Beehive Inn, Stirling Travel Guide

Free Guide: Historic Edinburgh pub in Grassmarket offering hearty Scottish fare, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere in a vibrant Old Town setting.

A brief summary of Beehive Inn

Historic Edinburgh pub in Grassmarket offering hearty Scottish fare, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere in a vibrant Old Town setting.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s lively Grassmarket, the Beehive Inn is a popular pub and restaurant known for its warm atmosphere, hearty Scottish fare, and vibrant live entertainment. With an upstairs dining area and a rear beer garden, it offers a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy traditional dishes, drinks, and comedy shows, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.1 Very good · 2,850 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon11:30 am–12 am
  • Tue11:30 am–10 pm
  • Wed11:30 am–9 pm
  • Thu11:30 am–12 am
  • Fri11:30 am–1 am
  • Sat11:30 am–1 am
  • Sun11:30 am–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take Lothian Buses routes 10, 11, or 16 from Edinburgh city centre, which stop near Grassmarket. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes with frequent services. A single ticket costs around £1.80.

Tram and Walk

Use the Edinburgh Trams to Princes Street stop, then enjoy a 10-minute walk downhill to Grassmarket. The tram ride from the airport or city centre costs about £6, and walking offers scenic views.

Taxi

Taxis from Edinburgh city centre to the Beehive Inn take around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £6-£10. Taxi ranks are available throughout the city.

Walking

From Edinburgh city centre, a 15-20 minute walk through the Old Town brings you to Grassmarket. The route is mostly paved but includes some cobblestones; suitable for most walkers.

Discover more about Beehive Inn

A Historic Gathering Place in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

The Beehive Inn sits prominently at 18-20 Grassmarket, a historic market square in Edinburgh’s Old Town. This area has long been a social hub, and the pub continues that tradition with its bustling, convivial atmosphere. The building itself blends seamlessly with the medieval character of the surrounding streets, offering visitors a genuine taste of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Warm Ambience and Traditional Scottish Fare

Inside, the Beehive Inn combines the charm of a classic Scottish pub with the comforts of a modern restaurant. The menu features hearty dishes such as fish and chips, steak, and local specialties, alongside vegetarian options. The food is known for its good value and quick service, making it a favored spot for casual meals. The rear beer garden provides a relaxed outdoor space, perfect for enjoying a pint in warmer months.

Live Entertainment and Cultural Events

The Beehive Inn is renowned for its lively entertainment, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe when it hosts the Scottish Comedy Award shows. The venue’s upstairs restaurant and bar areas often feature live music and comedy nights, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. This makes it a cultural hotspot as well as a dining destination.

Community and Visitor Experience

The pub is popular with both locals and tourists, offering friendly service and a welcoming vibe. While the live music and events add to the excitement, they can sometimes be loud, which may affect those seeking a quieter dining experience. Nonetheless, the Beehive Inn remains a go-to place for those wanting to immerse themselves in Edinburgh’s vibrant social scene.

Location and Surroundings

Situated in the heart of the Grassmarket, the Beehive Inn is surrounded by historic landmarks, shops, and other eateries. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, with easy access to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The pub’s outdoor seating offers scenic views of the bustling square, enhancing the overall experience.

Practical Information and Visitor Tips

The Beehive Inn operates daily with extended hours on weekends, serving food from late morning until after midnight. It is moderately priced, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Booking ahead is advisable during festival seasons due to high demand. The pub is family-friendly and offers vegetarian options, ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse guests.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 7am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 60% of the busiest month
  5. May: 70% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 80% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 90% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 70% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 50% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 60% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 7am: 20% of the busiest hour
  5. 8am: 30% of the busiest hour
  6. 9am: 40% of the busiest hour
  7. 10am: 50% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  19. 10pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 40% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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