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Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Athletic Arms (Diggers), Gorgie, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH11 2JX
Pub Type
Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 9½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Athletic Arms (Diggers)
The Diggers is much as described by Quinno (below), except that the snug is back in use - see photo - and can be hired for functions for no charge; and the TV screens were off. There is a big compass rose set into the floorboards on entering, but my eye was on the two hand pumps and the four "tall founts" on the bar. Some of the pump clips seem to be specific designs for this pub, especially the Diggers 80/- which is from Stewart, which I have tried often enough to know that it should be avoided. I went for the same brewery's Jack Back (NBSS 3.5) and Kelburn Jaguar (NBSS 4), my best beers of the day so far, and only £4.10/pint. I arrived to a full pub at just after 3pm, with all but a handful clearly drinking cask beers. A rare 10 from me. (Edit: After drinking those first two beers, I changed my mind and had a half of the Stewart 80/-, which is their regular "heavy" with the only difference being the Diggers pump clip: it tastes like a different beer from what I've had in other Edinburgh pubs. I congratulated the landlady but she just shrugged and mentioned cellar temperature and cleaning the pipes.)
On 27th March 2025
- rating: 10
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Athletic Arms (Diggers)
A smashing corner pub. Has had modernisation over the years but it manages to retain enough to have a CAMRA National Inventory listing. A big open-plan wedge-shaped bar on entering, with an out of use snug to the rear right. The main room has lots of big windows which allows the light to flood in, and look out for the jumbo compass on the floor. Tasteful red and cream colour scheme with some nice dado features as well as comfy banquette seating lining the walls. TVs with the volume up showing daytime crap nobody was watching was an unwelcome blot. Far busier here than most pubs I visited that day which was even more impressive given it was 3pm on a midweek afternoon and the atmosphere was already upbeat. Six ales were on (4x air pressure and 2x pump) which seemed a stretch, however my Fyne Jarl was in great shape (NBSS 4) and I toyed with staying for a second but my to-do list was just a bit too long. 8.5
On 15th November 2021
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5552 recommendations about 5533 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about Athletic Arms
I've only known it as Diggers. A traditional interior with a central bar. Busy on my post rugby visit so not sure how many real ales served.
On 6th February 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2933 recommendations about 2866 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Athletic Arms
A famous Edinburgh pub, lying between two cemeteries gives it the nickname of the gravediggers or usually just the Diggers, merchandise celebrating this can be purchased in the pub. Its corner location forms a triangular front room with a squarish servery against the back wall. The marble topped counter has two pulls and four air engines, all serving Scots beer including the special 80/- from Stewart brewing. The beer quality is excellent and the staff equally so. Their whisky festival was also on when I visited, 40 malts sold in proper Scots measures of 35ml at a fair price. Seating is traditional bench with the skinny tables used in Edinburgh, the Bow Bar has some as well. The ceiling is deeply coffered and there's some modern stained glass screens on the big clear windows although that round the entrance vestibules looks original, the floor is classic Victorian. The back bar is similar in style but more intimate. Get the bus out here from High St / South Bridge if you don't fancy the walk, you can also try the very different Caley Sample Room at the same time but I would definitely make the journey.
On 25th January 2014
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3599 recommendations about 3279 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
David Ross left this review about Athletic Arms
Although officially called The Athletic Arms, the pub is known locally as "The Diggers." It's a wonderful traditional Edinburgh pub, a bit off the tourist trail but well worth a trip out from the city centre. There is a wide range of whisky and beers, including half a dozen real ales, one of which is the bar’s own Diggers 80 Shilling. The one I sampled, Trade Winds (brewed on Speyside), was in perfect condition. The décor is old fashioned, with light brown wood panelling, polished brasswork and maroon padding on the seating. The colour scheme reflects the fact that it's a favourite haunt of supporters of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, whose Tynecastle Stadium is nearby. It gets very busy on match days, I’m told. The walls are also hung with Hearts memorabilia, as well as old beer adverts and bygone Edinburgh scenes. The Diggers nickname allegedly arises from the fact that gravediggers from the cemetery across the road used to frequent the pub, which you should do too next time you’re in Edinburgh.
On 24th March 2011
- rating: 10
[User has posted 769 recommendations about 683 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Dave Dangé left this review about Athletic Arms
Top class pub. It is a traditional Scottish boozer, lots of brass, good beers, the staff are very friendly and the customers look like they're enjoying themselves. Would recommend for older and younger drinkers as there's a good mix. Students and workmen sitting side by side, no airs and graces - rumour is they buy their pies in from Currie on a special import licence. There's alos a good wine menu on offer for the ladies. Best night there was after the Hearts Cup Final win and although it is a jambo pub there's a fair smattering of Hibees and Old Firm supporters among the locals
On 27th September 2006
- rating: 10
[User has posted 2 recommendations about 2 pubs]