The King's Wark: Historic Gastropub on Leith's Shore
Historic 15th-century gastropub on Leith’s waterfront, serving classic Scottish dishes with fresh local produce in a cosy, character-filled setting.
The King's Wark is a historic gastropub located on the Shore in Leith, Edinburgh, dating back to 1434. This charming venue offers a cosy atmosphere with a menu focused on fresh Scottish produce, including wild game, sustainable seafood, and classic pub favourites like beer-battered fish and chips. Renowned for its rich heritage and quality drinks selection, it blends traditional character with modern dining in a waterfront setting.
A brief summary to The King's Wark
- 36 Shore, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6QU, GB
- +441315549260
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Try the classic beer-battered fish and chips, a standout dish that exemplifies the pub’s quality and tradition.
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy with locals and visitors alike.
- Enjoy the seasonal specials that showcase sustainable Scottish seafood and wild game.
- Pair your meal with a cask ale or one of the pub’s well-selected cocktails for a full gastropub experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The King's Wark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The King's Wark
A Storied Past on Leith's Historic Shore
The King's Wark stands as a remarkable testament to Edinburgh's rich history, with origins tracing back to 1434. Originally constructed as a royal residence, storehouse, and private armoury for King James I, the building has witnessed centuries of transformation. It has served diverse roles—from a smugglers' hut to a plague hospital, and later as a weigh house and merchant premises. The structure was rebuilt by Queen Mary of Scotland following destruction during the Hertford Invasion of 1544, preserving its royal legacy and architectural significance.Authentic Scottish Gastropub Experience
Today, The King's Wark operates as a gastropub that expertly balances traditional Scottish culinary heritage with modern flair. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a strong emphasis on wild game, sustainably caught seafood, and classic dishes like the celebrated beer-battered fish and chips. Seasonal specials and an impressive cheeseboard complement the offerings. The kitchen’s dedication to quality and presentation ensures that every dish delights, whether it’s the hearty seafood curry or the tender flat iron steak.A Welcoming Atmosphere by the Waterfront
Situated on the bustling Shore waterfront of Leith, The King's Wark offers a cosy and inviting ambiance steeped in character. The interior reflects its historic roots while providing a comfortable setting for both locals and visitors. The pub is known for its friendly service and lively yet relaxed vibe, making it a popular meeting spot. Its location offers scenic views of the water, enhancing the dining experience with a sense of place and history.Diverse Drink Selection and Local Focus
The King's Wark boasts a well-curated drinks menu featuring cask ales, cocktails, fine wines, and coffees. While the beer selection includes popular brands, the pub maintains a focus on quality and variety, catering to different tastes. The commitment to supporting local suppliers extends beyond food to the beverage offerings, reinforcing its role as a community hub that champions Scottish produce and craftsmanship.Accessibility and Amenities
The venue is wheelchair accessible and family friendly, welcoming pets as well. It offers table service, highchairs, and a full bar, ensuring comfort and convenience for diverse guests. Opening hours run from midday to late evening, with a slightly shorter schedule on Mondays. Its central location on the Shore places it within reach of other Leith attractions and Edinburgh’s city centre.Enduring Legacy and Cultural Significance
More than just a pub, The King's Wark embodies the cultural heritage of Leith and Edinburgh at large. Its walls hold stories of Scotland’s royal past and maritime history, making it a living landmark. Visitors come not only for the food and drink but to connect with a place that has been integral to the local community for nearly six centuries. This blend of history, hospitality, and gastronomy makes The King's Wark a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Scottish experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Burns Statue
0.2 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.2 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.6 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
1.5 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
1.9 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.5 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Burns Monument
2.6 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.6 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.7 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.7 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.8 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.8 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.8 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.8 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
Unmissable attractions to see
Shore
0.0 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.1 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Teuchters Landing
0.2 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Leith
0.2 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
Leith Citadel
0.3 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.5 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
The Leith Mural
0.6 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Leith Links
0.7 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.7 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.7 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Ocean Terminal
0.7 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.7 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
0.8 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a floating palace rich with royal history and stunning waterfront views.
Leith Walk
1.6 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Domenico's
0.1 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.2 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
Tapa
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.2 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.
Heron
0.2 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
The Kitchin
0.2 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.2 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
The Walnut
1.7 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
2.2 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.2 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
2.3 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Fhior
2.4 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Taisteal
2.4 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flux
0.0 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
ScotClans
0.2 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
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.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.7 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Build-A-Bear
0.7 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
The Leith collective
0.8 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.8 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.8 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.
Wee Leith Shop
1.4 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
1.8 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
2.0 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
2.1 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
2.3 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
Malt & Hops
0.0 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.1 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Three Marys
0.3 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.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.6 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.6 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.7 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Vine Bar
0.7 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
2.4 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.
Nightcap
2.7 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.7 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.8 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Cask
2.9 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.9 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Bramble Bar
2.9 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
The World's End
3.0 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
