Leith Walk is one of Edinburgh’s best streets for an evening out, with traditional locals, craft beer bars, whisky specialists and relaxed neighbourhood hangouts spread from Elm Row to the Foot of the Walk. The variety is the attraction, whether you want cask ale, wine, pizza or a serious whisky list.
Getting There
From Ben Cruachan Guest House and Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios, 17 and 21 McDonald Road: The upper part of Leith Walk is only a short stroll away. The pubs around Elm Row are generally 5 to 12 minutes on foot, while venues farther down the Walk can take up to 25 minutes. For the lower section, take the tram from McDonald Road to Balfour Street or Foot of the Walk.
From Caledonian Apartments, Caledonian Crescent: Walk to Haymarket tram stop and take a Newhaven-bound tram. Use Picardy Place or McDonald Road for Elm Row and the upper Walk, Balfour Street for Victoria, and Foot of the Walk for Brass Monkey. Allow roughly 25 to 40 minutes in total.
Pubs & Bars
The Brunswick Book Club: A spacious neighbourhood pub and restaurant with comfort food, cold beer, live local artists and regular quiz nights.
Nótt: A relaxed wine and coffee bar with cheese, charcuterie, antipasti and meze boards designed for sharing.
The Joker & The Thief: A friendly Elm Row pub with rotating local beer, cask ale, pizza from nearby Origano and a busy programme of weekly events.
The Windsor: A traditional Elm Row local with cask ales, speciality spirits and a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere.
Jeremiah’s Taproom: A lively craft beer pub with 19 taps, bottled beers, burgers, cocktails, music and a Sunday quiz.
Joseph Pearce: A historic Elm Row neighbourhood pub, refreshed in 2026 with pub favourites, craft beer, wine, cocktails, quizzes and live music.
Victoria: A welcoming Leith Walk bar built around good drinks, lively conversation, regular events and an easy local atmosphere.
Brass Monkey Leith: The original Brass Monkey home, with 18 keg and cask lines, a focused bar menu and regular events.
The Mother Superior: An atmospheric independent whisky bar also serving cocktails, local beer and food in an intimate gothic interior.
Opening hours, food service and event listings can change, so check with each venue before setting out.
Image credits: Tram on Leith Walk by Richard Webb, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Robbie’s Bar on Leith Walk by Brian McNeil, licensed under CC BY 3.0. The lead image has been cropped or resized.