Tolbooth Tavern

Historic Royal Mile pub blending 400 years of Scottish history with authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
Tolbooth Tavern

A historic Scottish pub established in 1820 on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, housed within the original Canongate Tolbooth building dating to 1591. Serving authentic Scottish cuisine featuring hand-battered fish and chips, steaks, and traditional dishes like Cullen skink and haggis, complemented by an extensive selection of Scottish ales, whiskies, and gins. The atmospheric venue blends medieval history with warm hospitality, offering both casual dining and private event spaces across its characterful bar and mezzanine areas.

A brief summary to Tolbooth Tavern

167 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN, GB
+441315571333
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 12 pm-11 pm
Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
Friday 12 pm-11 pm
Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
Sunday 12 pm-11 pm

Local tips

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends. Walk-in guests may face waits of 40 minutes or longer, though the first-come, first-served seating process is orderly and transparent.
Food service ends at 9 PM; bookings after this time are for drinks only. Last kitchen orders must be placed by 9 PM, with final bar orders 15 minutes before closing.
Explore the rear section of the pub for its atmospheric character and reported spectral presence—many visitors find this area the most evocative of the building's haunted history.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar area, making it an excellent choice for travellers with canine companions exploring the Royal Mile.
The tavern offers festive dining packages during December and special Hogmanay celebrations on New Year's Eve, featuring curated menus and optional whisky tastings.

Tolbooth Tavern location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Tolbooth Tavern

A Building Steeped in Scottish History

The Tolbooth Tavern occupies the ground floor of the original Canongate Tolbooth, a medieval structure erected in 1591 to collect tolls from travellers entering Edinburgh's burgh. This imposing building served multiple roles throughout its centuries—functioning as a Council Chamber, Police Court, and Prison before its transformation into a tavern in 1820. The front section became a public house that year, while the rear section, originally constructed as residential housing around 1750, transitioned to hospitality use approximately a century later. Today, the tavern preserves the character and gravitas of its remarkable past while offering contemporary dining and drinking experiences.

Tales of Escape and Imprisonment

The Tolbooth's walls witnessed dramatic historical events that continue to fascinate visitors. In 1654, Oliver Cromwell's guard detained Scottish enemies of the State within these very cells, yet the building's security proved insufficient—prisoners famously escaped by fashioning rope from blanket strips and lowering themselves from the upper floors to freedom. The Covenanters, religious prisoners of conscience, were also held here between 1661 and 1688, many subsequently transported to Caribbean plantations for seven years of hard labour. Those who survived and chose to return were brutally marked—women branded on the face, men with an ear severed—ensuring their past could never be escaped. A suspected warlock is said to have been exorcised within these walls by Sir Lewis Bellenden, the lay successor to the Abbots of Holyrood, with the terrified individual reportedly dying shortly after the fierce preacher's intervention.

Atmospheric Spaces and Spectral Presence

The rear section of the pub, though less ancient than the front, has earned a reputation as the most eerie area of the establishment. Many visitors and staff have reported sensing an unexplained presence in this space, contributing to the tavern's mystique as a location where Edinburgh's dark history seems almost tangible. The contrast between the bustling bar atmosphere and the quieter, more atmospheric rear rooms creates a compelling environment for those drawn to the city's haunted heritage. The building's thick stone walls and period features serve as constant reminders of centuries past.

Authentic Scottish Cuisine and Hospitality

The tavern's kitchen celebrates Scottish culinary traditions using locally sourced produce and time-honoured recipes. House specialities include Cullen skink, a traditional smoked haddock soup; hand-battered Scottish fish and chips with tartare sauce; and the signature Tolbooth steak and sausage pie. The menu features prime Scotch beef steaks, macaroni cheese made with four Scottish cheeses, and seasonal vegetable accompaniments. Haggis appears in multiple forms—as croquettes with whisky cream sauce, in panko-crusted cakes, and within traditional pies. Starters showcase Scottish ingredients: smoked salmon with oatcakes, warm black pudding salad with pancetta, and mushrooms in garlic cream sauce. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie with whisky cream, and cranachan, the classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whisky, cream, and oats.

Whisky, Ales, and Scottish Spirits

The tavern maintains an extensive collection of Scottish malt whiskies and gins, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore Scotland's distilling heritage. Curated whisky flights provide guided tastings for those seeking to deepen their appreciation. The bar stocks fine Scottish ales and a selection of draught beers, ciders, wines, and premium spirits. This commitment to Scottish beverages reflects the establishment's dedication to authentic hospitality and regional character.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on the Canongate towards the lower section of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Tolbooth Tavern occupies a prime position within the city's historic heart. Waverley Train Station and the tram line are approximately a 10-minute walk away, with numerous visitor attractions in close proximity. Limited on-street parking is available, with additional pay parking nearby. The venue accommodates groups of up to 60 for exclusive use, making it suitable for private celebrations, office parties, and festive gatherings. The small exterior belies a spacious interior featuring a bar area and mezzanine dining level.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Canongate Kirk

0.0 km

Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Canongate Kirk, a must-visit Presbyterian church in the heart of Edinburgh's vibrant Canongate area.

Robert Fergusson Statue

0.1 km

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.

Burns Monument

0.3 km

Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.

Regent Rd

0.3 km

Explore the historic charm and vibrant culture of Edinburgh, where every street tells a story and adventure awaits around every corner.

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust

0.3 km

Explore the literary heart of Edinburgh at the UNESCO City of Literature Trust, a treasure trove of exhibitions and literary heritage.

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust

White Horse Close

0.3 km

Experience the historical allure of White Horse Close in Edinburgh, a charming alleyway filled with stories and rich Scottish heritage.

Wellhead at John Knox House

0.3 km

Discover the medieval charm and Reformation history embodied by the Wellhead at John Knox House on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile.

Monument to the Scottish Parliament

0.3 km

Discover the Monument to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, a stunning architectural tribute to Scotland's democratic heritage amidst beautiful landscapes.

Martyrs of Reform Monument

0.4 km

A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.

Dugald Stewart Monument

0.4 km

A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.

Queen Mary's Bath House

0.4 km

A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Old Calton Cemetery

0.4 km

Discover the historical significance and serene beauty of Old Calton Cemetery, a must-visit landmark in Edinburgh's rich heritage.

Scottish-American Soldiers Monument

0.4 km

A unique Edinburgh monument honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic bonds.

Heritage of Edinburgh

0.5 km

Discover authentic Scottish souvenirs, clothing, and gifts at Heritage of Edinburgh, a must-visit shop for tourists seeking a piece of Scotland.

Waterloo Pl

0.5 km

Explore the architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Waterloo Place, Edinburgh's notable street rich in history and culture.

Unmissable attractions to see