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.
| |
Carving Over Front
Door |
Looking
Towards the Front Door |
Bar and Rear of
the Main Room |
|
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!)
Pub Sign |
The White Hart is 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.
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.
Address: 34 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
Telephone: 0131 226 2806
Opening hours, normal: 11.00am to 12.00 midnight
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: 11.00am to
1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 12.00
midnight
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA
& 80/-; Seasonal guest beer
Whisky choice:
A choice of more than 20 malt whiskies is always available
Cocktails: Made on request
Hot
drinks: Tea, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: A nice blend of traditional Scottish and modern
favourites - good pub grub (light bites and main meals - good puddings!)
Food service times: From opening time to 9.00pm,
though food service may end at 7.45pm during the quieter winter months
Music: Every Sunday, 9pm, Graeme E. Pearson plays guitar
and banjo
Live folk, rock, blues and country musicians most nights
Policy on children's access: No children's
license
Disabled access: Access is straight into
the pub, but The White Hart Inn has no special facilities for disabled
visitors
Clientele: A nice mix of tourists and
locals - relaxed atmosphere
Outdoor seating:
Tables on the pavement in Grassmarket
Other
attractions: Oldest pub in Edinburgh and voted Edinburgh's Most Haunted
Pub 2005
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE
Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
If there is anything above that needs updating, please
let us know.
