Edinburgh Pub Guide: Arcade

Arcade from Cockburn Street

The Arcade sits unassumingly on Cockburn Street almost opposite the upper end of Fleshmarket Close. The stone-floored Public Bar is accessed via the front door opening onto Cockburn Street, while the first floor Lounge and dining area is entered from Jackson's Close, which runs up the side of the Arcade.

The Bar Looking Towards the Door The Downstairs Bar

The Arcade was previously known as Jim's Inn. It achieved some fame as one of the first pubs in Edinburgh allowed to open all day: until then they all closed between 2.30pm and 5.00pm every day.

Pub Sign

Accounts differ as to whether Jim's Inn was chosen by the City Council to be one of the first because they thought it was likely to prove the experiment a failure - or because its location was very convenient for the councillors! Either way, afternoon closing is now just a footnote in history.

Until we have completed the process of contacting all the pubs featured in this guide there are likely to remain gaps in the info below. In the meantime if you are able to help us fill any gaps, please let us know.

Address: 48 Cockburn Street, EH1 1PB
Telephone: 0131 220 1297
Web address: None
Opening hours, normal: 9.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 1.00am
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA; Courage Directors
Whisky choice:
Cocktails:
Hot drinks:
Food:
Food service times: Meals served all day until 9.00pm
Music:
Policy on children's access: In upstairs lounge until 9.00pm
Disabled access:
Clientele: Locals and some passing tourists
Outdoor seating: No
Other attractions:
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)