Edinburgh Pub Guide: The White Hart Inn

The White Hart Inn

The White Hart Inn is one of the six pubs that between them almost line the north side of Edinburgh's Grassmarket. Externally it is remarkably imposing with its attractive green decor, hanging baskets and pavement seating or "sitooterie".

Carving Over Front Door Looking Towards the Front Door

The front door is nothing short of monumental, being topped off by a collection of extravagant features including an impressive carving of a white hart, though it has to be said, one whose yellow eyes make it look remarkably demonic! The name dates back to an incident in 1128 when King David I encountered a white stag while hunting in what is now Holyrood Park.

Pub Sign

The White Hart is central Edinburgh's oldest pub, and parts (mostly the cellar) date back to 1516. Much of the rest of the building can be dated back to 1740. And Robert Burns is rumoured to have stayed here on his last visit to Edinburgh in 1791. In 2005 the White Hart was voted "Edinburgh's most haunted pub". It's not clear whether this was based on a poll of customers or ghosts.

The interior of the White Hart is somehow smaller than you expect from outside, forming an attractive L-shaped room around a corner bar. The wooden floor matches the wooden beams in the ceiling and between them is lots of wooden furniture, all well lit during the day by the windows that line the front of the pub.

A choice of well kept real ales is available, and a range of malt whiskies are on offer. The food comprises a nice blend of traditional Scottish and modern favourites which might be summarised as "good pub grub". Clientele is very mixed, and the atmosphere is relaxed during the week. At weekends it can become more crowded, as the White Hart is on the stag and hen party route along the Grassmarket.

Bar and Rear of the Main Room