The Kings Wark built in 1434 was originally designed as a Royal residence, store house and private armoury for James I. It has also served as a smugglers hut, plague hospital, weigh house and a retail and wine merchant. It was rebuilt by Queen Mary of Scotland after being mostly destroyed in the Hertford Invasion in 1544.The Kings Wark built in 1434 was originally designed as a Royal residence, store house and private armoury for James I. It has also served as a smugglers hut, plague hospital, weigh house and a retail and wine merchant. It was rebuilt by Queen Mary of Scotland after being mostly destroyed in the Hertford Invasion in 1544.
The Kings Wark built in 1434 was originally designed as a Royal residence, store house and private armoury for James I. It has also served as a smugglers hut, plague hospital, weigh house and a retail and wine merchant. It was rebuilt by Queen Mary of Scotland after being mostly destroyed in the Hertford Invasion in 1544.

Edinburgh pubs: 10 of the oldest pubs in Leith including Kings Wark and the Central Bar

Leith has plenty old bars that are rich in history and full of character.
By Jolene Campbell
Published 26th Nov 2023, 04:45 BST

Leith is packed with places to enjoy a tipple or two and many pubs steeped in history just like the historic old port itself.

The ever-changing area has seen an explosion in new swanky wine, cocktail and craft beer bars and gastropubs in recent years. But while much has been written about the ‘gentrification’ of Leith, old boozers are still a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Here’s ten of the oldest pubs from the infamous Port of Leith to the impressive Old Chain Pier, the only pub in the city on seafront boasting panoramic views out to Fife across the Firth of Forth.

Here’s ten of the oldest pubs from the infamous Port of Leith to the impressive Old Chain Pier, the only pub in the city on seafront boasting panoramic views out to Fife across the Firth of Forth.

Nobles bar is one Leith’s most iconic drinking dens,. The old revamped Victorian hostelry has ornate stained glass windows and one of the most impressive mahogany bars in Edinburgh. Food here includes all the usual pub staples but there's also posh nosh. Nobles does one of the best fry ups in the Capital. Great beers too and the Black Isle Brewery produces Nobles IPA especially for the bar.

9. Nobles

Nobles bar is one Leith’s most iconic drinking dens,. The old revamped Victorian hostelry has ornate stained glass windows and one of the most impressive mahogany bars in Edinburgh. Food here includes all the usual pub staples but there's also posh nosh. Nobles does one of the best fry ups in the Capital. Great beers too and the Black Isle Brewery produces Nobles IPA especially for the bar. Photo: EEN

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The Old Chain Pier is a stunning pub and the only one in Edinburgh on the seafront with panoramic views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. It has steeped in history, being situated in the 1821 booking office of a pier destroyed by a storm in 1898. Bits of the original pier can still be seen in the bar. Great Scottish food served here and tables outside in the summer.

10. Old Chain Pier

The Old Chain Pier is a stunning pub and the only one in Edinburgh on the seafront with panoramic views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. It has steeped in history, being situated in the 1821 booking office of a pier destroyed by a storm in 1898. Bits of the original pier can still be seen in the bar. Great Scottish food served here and tables outside in the summer. Photo: Supplied

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