Edinburgh Pub Guide: Halfway House

Halfway House

The Halfway House is found halfway down Fleshmarket Close, the long flight of stone stairs that rise from almost opposite the Market Street entrance to Waverley Station up to Cockburn Street.

Looking Towards the Rear of the Pub

Interior and Bar

Pub Sign

Halfway Up Fleshmarket Close

There are now very few "free houses" (pubs not tied to any particular brewery) in Edinburgh' s Old Town, and the Halfway House is one of them. The result is a changing menu of superbly kept real ales: one reason why the Halfway House was Edinburgh CAMRA's Pub of the Year, 2005. CAMRA members who have their membership cards with them have an added incentive to visit: 50p off their first pint.

There has been a tavern on the site of the Halfway House for centuries. It originally served the workers in the Fleshmarket, Edinburgh's slaughterhouse. Later it served those employed in the umbrella factory which was set up in Fleshmarket Close.

Address: 24 Fleshmarket Close, EH1 1BX
Telephone: 0131 225 7101
Web address: www.halfwayhouse-edinburgh.com
Opening hours, normal: 11.00am to 11.30pm
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 11.30pm
Real ales: 4 cask ales all of the time
Whisky choice: A good selection of malt whiskies is available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: Specialise in dishes like Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Stovies and Cullen Skink
Food service times: From opening time to closing
Music: Jukebox
Policy on children's access: Children are welcome, but only if space allows
Disabled access: There are many steps on Fleshmarket Close making access very difficult
Clientele: Regulars, tourists, beer lovers
Other attractions: CAMRA Pub of the Year 2005. Card carrying CAMRA members get 50p off first pint
Features in: Good Beer Guide 2007; Good Beer Guide 2006; CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)