Edinburgh Pub Guide: Tolbooth Tavern

Tolbooth Tavern

There cannot be a more imposing location anywhere for a pub than the location of the Tolbooth Tavern. The Tolbooth was the administrative focus, the tax-collection point, the council chamber, the court and the jail for the burgh of Canongate, which lay ouside Edinburgh at the time.

The Tolbooth Pub Sign

Although the Tolbooth was built in 1591, the Tolbooth Tavern has occupied part of it since 1820. The whole Tolbooth was extensively restored in 1879 and the appearance it has today can be dated back to then.

Interior from the Front

Looking Towards the Front Door

Rear of the Tolbooth Tavern

From the outside the Tolbooth Tavern appears quite small. Internally it opens out and stretches right back through the body of the Tolbooth and into an area originally built as housing in about 1750. This rear part of the tavern tends to be used primarily for dining: and it is also here that you are most likey to feel the effects of the tavern's resident ghost, who excels in knocking things over. There is also a function room on the first floor.

Address: 167 Canongate, EH8 8BN
Telephone: 0131 556 5348
Opening hours, Monday to Wednesday: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Opening hours, Friday: 11.00am to 12.00 midnight
Opening hours, Saturday: 11.00am to 11.45pm
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 11.00pm
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 80/-
Whisky choice: A choice of malt whiskies is available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea and coffee during the day
Food: Traditional pub food
Food service times: During the day time
Music: Background music is played
Policy on children's access: No children's license
Disabled access: Not good
Clientele: Locals and tourists
Outdoor seating: No
Other attractions: The Tollbooth Tavern has a resident ghost
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