About This Pub
Ah, The White Hart Inn—it's one of those places that just sticks with you, isn't it? Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's Grassmarket, this historic spot has been pouring pints since 1516, so you're stepping into a bit of living history every time you walk through the door. I love how it captures that old-school pub feel while still offering a solid menu of fresh food and a wide array of drinks, whether you're after a classic ale or something a tad more adventurous like a cocktail sharer for the group. The staff are genuinely welcoming, often going out of their way to make recommendations, which really adds to the warm atmosphere. On the flip side, it does get bustling, especially with the live music drawing in the crowds, so if you're after a peaceful nook, you might find yourself jostling for space or dealing with the odd rowdy group. Still, for me, the pros far outweigh the cons—it's a fantastic spot to soak up some Scottish heritage, enjoy a hearty meal, and share a laugh with friends. If you're visiting Edinburgh, I'd say it's well worth popping in for a drink or two; just keep in mind it might be a lively affair!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historic charm of The White Hart Inn is just brilliant—it's the oldest pub in Edinburgh, founded in 1516, and you can feel that rich history in every corner, making it a real treat for anyone who loves a bit of culture with their pint.
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They've got a fantastic selection of drinks, from delicious ales and cocktails to wines, perfect for unwinding after a long day or catching up with mates.
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The food is spot on—fresh, traditional pub grub with options for vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding gluten, and specials that change with the seasons to keep things exciting.
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Friendly staff who go the extra mile; one reviewer mentioned a lovely server named Alex who was brilliant with recommendations, adding a personal touch to your visit.
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It's got great facilities like being dog-friendly, family-friendly, and accessible, plus live music that creates a lively yet not overwhelming atmosphere.
Cons
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It can get a bit crowded, especially in the evenings, which might make it tricky to find a seat or have a quiet chat, as one visitor noted some noisy groups spoiling the vibe.
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While the history and atmosphere are fantastic, the spooky or haunted reputation might not appeal to everyone, potentially giving off eerie vibes that could unsettle those not into that sort of thing.
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Service, though generally good, might vary depending on how busy it is, so you could have a wait for your drinks or food during peak times.
Contact Information
32-34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
+441312262806
Pub
Opens at 11:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday (Today) | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 01:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 01:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Recent Reviews
We had a great time at The White Hart Inn, the most ancient tavern in Edinburgh! The energy was fantastic—perfect for a couples drink. My wife enjoyed a lovely glass of Merlot, while I sampled a few different ales, all of which were delicious.
The rich history of the place adds to the charm, and we can’t wait to come back to try the whisky
✨️Possibly the most haunted 👻 pub in Edinburgh. Just the city or as a whole, not sure ! We are both from Exeter in the very South of England so we have a gair few haunted pubs ourselves ! It's interior certainly gives you spooky vibes ! As soon as you walk in, even though it's filled with patrons from all over, you certainly get a feeling of the history of the place. We only stopped for drinks, again a very busy place so make sure you go early ? Or late?! Bar lady with blonde hair who served us was really lovely and made sure we got our drinks when it was super busy ! It's definitely worth a visit if you're in to your history.
Excellent pub. Live music makes a nice atmosphere - not too loud. The girls/witches next to us were annoying so we left earlier than we wouldve. Will return if we're back up this way. I'll put some salt on the doorway next time to stop them coming in. Thanks for having us.
Had a lovely meal here. Alex, a wonderful blonde lady, was fabulous at helping my friend and I pick out what to eat and drink. At the end of the night, we were joking we wish Alex would ditch her shift to hang out with us. She was great, if you have her while there, ask for her recommendations.
The pea soup and the veggie haggis were delicious. The sticky toffee was also a delight. Alex recommended to have that with custard and wouldn't you know, she was right again. I would go back.
The pea soup was phenomenal here! If you love literature and history, you will like this spot. Burns visited this very location, and it is the oldest pub in the city.
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