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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.

Pub Sign
Pub Sign
Looking Towards the Front Door
Looking Towards the Front Door
Bar and Rear of the Main Room
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!)

Carving Over Front Door
Carving Over Front Door

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.

Information 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 Tues, 9pm, Andrew Gordon, traditional & contemporary Scottish Music
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.
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