Deacon Brodies Tavern

Featured reviews

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  CleanPlatesOnly

  ·1 month ago

  “Amazing old pub with additional dining upstairs! If you’re coming here, you should get one of the pies, and we recommend the beef, shin, brisket pie. It was amazing and it comes with really good, roasted carrots, and mashed potatoes with gravy. We weren’t feeling like a drink, but there were plenty of people downstairs in the pub. Staff were very kind. The atmosphere and backstory of this place is also really cool! The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story was inspired by Brodie, so this is a cool place to come to.”

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  Elaine Patterson

  ·2 months ago

  “Pleasantly surprised! We weren’t expecting much as restaurant was in a high tourist area, but the food was really good and exceeded our expectations. A special thank you to Brenda, who was incredibly helpful, friendly, and made our visit even better. Great service and a lovely meal—we’d happily come back.”

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  Adam Perelgut

  ·3 months ago

  “Stopped by for food with the family while walking around the area. We sat in the dinning room upstairs and I got the steak pie and my wife got the chicken burger. She really liked her burger but we both loved the pie. The gravy they served with the mashed potatoes was really good as well.”

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  Ni Tsa

  ·3 months ago

  “Good location and tasty food. After a long walk in the city good place to have dinner. Inside are two floors, first floor with bar and second floor for dining. We been set on the outside. Service is good with friendly stuff. Shady location with good views. Chicken schnitzel with garlic souse and fried potatoes was delicious.”

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  Abbie Smith

  ·5 months ago

  “The food was absolutely fantastic, and the sticky toffee pudding was so delicious it nearly sent me into a coma of happiness. The only negative part was that it was completely packed with people on the first floor and nearly no room at all on the second floor where the restaurant and the bathroom are located. There was standing room for about 6 people at the max. The food was worth the 30 minute wait though.”

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  Linda Teo

  ·6 months ago

  “A great atmosphere. Fantastic interior with an incredible ceiling. Just one look at it and you know you're in Scotland, history watching from above. The place has two floors, with the dining area upstairs and a typical pub downstairs. The infrastructure is Japanese. I was captivated by the restrooms, each with its own sink and hairdryer – an interesting and rare feature. A large selection of beers, wines, and ciders. Important note: if you're with a child under 18 and sitting in the pub, you need to order something to eat. Ordering at the pub is at the impressive bar. Very convenient, as the menus are on the tables. The pedestrian-only section begins right next to the pub, but taxis can even drop you off right outside, making it very convenient. The service was very polite and friendly, even though the pub was packed to capacity.”

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  Sara

  ·6 months ago

  “Stopped in before a tour in the area, we were not disappointed!! The atmosphere is what a traditional Scottish pub should be. The food excellent, fresh and delicious. We asked what was good on the menu, and were recommend the bangers and mash and fish and chips. The bangers are banging!! Fish was fantastic, crispy, light, and delicious!!! It's a great spot just above the tavern, stop in if you are in the area!”

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  CCP

  ·6 months ago

  “Beautiful pub with excellent cocktails on the Royal Mile. We stopped at Deacon Brodie’s Tavern and absolutely loved the place. The pub is beautiful, especially the ceiling—it really stands out and gives it a lot of character. The cocktails were excellent, particularly the Pornstar Martini, which is not always easy to get right, but here it was perfectly prepared. The only downside was the snacks they offer, which were quite basic and a bit underwhelming. Considering the quality of the drinks and the setting, they could definitely improve this by offering something of better quality. Still, it’s a great spot on the Royal Mile to enjoy a drink in a unique and charming atmosphere”

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  Mark Gannon

  ·6 months ago

  “Had a meal last night, the 16th March, 2026. Had to wait a bit for a table which wasnt a bad thing. Given a pager to let us know when our table was ready let us have a pint in the Tavern part downstairs. Great service from a lad from Glasgow. When it was time to go upstairs, the pager rang and we wernt disappointed. Shown to our table by very friendly staff and managed to get a window seat. The food was exceptional. I had Cullen Skink for starter and my wife had the roasted garlic mushrooms. For mains I had the ale pie and my wife the steak. Both were generous in portions and of excellent quality. Really hit the spot and all the staff who served us were friendly and welcoming. Coming from Edinburgh its great to have such a place that shows us in good light to visitors from further afield.”

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  Lonnie Perry

  ·11 months ago

  “Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is a must-visit if you’re exploring Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This lovely, lovely pub offers a great atmosphere, amazing pub food, and exceptionally friendly service. We sat upstairs, where the ambiance was cozy and welcoming—perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. I had the Chunky Chips, and they were absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked—crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and seasoned just right. My wife’s meal escapes my memory, but I do recall her saying it hit the spot and satisfied her hunger completely. What makes this tavern truly special is its connection to one of Edinburgh’s most intriguing historical figures: William “Deacon” Brodie. By day, Brodie was a respected cabinet-maker and city councillor, even holding the title of Deacon of the Wrights and Masons. But by night, he led a double life as a burglar, using his locksmith skills to rob the very homes he serviced. His tale of duplicity and downfall—culminating in his execution in 1788—later inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The tavern itself dates back to the 19th century and proudly honors Brodie’s legacy, with decor and storytelling that bring his legend to life. It’s just steps from where Brodie was born and hanged, adding a layer of eerie charm to your pint or plate. Whether you're drawn by the history, the hearty food, or the cheerful staff, Deacon Brodie’s Tavern delivers a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a good story with their supper.”

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