Edinburgh Pub Guide: Dirty Dick's

Dirty Dick's and Rose Street

This very traditional looking pub near the west end of Rose Street was established in 1859 and is thought to be on the site of an even older ale house.

Managed by the same company that runs the nearby Bad Ass (and Clever Dick's on the Royal Mile) the interior is a remarkable venture into a time gone by, with pewter tankards and a huge collection of bric a brac dating back to the 1850s adorning every wall and much of the ceiling.

Pub Sign

The Exterior

The pub name comes from a gentleman in the 1850s who made his living by cleaning up horse dung from the streets of Edinburgh and selling it for manure. Tradition suggests that he would rest in his labours towards the west end of Rose Street and would be offered hospitality in the establishment that now carries his name. A hard life and grinding poverty eventually took their toll on Dirty Dick, as he was known: so he never found out that relatives were trying to trace him because he had been left a legacy by the mother who gave him away as a baby.

Interior from the Front of the Pub

Looking Towards the Front Door

Address: 159 Rose Street, EH2 4LS
Telephone: 0131 225 4610
Web address: www.belowthebeltfoodco.com
Email address: info@dirtydicksbar.com
Opening hours, normal: 11.00am to 12.00 midnight
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 11.30pm to 12.00 midnight
Real ales: Yes. 2 from a rotation of between 12 and 20 real ales always available
Whisky choice: A large range of malt whiskies is available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: Traditional pub food with a classy edge
Food service times: 11.00am to 11.00pm daily except on Sunday when food service starts at 11.30pm
Music: Music provided by internal CD system
Policy on children's access: Children welcome until 9.00pm
Disabled access: Access straightforward as there are no steps
Clientele: All ages, including a good mix of tourists and locals
Outdoor seating: During the summer months
Other attractions: This is a sophisticated pub with a great family feel
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
If there is anything above that needs updating, please let us know.