mercat is a favored place for locals and visitors to enjoy drinks, hearty meals, and lively company in a historic market town setting.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
4.5 Excellent · 97 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon11 am–11 pm
  • Tue11 am–11 pm
  • Wed11 am–11 pm
  • Thu11 am–12 am
  • Fri11 am–1 am
  • Sat11 am–1 am
  • Sun11 am–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
73-74 High St, Haddington EH41 3EP
Phone

Getting there

Bus

Take the local bus service to Haddington town center, which runs frequently from Edinburgh and nearby towns. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes. From the bus stop, Mercat is a short 5-minute walk along High Street. Bus fares range from £3 to £6 one way.

Car

Driving to Mercat is straightforward via the A1 from Edinburgh, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. Limited street parking is available nearby, with some paid parking options. Expect parking fees around £1-£2 per hour.

Train plus Walk

Take the train to Edinburgh Waverley station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Haddington. The bus ride from Edinburgh to Haddington takes around 30-40 minutes. From the bus stop, walk approximately 5 minutes to Mercat.

Discover more about Mercat

A Historic Heart in Haddington’s High Street

Mercat Pub sits prominently on High Street in Haddington, a town steeped in Scottish history. The name "Mercat" itself refers to a traditional market, reflecting the pub’s connection to the town’s historic role as a bustling market center. The building blends seamlessly into the charming streetscape, offering a cozy yet lively venue that maintains a strong sense of local heritage.

Atmosphere and Social Vibe

Inside Mercat, the ambiance is warm and inviting, with a friendly, hardworking team creating a welcoming environment. The pub balances a relaxed, casual feel with a lively buzz, especially during evenings and weekends. It is a favored meeting spot for locals and visitors alike, where the convivial atmosphere encourages conversation over well-poured drinks and hearty meals.

Food and Drink Offerings

Mercat’s menu showcases traditional Scottish pub fare alongside contemporary dishes, focusing on quality and local ingredients. Patrons can enjoy a variety of options from classic pub snacks to more substantial plates, complemented by a selection of beers, whiskies, and cocktails. The pub’s dedication to in-house cooking and attention to detail in desserts add to its culinary appeal.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

The pub operates daily, opening at 11 AM with closing times varying from 11 PM on weekdays to as late as 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. This schedule caters to both daytime visitors and those seeking a lively night out. The location on High Street makes Mercat easily accessible within the town, fitting well into a day of exploring Haddington’s historic and cultural sites.

Community and Cultural Significance

Mercat is more than just a pub; it is a social hub that reflects Haddington’s community spirit. Its name and location pay homage to the town’s mercantile past, while its present-day role supports local traditions of gathering, celebration, and hospitality. The pub contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of East Lothian, offering a genuine Scottish experience.

Nearby Attractions and Complementary Experiences

Visitors to Mercat can easily combine their visit with trips to nearby historic sites such as Lennoxlove House or the John Gray Centre. The pub’s central location makes it an ideal stop for refreshments after exploring Haddington’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, enhancing the overall visitor experience in the region.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 7am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month
  5. May: 78% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 78% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 67% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 56% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 56% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 6am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 7am: 22% of the busiest hour
  5. 8am: 33% of the busiest hour
  6. 9am: 44% of the busiest hour
  7. 10am: 56% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 78% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  19. 10pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 44% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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