Edinburgh Pub Guide: The Jolly Judge

The Jolly Judge

The Jolly Judge can be found in James Court, one of the many tiny closes that turn Edinburgh's Old Town into such a warren. There's a sign for the pub at the entrance to the close and from here you wander through to an area that might be a million miles from the crowded Lawnmarket you've just left behind you.

Interior and Bar Interior

The Jolly Judge is a cellar bar accessed down a flight of stairs. The exposed beams and attractive decor make this a comfortable place which can boast a real fire in winter. Until the completion of the Scottish Parliament building, meetings were held close to the Jolly Judge and this became a hotbed of political intrigue: the pub being especially popular because mobile phone reception is not very good.

Pub Sign

Things have changed. Scotland's politicians have moved to the other side of the city centre. And the Jolly Judge has entered the information revolution: customers can freely access the Jolly Judge's broadband Internet connection from a wireless enabled laptop or PDA.

Address: 7a James Court, EH1 2PB
Telephone: 0131 225 2669
Web address: www.jollyjudge.co.uk
Email address: thejudge@jollyjudge.co.uk
Opening hours, Monday to Thursday: 12.00 midday to 11.00pm
Opening hours, Friday and Saturday: 12.00 midday to 12.00 midnight
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30 to 11.00pm
Real ales: 2 guest beers
Whisky choice: A selection of 20-30 malt whiskies always available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees, hot toddies etc
Food: Pub lunches
Food service times: From opening time to 2.00pm
Music: Live music on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays every month when opening is extended to 12.00 midnight
Policy on children's access: No children's license
Disabled access: Poor
Clientele: Tourists, locals, journalists and court workers
Outdoor seating: Tables in James Court all year
Other attractions: Monday night is quiz night when opening is extended to 12.00 midnight. The Jolly Judge offers wireless Internet access
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
If there is anything above that needs updating, please let us know.