Deacon Brodie's Tavern

Historic Royal Mile pub channeling Deacon Brodie's Jekyll-and-Hyde legacy with cask ales, hearty pies, and Old Town buzz—perfect for ale lovers and tale seekers.

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Deacon Brodies Tavern

Nestled on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile at 435 Lawnmarket, Deacon Brodie's Tavern is a classic Nicholson’s pub blending centuries-old intrigue with lively Scottish hospitality. Named after the notorious Deacon William Brodie, whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this spot offers cozy wooden interiors, a wide array of cask ales from breweries like Stewart Brewing, hearty pub fare such as haggis, pies, fish and chips, and steak and ale pie, plus an upstairs restaurant. Open daily from 11am with extended hours on weekends, it draws locals and visitors alike for its traditional charm amid the Old Town bustle.

A brief summary to Deacon Brodies Tavern

435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT, GB
+441312256531
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 11 am-12 am
Tuesday 11 am-12 am
Wednesday 11 am-12 am
Thursday 11 am-12 am
Friday 11 am-1 am
Saturday 11 am-1 am
Sunday 11 am-12 am

Local tips

Opt for upstairs dining during busy periods; grab a buzzer at the bar for seamless table alerts.
Seek window seats on the second floor for prime Royal Mile people-watching amid Fringe festival energy.
Sample cask ales from Stewart Brewing, poured with care to highlight local brewing excellence.
Pair haggis, neeps, and tatties or a steak pie with Nicholson's Pale Ale for authentic Scottish flavors.
Visit early afternoon to beat festival rushes and savor quieter chats about Brodie's infamous escapades.

Deacon Brodies Tavern location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Deacon Brodies Tavern

Legacy of a Notorious Namesake

Deacon Brodie's Tavern stands as a tribute to William Brodie, a respected 18th-century cabinetmaker and city councillor by day, whose clandestine thieving and gambling funded his secret vices. Executed by hanging in 1788 outside the Tolbooth—near this very spot—his story of duality captivated Robert Louis Stevenson, who drew direct inspiration for his iconic novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The pub's exterior sign bears crossed keys, symbolizing the locks Brodie mastered to burgle homes, embedding the venue in Edinburgh's tapestry of dark tales.

Prime Position on the Royal Mile

Located opposite St. Giles' Cathedral and steps from Edinburgh Castle, the tavern occupies a prime stretch of the Lawnmarket section of the Royal Mile, one of Europe's most storied streets. This historic thoroughfare, once lined with merchants' booths, pulses with the energy of the Old Town, where medieval closes and wynds branch off into hidden worlds. The pub's ground-floor bar captures this vibrancy, with windows offering views of tartan-clad bagpipers and castle-bound crowds weaving through the cobbled pavement.

Interior Warmth and Pub Traditions

Step inside to find dark wood paneling, low ceilings, and snug alcoves evoking authentic Scottish pub heritage. Multiple beer taps line the bar, showcasing cask-conditioned ales alongside keg options and spirits. The atmosphere hums with conversation, the clink of glasses, and occasional live music, especially during festivals. Upstairs, a dedicated restaurant space serves fuller meals, with buzzers summoning diners from the bar during peak times—a nod to efficient high-volume service in this tourist hub.

Hearty Scottish Staples on the Menu

The kitchen delivers comforting classics rooted in Scottish tradition: steaming bowls of Scotch broth with crusty bread, neeps and tatties alongside pan-fried haggis, golden fish and chips, crofter pie, and rich steak and ale pie. Desserts like berry crumble with custard round out offerings, paired with Nicholson's Pale Ale or local whiskies. Mains hover around £15, pints £6-7, emphasizing value amid the historic setting. Vegetarian options and pies cater to diverse tastes, sustaining explorers after castle climbs or Mile meanders.

Daily Rhythm in Edinburgh's Heart

From 11am openings daily—extending to 1am Fridays and Saturdays—the tavern aligns with the Royal Mile's ceaseless flow. Quiet mornings yield to afternoon crowds of sightseers, peaking evenings with festival-goers during August's Fringe and Tattoo. Its resilience shines year-round, from winter fireside gatherings to summer pavement watching from upper-floor seats, embodying the enduring spirit of Edinburgh's pub culture.

Cultural Anchor Amid Old Town Allure

More than a pitstop, Deacon Brodie's weaves into the narrative of Edinburgh's literary and criminal lore, inviting patrons to ponder Brodie's hanged silhouette against the castle glow. Here, history quenches thirst, stories fuel appetites, and the Royal Mile's magic lingers in every pour.

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