All routesHeritage interiors

Grand Interiors: Gilding to Gaslight

Five pubs show how Edinburgh drinking rooms changed from large Victorian interiors to smaller Old Town bars. Take time to look at the rooms as well as the route.

5 stopsAround 2½ hoursWalking routeAbout 2.5 km on foot
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Pub anchor Walking leg

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The route, in order

5 stops

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  1. 1
    Pub anchor
    New Town

    Café Royal

    19 West Register Street, Edinburgh

    Start with a show-stopping historic interior.

    Walk to the next place

    The Guildford Arms is steps away in the same building.

  2. 2
    Pub anchor
    New Town

    The Guildford Arms

    1 West Register Street, Edinburgh

    A second, deliberately contrasting room in the same historic building.

    Walk to the next place

    Walk west through the New Town.

  3. 3
    Pub anchor
    New Town

    Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant

    3-5 Rose Street, Edinburgh

    A New Town classic before descending into the Old Town.

    Walk to the next place

    Head south-west into the Old Town; allow time for slopes and cobbles.

  4. 4
    Pub anchor
    Old Town

    The Jolly Judge

    7 James Court, accessed from 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh

    A tucked-away close-side stop with a more intimate mood.

    Walk to the next place

    Continue toward Tollcross for the finish.

  5. 5
    Pub anchor
    Tollcross

    Bennets Bar

    8 Leven Street, Edinburgh

    Finish in Tollcross with another well-loved traditional interior.