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The pub’s story
The Black Bull at 12 Grassmarket is a present-day sports and live-music pub, but its address has a longer documented licensed history. Historic Environment Scotland’s archive catalogue labels nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century images of No. 12 “The Black Bull Inn”; that supports the name’s presence, not an unbroken business or unchanged interior. The current Signature Pubs venue is deliberately different in emphasis: eight screens, electric darts, Edinburgh Rugby away-match viewing, a Thursday quiz and seasonal music. CAMRA records an L-shaped bar with small mezzanines and memorabilia, including material linked to the defunct T&J Bernard brewery. The Council’s current register confirms the licensed premises at No. 12. Treat it as a lively event stop that happens to retain an older name, rather than a preserved historic pub.
What to notice
- 01
The archive supports an older Black Bull name at No. 12, not an unbroken business or a preserved interior.
- 02
This is an event-led stop: sport dominates, the quiz is Thursday, and CAMRA notes music can be lively. Check the programme if that matters.
- 03
Official hours are 11:00-01:00 daily; CAMRA notes reduced hours can apply in quieter months, so check before a late trip.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
Edinburgh World Heritage traces the Grassmarket’s origins to the medieval period; this is area history, not a founding date for the present venue.
Historic Environment Scotland’s archive catalogue includes a view of No. 12 Grassmarket labelled The Black Bull Inn, documenting the historic name at the address.
The same archive catalogue includes a photograph described as the front elevation of No. 12 The Black Bull, recording the address’s later appearance.
CAMRA published an exterior record of the Black Bull at 12 Grassmarket.
CAMRA’s current record was last surveyed on this date, documenting the L-shaped bar, mezzanines, memorabilia and screens.
CAMRA last updated the venue record, noting seasonal variation in opening and current sports, music and quiz details.
The Signature Pubs operator and Council register list the current licensed Black Bull at 12 Grassmarket; official hours are 11:00-01:00 daily.
Sources & confidence
The official venue pages support current address, daily hours, food service and sport/music/quiz/electric-darts offer. CAMRA provides corroborating specialist details including cask beer, pavement seating and programmed music. No historical building claim is made.
Research reviewed
- Edinburgh, 12 Grassmarket, The Black Bull InnHistoric Environment Scotland / Trovearchive
SupportsArchive catalogue record for No. 12 as a public house or inn, including images labelled The Black Bull Inn from 1870 and 1900; it does not prove uninterrupted trading.
- The Black BullThe Black Bull / Signature Pubsofficial
SupportsCurrent 12 Grassmarket identity, eight-screen sports focus, Edinburgh Rugby away-match hub status, electric darts, quiz and seasonal music programme.
- Opening HoursThe Black Bull / Signature Pubsofficial
SupportsCurrent official address and daily 11:00-01:00 bar hours with 11:30-22:00 kitchen hours.
- Black Bull {Grassmarket}, EdinburghCampaign for Real Alespecialist
SupportsL-shaped bar, two small mezzanines, T&J Bernard memorabilia, screens, seasonal-opening caveat, quiz and live-music notes.
- Licensed Premises RegisterCity of Edinburgh Councilgovernment
SupportsCurrent licensed-premises entry for Black Bull, Signature Pubs Ltd, 12 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU.
- The GrassmarketEdinburgh World Heritageheritage
SupportsIndependent context for the Grassmarket’s medieval origins, historic market role and present cultural life.
