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The pub’s story
The Hanging Bat opened on Lothian Road in 2012 and became one of Edinburgh’s early dedicated craft-beer bars. Its original model was unusually focused: several levels for different ways of drinking, small measures rather than pints, a wide rotating beer list and a brewing area visible through glass. CAMRA records the earlier name Mr Modo’s, the three-level arrangement and the small Alpha Project brewery, while contemporary coverage placed the bar’s official opening in November 2012. Northern Monk took over in June 2025; its current venue page confirms the same address, long draught list and published opening times. This is therefore a living craft-beer landmark with a clear change of ownership, not a static relic of the first craft-beer wave.
What to notice
- 01
The bar is arranged across three levels; the lower seating area is typically calmer than the entrance-level bar.
- 02
The visible brewing setup is a defining feature, but the current beer list changes constantly.
- 03
Northern Monk’s current page gives the most reliable opening times; food operators and events can change sooner.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
The premises traded as Mr Modo’s.
The Hanging Bat beer café opened on Lothian Road.
Contemporary coverage recorded the official opening period and small-measure beer focus.
CAMRA records that brewing began inside the bar on a 50-litre kit.
Northern Monk took over the venue.
CAMRA updated its pub record and exterior survey.
Sources & confidence
The operator and CAMRA agree on the current identity, three-level format and on-site Alpha Project brewery. CAMRA also records the former name, June 2025 Northern Monk takeover and a March 2026 update with current exterior. Current permanent frontage references are sufficient for a later portrait; temporary food and promotional material remain excluded.
Research reviewed
- About UsThe Hanging Batofficial
Supports2012 opening claim, brewery area and current published hours.
- Northern Monk Edinburgh: The Hanging BatNorthern Monkofficial
SupportsCurrent operator, address, draught-line range and opening times.
- Hanging Bat, EdinburghCAMRAspecialist
SupportsEarlier name, three-level layout, Alpha Project brewery, June 2025 takeover and current survey.
- Hanging BatCAMRAspecialist
Supports2012 start of brewing from within the bar.
- Quick eats and tasty treats at Edinburgh’s FestivalsThe Edinburgh Reportereditorial
SupportsContemporary description of the late-2012 opening and visible brewery area.
- The Hanging BatTime Out Edinburgheditorial
SupportsEarly independent account of the craft-beer format and small-measure policy.
