Scotland's Oldest Pub Is An Edinburgh Gem You Can Still Visit With Tasty Bites And Historic Charm

Whatever you do, don't mistake a pub for a bar. Pubs aren't just places to grab a drink; they can also be places to fill your belly with a nourishing meal. They are often historical and can be the heart of a community. Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh is exemplifies these tenets, starting with its reputation as the oldest pub in Scotland. While the structure is mostly from the 19th century, the pub was established in 1360 and remains in Duddingston, the same neighborhood where Jacobite forces once encamped, with Bonnie Prince Charlie himself in attendance.

Today, Sheep Heid Inn offers classic mains on its menu, but also mixes it up with modern items, such as beetroot carpaccio and tarragon-battered halloumi. Specials change daily and can be paired with refreshing beers and drafts. Described as an "old traditional pub with oodles of character" on Google, the pub's decor is tasteful and at the same time feels old-world. You'll see actual mounted rams' heads, along with vintage paintings and artifacts. You'll feel even more as if you'd stepped back in time when you discover the skittles room, squirreled away in the rear of the establishment. One can imagine coming in from a rainy day, settling into one of the pub's plush chairs, and warming up with a hearty dish and a fresh pint.

Sheep Heid Inn faces the direction of Holyrood Park and is overlooked by Arthur's Seat, one of 12 romantic filming locations in the UK. After seeing the sights, book a table at the pub and sample its all-day menu. Try a unique starter, such as chicken liver and fig parfait, and a Rotisserie chicken or lamb rump for a main. To top it all off, an apple crumble or raspberry creme brulee may tempt you. Set lunch menus are available Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and offer a choice of two or three courses.

If you're headed to Sheep Heid Inn for a drink, brush up on these unwritten rules for British pubs. Cocktails at the pub are crafted by expert mixologists and have attractive flavor profiles, such as zesty and sweet, or smooth and bitter. Alternatively, wet your whistle with beers on tap such as Asahi Super Dry and Beavertown Neck Oil IPA. The pub also serves bottled beers, such as Thornbridge Jaipur and gluten-free Daura Damm. Champagne and Prosecco specials take place on weekends, and in summer, you can enjoy your spirits in the pub's outdoor beer garden.

The merriment continues at the pub's over 100-year-old skittles alley. You can book the alley for a night of skittles and seasonal food, plus drinks. The sound of your ball rolling down the wooden track is particularly satisfying, even more so the clack heard upon impact with the 19th century pins. As a note, children are welcome at Sheep's Heid Inn, and you can bring your pooches, too. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy Edinburgh, you're in luck, as the 'Festival Capital' is filled with endless fun-filled events.