The World's End (Royal Mile, Edinburgh)
A snug, centuries‑stitched Royal Mile pub where Flodden Wall stone, local ales and hearty Scottish plates meet old‑town atmosphere.
A compact, centuries‑old pub set into Edinburgh’s Royal Mile where a stretch of the city’s medieval Flodden Wall forms part of the fabric; The World's End serves traditional Scottish pub fare, local ales and whiskies in a snug, intimate interior that blends historic stonework, low ceilings and lively music nights — an atmospheric stop for history‑minded drinkers and diners in the Old Town.
A brief summary to The World's End
- 2-8 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB, GB
- +441315563628
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-1 am
- Saturday 11 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Expect tight seating and limited tables; earlier evenings are best for dining as the small kitchen can close earlier than bar service.
- Try a local cask ale or a single‑malt dram to appreciate the pub’s focus on regional beverages.
- If you want food, arrive before typical kitchen closing time to avoid disappointment — the dining area is small and fills quickly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram or Bus from city centre
Public tram or local bus services from central Edinburgh to the Old Town area: journey times typically range 5–15 minutes depending on starting point and service frequency; services run frequently but can be crowded during festivals and peak commuter hours; single fares generally cost between £1.80–£2.50 (GBP) per person for short inner‑city trips with contactless payment accepted.
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Walking from nearby attractions
Walk from nearby Old Town points such as the Castle or Holyrood: on foot allow 10–25 minutes depending on pace; terrain is cobbled and can be uneven with steps in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended and mobility constraints should be considered.
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Taxi or Ride‑hail
Licensed taxi or ride‑hail services from central locations typically take 5–15 minutes outside peak times; fares vary by time and demand but expect approximately £6–£12 (GBP) from central points; note that drop‑off on the narrow High Street may be restricted and kerbside access can be limited during busy festival periods.
The World's End location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The World's End
Anatomy of an old town hostelry
The World's End occupies a tight footprint on the Royal Mile where its exterior wall is physically integrated with a surviving section of Edinburgh’s Flodden Wall, giving the building a literal connection to the city’s 16th‑century defences. The frontage is painted in a recognisable, traditional palette and brass cobbles in the street mark the historic line of the city gates once located here. Inside, compact rooms, low beams and stone details create a compact, intimate atmosphere that still reads as essentially a neighbourhood pub despite the steady stream of passersby.Food, drink and the traditional programme
The kitchen focuses on hearty Scottish pub dishes — think fish and chips, steak and ale pie and classics such as Cullen skink — served alongside a range of cask ales and a curated selection of malt whiskies. Portions and menu choices favour comfort and familiarity rather than culinary experimentation, and service flows between the small dining area and the bar. The bar stakes its character on locally brewed beers and an approachable whisky list, making it a simple stop for a substantial meal or an easy pint during a walk of the Royal Mile.Acoustic life and nightly rhythm
Despite its modest size, The World's End stages live music on many weekends, which animates the pub after dusk and draws a mix of locals and visitors. The low ceilings and compact rooms intensify the sound, so evenings feel lively and convivial rather than polished; the pub’s layout encourages close tableside conversation and direct interaction with bar staff. The overall mood is rustic and bustling rather than tranquil — the sort of friendly noise that suits traditional folk tunes and singalong sets.Built fabric and historical echoes
Architectural features — coursed stone, narrow windows and a worn timber bar — are reminders of layered uses over centuries: the property has hosted a variety of trades before settling into its present identity as a pub. The wall section that once formed part of the city defences is a subtle museum piece built into everyday life here; brass inlays and plaques outside help link the building to the larger story of the Old Town’s medieval boundaries.Practical character and constraints
Space at The World's End is limited: seating is compact and the dining room is small, so the experience is inevitably one of cozy proximity to fellow patrons. The layout also means accessibility can be constrained in places where older thresholds and narrow passages remain; the pub’s character arises from that historic tightness, but it is a practical consideration for anyone needing step‑free access or wide circulation.Who this place suits and why
The World's End is best for travellers who want an atmospheric, traditional Scottish pub encounter in the heart of the Old Town: those drawn to historic fabric, unfussy hearty food and a strong local beer list. Its intimate scale makes it well suited to solo diners looking for a friendly bar seat, couples who enjoy snug interiors and whisky enthusiasts wanting a straightforward tasting environment. The building wears its history visibly — it’s less about polished dining theatre and more about an immediate, lived‑in slice of Edinburgh’s past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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North Bridge
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Robert Fergusson Statue
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Little Fish Tours
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Museum of Childhood
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Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft Ltd
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The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches
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St. Patrick
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Wee Ecosse - visites guidées en français à Edimbourg
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Royal Mile Tavern
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St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
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The Fudge House of Edinburgh
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Tron Kirk Market
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Essential places to dine
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Howies Restaurant
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Angels with Bagpipes
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Duck & Waffle
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The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Wee Gift Shop
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The Scotland Shop
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Prestige Scotland Kilt Maker & Souvenir Shop
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The Enchanted Galaxy
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The Wyrd Shop
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Fringe Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Whistlebinkies
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The Banshee Labyrinth
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Captain's Bar
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The Voodoo Rooms
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Liquid Room
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Lulu Bar and Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
