The Lioness of Leith
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
Tucked away on Duke Street in Edinburgh's vibrant Leith district, The Lioness of Leith is a beloved gastropub renowned for its gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and quirky interior. Since opening in 2013, this award-winning spot blends high-quality pub fare with a lively atmosphere, drawing locals and visitors alike. Expect juicy beef patties sourced from local butchers, vegan options like the Temple burger with cajun bean patty, and skinny fries that steal the show. The space buzzes with energy, featuring eclectic decor such as lit-up pinball tables turned into dining surfaces. Open late into the night, it's perfect for casual meals, drinks with friends, or a night out in Leith's thriving scene.
A brief summary to The Lioness of Leith
- 21-25 Duke St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 8HH, GB
- +441316290580
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 4 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-1 am
- Thursday 4 pm-1 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Opt for skinny fries over hand-cut chips for maximum crispiness; they're a standout side.
- Book ahead for groups, as fresh-made food means wait times during peaks.
- Try vegan burgers like the Temple for bold flavors that rival meat options.
- Pair your meal with Bellfield house lager for a local, budget-friendly brew.
- Explore the cocktail menu for creative twists perfect for evenings out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
The Lioness of Leith location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Lioness of Leith
Gourmet Burgers at the Heart
The Lioness of Leith stands out in Leith's pub landscape with its focus on exceptional burgers. Meat lovers savor high-quality patties from Findlay’s butcher in Portobello, often topped simply with cheese, jalapeños, and onion rings to let the flavors shine. Vegan and vegetarian options abound, including the Temple burger featuring a cajun bean patty and the Hippie with portobello mushroom, proving plant-based eats can be just as indulgent. Sides elevate the experience: hand-cut chips provide hearty satisfaction, while skinny fries earn consistent praise for their crispiness. Burgers don't come with fries as standard, encouraging customization, and portions are generous enough for sharing.Quirky Decor and Vibrant Vibe
Step inside to a space that defies ordinary pub aesthetics. Converted pinball tables glow as dining surfaces, contributing to the venue's playful charm. The interior buzzes with a diverse crowd—couples, groups of friends, and colleagues unwinding—creating an inclusive, energetic atmosphere without feeling exclusive. The decor walks the line between eccentric and inviting, fostering a sense of fun that matches Leith's creative spirit. Loud music and lively chatter fill the air, making it a prime spot for those seeking buzz over quiet corners.Craft Drinks and Local Touches
Beyond food, The Lioness excels in beverages. House lager from Bellfield Brewery offers good value, while an impressive cocktail list caters to mixology fans. Beers on keg provide variety, though cask options are absent, keeping the focus on quality drafts and spirits. The bar's commitment to local sourcing extends to its drinks, pairing seamlessly with meals. Whether sipping a spicy cocktail or a refreshing pint, the selection enhances the gastropub experience.Leith's Local Hero
Operating since 2013, The Lioness has cemented its status as a Leith staple. Its location on Duke Street places it amid the area's evolving food and drink scene, away from tourist traps. The pub thrives on repeat visits from locals who appreciate its reliability and character. Menus adapt seasonally, with weekday offerings hinting at more upscale touches like half chickens with Yorkshire puddings. Advance booking is wise for groups, as the kitchen prioritizes quality over speed.Everyday Rhythm and Late-Night Appeal
Hours cater to flexible schedules: weekdays from 4pm to 1am, weekends from noon. This rhythm suits after-work crowds, lazy brunches, or late-night cravings. The moderate price point makes it accessible, with burgers representing solid value in Edinburgh's dining market.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
0.6 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.9 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
1.9 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.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.1 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.1 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Forth Lock
2.1 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
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
2.2 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Edinburgh
2.2 km
Explore Edinburgh, a city rich in history and culture, with stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.2 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.2 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
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
0.7 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
Shore
0.7 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.7 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.
Leith Citadel
0.8 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Teuchters Landing
0.8 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
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.
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
1.1 km
Discover the heroic history of Scottish firefighting through vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and authentic stories in Edinburgh’s city-centre museum.
Lochend Park
1.2 km
A peaceful urban retreat in Edinburgh featuring a scenic loch, playgrounds, and abundant wildlife for all ages to enjoy.
Ocean Terminal
1.3 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Essential places to dine
Tapa
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.7 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Domenico's
0.7 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
The Kitchin
0.8 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
0.8 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
1.1 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
1.6 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
1.8 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Taisteal
1.8 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Fhior
1.8 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
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
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.
Georgian Antiques
0.6 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.
ScotClans
0.6 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.7 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.
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.
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
1.3 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
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
1.4 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
1.4 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
The Lioness of Leith
0.0 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
Leith Dockers Club
0.1 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.1 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Three Marys
0.5 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
0.7 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
The Vine Bar
1.0 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
1.8 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
2.1 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
2.1 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.2 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.3 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Cask
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.4 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
2.4 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.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
2.5 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
El Barrio Latino
2.5 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.
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
2.6 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
2.6 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
2.8 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
2.8 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
2.8 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
2.8 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
2.9 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
- Quirky
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
