Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh

The text on the plaque outside the The Tolbooth Tavern states that is part of the original Canongate Tolbooth which was built in 1591 and that the building was used to collect tolls from travellers entering the burgh. Apparently it has also served as a Council Chamber, Police Court and Prison, and now functions very nicely as a tavern and has done so since 1820. A two part split interior well described by previous reviewers, I liked it here as it had a good feel and was obviously favoured by locals more than being a tourist trap akin to the pubs at the other end of the mile. Three pumps in operation and alongside Deuchars IPA there were two Caledonian brews in the shape of Flying Scotsman and one called Road to Rio, the June Monthly brewed for the World Cup, and the two we tried were in good nick.

A long thin pub down the lower slopes of the Royal Mile, the rear is a raised area with a couple of gargoyles for decoration but otherwise not quite as interesting as the lower front. The counter is to one side at the front, home to three pulls two of which with Caledonian products and the third with Hobgoblin, the kegs are mainly McEwans, the cask wasn't bad. There's the usual big screen and machine but also a bit of exposed stone, some nice bench seating and an exuberantly carved counter and bar-back. The six rugby nations flags are pinned to the ceiling and there are shields on the walls. A popular locals pub.

A split level interior with 3 real ale taps 2 on during my visit and food served.

Located below the Canongate Tolbooth at the foot of the Royal Mile, near the Scottish Parliament building, this has apparently been a pub since about 1820, although it looks more modern. It consists of a long, narrow, split level bar with the raised section at the rear designated as the eating area. Beers on sale include McEwan’s 70 and 80 Shilling and Lager, Murphy’s Irish Stout, Kronenburg and two Caledonian Brewery real ales. For such a touristy area, prices were very reasonable at £2.85 for a pint of 70 Shilling.