The Sheep Heid Inn, Duddingston, Edinburgh

Blackthorn _ left this review about The Sheep Heid Inn

Located slightly off the beaten track in a part of Edinburgh that feels more like an old village, it’s a pleasant walk of an hour or just under from the city centre so makes a good place to stop for some refreshment. It’s claims to be Scotland’s oldest public house dating from 1360, although I think that is in terms of a pub being on that site, rather than the current building which I believe is from the 19th century.

Internally it’s clearly been refurbished at some point, although they’ve made a pretty good job of it. It consists of the main bar to the right which had sanded wooden boards on the floor, pale green wood panelling on much of the walls and aqua blue wood panelling on the curved wooden bar counter. Some wooden partitioning to the left with inset glazing etched with the pub’s name created a pleasant semi-enclosed space with upholstered bench seating and an oil painting of the Battle of Prestonpans. Elsewhere was an unusual padded chair with a high back and surround that almost enveloped you, whilst an old fireplace was at the rear with a sheep’s head mounted above it. Shelving around the top of the walls contained a number of old clocks as well as a few pictures. Another room off to the left was perhaps more intended for dining but was also well furnished with carpet on the floor, natural wood panelling on one wall, and pale paintwork elsewhere with khaki green wood panelling down below and a few old black and white pictures of the locale dotted around the walls.

Beers on tap were Jack Back and Sheep Heid Heavy 80/- from Stewart Brewing, along with Hophead Dark Star. The solitary cider was a rather disappointing Aspall’s. Overall I quite liked it here, although it is perhaps rather food focused. Seating in the bar area was quite limited with only six or seven spaces available, but there was also a pleasant looking courtyard garden at the rear. Prices seemed expensive though, with the 80/- coming in at £3 for a half.

On 1^st August 2024 - rating: 7
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