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Detail Pages
Jolly Judge, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH1 2PB
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Blackthorn _ left this review about Jolly Judge
Tucked away down a small alleyway just off the Royal Mile, one might assume that this is perhaps less of a tourist trap than some of the other nearby venues, but it’s reputation nonetheless seems to have spread far and wide, with one American punter being overheard telling someone that it had been highly recommended by a friend back in the States, and that he must visit during his trip to Edinburgh.
It’s a subterranean venue down a flight of stone steps, although there is also some limited seating as the alley opens out in to a sort of courtyard. Decor wise it’s quite traditional, with tartan carpet on the floor and old beams on the ceiling, or, more accurately perhaps, visible joists with no ceiling as such, just the floorboards from the room above. The joists had been painted to give them a mock brick look and the ones above the bar were liberally adorned with an extensive selection of old bank notes. There were some sections exposed stone walling, including a couple of arches that presumably led on to a cellar or something similar at one time. Pale cream wood panelling was on the lower part of the walls, and elsewhere they had been plastered and painted a deep shade of salmon. Seating was mostly low stools with the odd padded bench fitted in to the alcoves and overall it had quite a jovial atmosphere, although it was pretty much full to capacity even on my Tuesday evening visit and I only just managed to squeeze on to a small stool in the corner.
Beers on tap were Tempest Vermont Sessions and Bombon plus Rigg & Furrow’s Run Hop Run, whilst a fourth pump was just coming back on as I was leaving. This is really more of a cider pub though, with the range consisting of Sanford Orchard’s Devon Red and Oliver’s A Pear Drop Explodes on tap, along with an extensive selection of boxes stacked up on the end of the bar with Ascension I Don’t Think, Oliver’s Sheep’s Nose, Weston’s Rosie’s Pig and a trio from Dudda’s Tun with their Disco, Hop Grenade and Cherry. Overall a great pub and well worth taking the very short detour to find it.
On 3rd May 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1951 recommendations about 1864 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about Jolly Judge
Hidden away down a snicket off Lawnmarket,this small cellar bar does have some seating outside but only useful in good weather.
The interior has a low ceiling,exposed stonework ,a tartan carpet in places and small tables and stools.It wouldn't take many punters in to make it feel crowded.
The ale selection was Cross Borders Braw,Cromarty White Out and Fyne Castle Black (NBSS 4) with another ale still conditioning.The welcome was friendly.
I liked it and would most certainly return.So much better than some tourist trap pubs around the Royal Mile.Deserved it's 2023 GBG listing.
On 19th November 2022
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2737 recommendations about 2737 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Jolly Judge
Place to come if you are on the Top of the Royal Mile. Slightly hidden from view, appealing to a different type of pub goer.
Its tiny, so space is limited. The beers are great quality and value and they provide tasters if you need help selecting from unknown local brewers.
One of my favourites in a great city.
Last visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ungLwQ
On 13th July 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Jolly Judge
Subterranean cellar bar. Long narrow room with exposed beams and floorboards which have had tropical fruits drawn on them (why?). Collection of banknotes on the bar ceiling. Quite a characterful and comfortable pub though more modern in places than might be expected (refurb in 2008 apparently?). Four pumps with three on; Clock Red Ale (very good nick), Swannay Yardstock (good) and Talleach Hector Inverness (excellent). Token cider, Westons. Football on the TV, unexpected. Had a punt on a hot toddy but it was pretty poorly made. Edinburgh tick-box was the American tourist wanting to make conversation, to be fair he was a decent sort. Overall, not bad and it’s on-par with the Halfway House based on my visit to both; in fact I think I preferred here, just.
On 25th January 2016
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5108 recommendations about 5091 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Jolly Judge
a narrow wee cellar bar in an ancient high rise off the High St. Three pulls with two Scottish micros and a cider. Exposed beam ceiling with painted flowers and decorated with bank notes, the carpet is tartan and the seating leatherette benches with accompanying Britannia tables. A fairly pleasant bar with an excellent range of malts and a knowledgeable landlord.
On 25th January 2014
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3276 recommendations about 2982 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about The Jolly Judge
Located just off the royal mile tucked away down a close. 3 real ales and food served.
On 15th March 2013
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Jolly Judge
This bar is now on the up. They've had the upstairs toilets refurbished thankfully and they're now very smart. It's still very touristy, but there are quite a few regulars in the bar now. The quality of the cask ale was much better than on previous visits and the barman was chatty & friendly. The other half still loves the place, hence the visit again, but if it carries on like this I won't complain about having to come here. Keep it going guys.
On 9th December 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Jolly Judge
An atmospheric, quirky little pub hidden away in cellars just off the Royal Mile but not overrun by tourists. Low painted beams, reportedly recycled from an old ship, add novelty value. Plenty of locals made it a friendly pub, while the slightly dizzy bar staff helped with the homely feel. I had Knops IPA and County Ferry, the onyl ales on draft. lively but The latter was very refreshing, served slightly cooler than it should have been but none the worse for it. The Knops was very well kept and most enjoyable. Well worth seeking out and definitely worth including in a Royal Mile Crawl.
On 10th October 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3289 recommendations about 3254 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
dragonfly xxx left this review about The Jolly Judge
intimate,cosy little pub off the beaten path but busy just the same.good friendly banter in the courtyard outside during the summer .well run pub,like a local but in the city centre
On 17th January 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 21 recommendations about 21 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Jolly Judge
Very touristy cellar bar just off the Royal Mile. All the tourists think they've found a real Edinburgh local bar, they haven't. They do sell real ale though and whilst it's not kept brilliantly it's usually OK. Had to go in earlier this week to appease the other half who likes it. As an ex local I would never go in most of the bars in the old town given a choice.
On 16th April 2010
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]