Edinburgh Pub Guide: Greyfriars Bobby's Bar

Greyfriars Bobby's Bar

Greyfriars Bobby's Bar lies at the south end of Candlemaker Row, where it joins George IV Bridge and opposite the National Museum of Scotland. To one side is the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is the starting point for the name of the pub.

The Bar Interior, Looking Towards the Bar Interior

As it's migrated as far as Hollywood, it's fair to say that most visitors have some idea of the story of Greyfriars Bobby. But just in case, here's the two minute version. John Gray was an Edinburgh policeman who died of tuberculosis on 15 February 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. He had a dog, a Skye Terrier called Bobby, and for the following 14 years, until the dog's own death in 1872, Bobby kept watch over John Gray's grave.

Statue of Greyfrairs Bobby

Pub Sign

Cynics might claim that the dog actually kept watch over the wrong grave, but whatever the detail, Greyfriars Bobby has gone down in history as an emblem of devotion and faithfulness. Today his memory is marked by a life size statue on a plinth in the street outside, and in the name of the nearby pub.

Inside Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, or "Bobby's" as it is known to regulars, you find a series of sections stepping down the hill formed by Candlemaker Row. At the upper end is the bar, and as you move down the pub you pass through a number of comfortable seating areas to the dining area at its north end.

Address: 34 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE
Telephone: 0131 225 8328
Web address: www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk This is the dog's website, not the pub's, but is relevant to those who want to know the background to the story
Opening hours, normal: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Friday & Saturday: 11.00am to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 11.00pm
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 80/-; Guest beers
Whisky choice: A range of single malts and blends always available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: An extensive menu is served including main meals and snacks. A student menu is also available
Food service times: 12.00 midday to 7.30pm
Music: None
Policy on children's access: No children's license
Disabled access: There is a ramp into the pub, but no special facilities once inside
Clientele: Mainly tourists and students. Popular with stag and hen parties at weekends
Outdoor seating: No
Other attractions: Historical link to Greyfriars Bobby. There is a statue of the dog immediately outside. Slot machines and quiz machines.
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)

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