Very busy, traditional pub on the Royal Mile, popular with tourists and locals. The décor narrates the story of local villain William Brodie, the real life inspiration behind Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, who was born and hanged nearby. The decorative wooden ceiling is of interest. The changing real ales are usually from smaller breweries, some not often found in Edinburgh. An upstairs restaurant provides more space for diners. Children are only allowed in the restaurant until 8pm.
One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest
Listed status: A
Although this famous pub of 1894 has been much altered inside, it retains its mirrored timber gantry and pilastered bar counter. Note also the two early 19th century engravings and the ornate painted ceiling, exposed during renovations in the 1980s.
In an early 18th century five storey tenement situated on the Royal Mile, this pub was one of prolific local architect P L Henderson’s early pubs designed in 1894. Although two snugs and the jug & bottle have been lost it retains its original mirrored timber gantry and pilastered timber bar counter. During renovations in the late 1980s two early 19th century engravings and an ornately decorated compartmented ceiling with painted plasterwork of thistles and red rose motifs were exposed. One of the engravings is of High Street from the head of West Bow, Lawnmarket, by Leitch; the other is of St Giles Cathedral, County Hall & Lawnmarket, High Street, by Shepherd. Ornate high ceiling.
Alterations were made by Robert Hurd 1950 particularly to the stair to east of rear wing. There is a stained glass window with Gaelic motto to stair. The former sitting room / Women’s Bar upstairs is now a dining room.
This Pub serves 2 changing beers (usually from smaller breweries) and 3 regular beers.
Deacon Brodies Tavern, Edinburgh
Source: National
Introduction This guide describes the 116 pubs identified by CAMRA as having interiors of national or regional historic or architectural importance, plus a further 24 whose interiors are of some regional interest. Scotland has over 4000 pubs so why do...