Leith Dockers Club
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
Founded in 1946, Leith Dockers Club stands as a cornerstone of community life in Edinburgh's vibrant Leith district. This welcoming social club offers a spacious bar, two function suites, and a beer garden, hosting everything from lively gatherings to private celebrations. Known locally as 'The Dockers,' it provides affordable drinks in a friendly atmosphere steeped in working-class heritage.
A brief summary to Leith Dockers Club
- 17-17a, Academy St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 7EF, GB
- +441314677879
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11:30 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11:30 pm
- Friday 11 am-1 am
- Saturday 11 am-1 am
- Sunday 10 am-11:30 pm
Local tips
- Opt for the function suites for private events; they offer flexible setups for up to 100 guests with basic AV equipment included.
- Visit on Fridays or Saturdays when hours extend to 1am, ideal for late-night socializing with extended bar service.
- Head to the beer garden on sunny afternoons for outdoor pints; it's enclosed and sheltered from Leith's winds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Leith Dockers Club location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Leith Dockers Club
Birth of a Community Anchor
Leith Dockers Club opened its doors in 1946, emerging in the post-war era as a vital gathering spot for Leith's dock workers and their families. Nestled on Academy Street in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh's historic port neighborhood, the club quickly became synonymous with camaraderie and resilience. Its founding reflected the gritty spirit of a community tied to the sea and labor, where shared stories over pints forged lasting bonds amid the industrial hum of the docks.Spacious Heart of Social Life
At the core of the club lies a massive bar area, designed for easy conversation and relaxation. Flanked by two versatile function suites, it accommodates a spectrum of events—from intimate family wakes to boisterous sporting watch parties. The layout emphasizes accessibility and comfort, with ample space allowing groups to spread out without feeling cramped. High ceilings and sturdy wooden fixtures evoke a sense of enduring tradition, while large windows flood the interiors with natural light.Outdoor Haven in Leith
Stepping outside reveals the club's beer garden, a sunlit retreat perfect for warmer months. Enclosed and convivial, this outdoor space transforms the venue into a seasonal hotspot, where patrons spill out with drinks in hand under Leith's often changeable skies. Paved and furnished with simple benches, it captures the essence of casual Scottish socializing, blending fresh air with the club's indoor warmth.Versatile Venue for Every Occasion
The Dockers' flexibility shines in its role as Leith's go-to for diverse events. Private parties find a home in the function suites, equipped for celebrations large and small. Sporting events draw crowds to cheer on favorite teams, with screens and seating arranged for optimal viewing. Even more somber occasions, like funeral receptions, are handled with quiet respect, underscoring the club's role as a community pillar that adapts to life's rhythms.Leith's Working Heritage Reflected
Leith's docklands history pulses through the club's veins. Once a bustling harbor rivaling Glasgow's, the area shaped generations of laborers whose labors built modern Scotland. The Dockers Club honors this legacy not through museums, but in its unpretentious vibe—affordable pours, familiar faces, and an unspoken code of welcome. Today, as Leith evolves into a trendy enclave, the club remains a touchstone of authenticity amid craft bars and hip eateries.Cultural Pulse and Live Energy
Beyond drinks and events, the venue hosts live performances and theater, injecting artistic flair into its routine. Groups like Citadel Arts have staged plays here, exploring local narratives in intimate settings. This blend of pub culture and performance keeps the space dynamic, ensuring it's not just a bar, but a living archive of Leith's evolving identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Victoria Statue
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.5 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Robert Burns Statue
0.5 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Queen Mary's Bath House
1.9 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Burns Monument
2.0 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.0 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Forth Lock
2.1 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.2 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.2 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.2 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.3 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Dynamic Earth
2.3 km
Explore the captivating journey of our planet at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh's premier science museum with interactive exhibits and stunning visuals.
Edinburgh
2.3 km
Explore Edinburgh, a city rich in history and culture, with stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.3 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Unmissable attractions to see
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.2 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
Leith Links
0.4 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Leith
0.6 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
The King's Wark
0.6 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
Shore
0.6 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.6 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.7 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Teuchters Landing
0.7 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Leith Citadel
0.7 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.8 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
The Leith Mural
0.8 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Leith Walk
1.0 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Ocean Terminal
1.2 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
1.2 km
Discover the heroic history of Scottish firefighting through vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and authentic stories in Edinburgh’s city-centre museum.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
1.3 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Essential places to dine
Tapa
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Heron
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.5 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.6 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Domenico's
0.6 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
The Kitchin
0.7 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.7 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.8 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Walnut
1.2 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
1.6 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
1.7 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
1.9 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Taisteal
1.9 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Fhior
1.9 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.1 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Destined for Home
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
Georgian Antiques
0.5 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.5 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
ScotClans
0.6 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.6 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
Wee Leith Shop
0.8 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
The Leith collective
1.2 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
1.2 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Build-A-Bear
1.2 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Planet.A Boutique
1.2 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
Britannia Gift Shop
1.3 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
The Cats Miaou
1.5 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
1.5 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
1.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Leith Dockers Club
0.0 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.0 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
The Lioness of Leith
0.1 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
Three Marys
0.4 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Malt & Hops
0.6 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.6 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
The Vine Bar
0.9 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Street
1.9 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.2 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
Nightcap
2.2 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.3 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.4 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Cask
2.4 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The World's End
2.4 km
Discover the charm of The World's End pub on the Royal Mile, where history meets hearty Scottish cuisine and local brews in Edinburgh.
Bramble Bar
2.5 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garibaldi's
2.5 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
Why Not Nightclub
2.5 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
2.5 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
El Barrio Latino
2.6 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
2.6 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
Opal Lounge
2.6 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
Cabaret Voltaire
2.7 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
La Belle Angele
2.7 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
The Mash House
2.7 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
Sneaky Pete's
2.8 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
Legends
2.9 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
The Bongo Club
2.9 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
2.9 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
The Liquid Room
2.9 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
3.0 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
