Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh: Traditional Scottish Pub
Built in 1591, the Tolbooth Tavern in Edinburgh is a traditional Scottish pub.
This medieval building was used to collect tolls from travellers entering the burgh at the Canongate.
The iconic building has also served as a council chamber, police court and prison.
The Prison was tenanted by those who suffered in the cause of liberty and many of its captives were wrongly detained and brutally treated.
In 1654, Oliver Cromwell's guard detained several Scottish enemies of the State in the building, but the Tolbooth's walls could not hold them and they made their escape using strips of blanket as rope, lowering themselves to freedom from the upper floor.
The Covenanters were also imprisoned in the Tolbooth's cells, between 1861 and 1688.
Many of the prisoners were sent to the plantations of the Caribbean for seven years hard labour.
After this period, they could return to Scotland or remain in the colony, however, before their departure all the captives were marked so they could not escape their past.
Women had their faces branded with an iron while men had an ear chopped off…
The rear section of the pub was originally built as housing c.1750 and was still used for this purpose into the early 20th century.
And while this area of the establishment is not as old as the front, many people find it the most eerie and have claimed to feel a presence.
The front area became a tavern in 1820 with the rear area following suit some 100 years later and has traded in this fashion up to the present day.
Is the pub haunted?
Apparently, the pub has an eerie atmosphere inside, for not all the spirits found in the tavern are of the alcoholic variety.
An entity allegedly concentrates its activities at the back of the pub and specialises in knocking over glasses and bottles.
However, occasionally staff have reported seeing an apparition out of their peripheral vision, with activity centred on one particular upstairs door when it is left open.
A customer allegedly reported seeing two gentlemen in ‘old-fashioned military costume.’
Who are these gentlemen? We may never know but could they possibly be the jailer James Park and his assistant who found themselves incarcerated for allowing their prisoners to escape?
Today, the pub boasts a fantastic spot along the Royal Mile where the small exterior gives way to a spacious bar and mezzanine dining area.
The Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur's Seat.
The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world.
Peppered with superb attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close or the Scottish Storytelling Centre, historical sites including St Giles' Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city.
For a glimpse of recent history, be sure to visit the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament, a striking building boasting a cutting-edge design.
The Tolbooth Tavern have fine Scottish ales, malt whiskies and gins for you to enjoy whilst their chefs serve up hearty home-cooked Scottish fayre using locally sourced produce.
The Tolbooth Tavern is centrally located on the Canongate towards the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
The pub has lovely reviews on TripAdvisor, one recent customer said: “The pub is incredibly decorative, having a gorgeous exterior with clock tower, and a beautiful carved wooden bar.
”It was exactly what we were after in the way of a quaint Edinburgh hostelry!
”Service was very friendly and attentive, we were very well looked after. The prices were also very reasonable.
”We got so comfortable I think we ended up staying for around three hours, which says a lot I think!”
Another person added: “While strolling the Royal Mile, this place looked inviting. The other half wanted to shop, so I went in to have a few beers.
“Amazing charm, friendly staff, friendly patrons. Made several new friends from across the pond while in there. Great place, what we call "a neighborhood bar" in the US. Wish I could have stayed longer.”
There is limited on-street parking and pay parking nearby.
Waverley Train Station and the tram line are just a 10-minute walk away as well as an abundance of local visitor attractions.
If you want to embrace some of Edinburgh’s dark history and immerse yourself in a spooky atmosphere, The Tolbooth Tavern is a must visit whilst in town.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: 167 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.
Don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts below!
Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.
